In the early days the Portuguese community that settled in the Portuguese Village consisted mostly of fishermen. They are very close to the life and knowledge of the sea. Catching fish and seafood was the main livelihood. Despite having other permanent jobs, the Portuguese community continues to make fishing activities a part-time vocation either to earn extra income or simply to have good dishes for the family. The equipment used to catch seafood is the same as that used by other local residents, among which are nets, langgai structures and rawai lines.

Now, the Portuguese community has been changing along with contemporary developments. Although many still work as fishermen, there are villagers who work as office workers, factory workers, traders, teachers, hotel workers and other jobs just like other communities in Melaka.