Living in Malaysia can get expensive fast. Groceries cost more. Petrol prices go up. The ringgit doesn’t stretch like it used to. That’s why side income isn’t a luxury anymore—it’s a need. Good news? There are plenty of legal, proven ways to earn extra money here without quitting your job.
I’ve tested dozens of side hustles. Some worked. Some were trash. But these 10 ideas? They actually make money.
What Makes a Side Hustle Legit in Malaysia?
Before we jump into the list, let’s get this straight. A legit side hustle in Malaysia must:
- Be legal under Malaysian law
- Pay consistently (ideally in MYR)
- Not require huge capital
- Be something regular people can do
If it checks those boxes, it’s on this list.
1. BK8 Affiliate Program (No Capital Needed)
If you already spend time online, why not make money from it? BK8, a licensed online casino in Malaysia, lets you earn by referring players.
You don’t need to invest money. You get a custom link. Share it on WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, or even your blog. If someone signs up and plays, you get paid.
I started with this in 2021. My first payout? RM230. It felt good. Now, it’s a small but steady stream.
- Free to join
- Real-time reporting
- Monthly payouts
2. Sell on Shopee or Lazada
E-commerce is still growing. You can sell almost anything. Clothes. Gadgets. Phone cases. Kitchen tools.
Start small. Source from local wholesalers or use dropshipping. You don’t even need to keep stock.
Many Malaysians do this part-time and earn a few hundred to a few thousand ringgit monthly.
3. Online Freelancing (Fiverr, Upwork)
If you can write, design, code, or translate—you can freelance.
Create a profile on Fiverr or Upwork. List what you can do. Start cheap, build reviews, then increase your rates.
My friend Adam started by writing product descriptions for RM15 each. Now he earns over RM3,000 a month.
4. Be a Delivery Rider (Grab, Foodpanda)
Have a motorbike and time? Delivery work is still one of the fastest ways to make extra cash.
The process is simple:
- Sign up online
- Go through short training
- Start picking up jobs
You control your hours. Weekends and public holidays pay more.
5. Start a TikTok or YouTube Channel
Don’t overthink this. You can talk about anything: gaming, cooking, casino tips, budgeting, even daily routines.
Post short videos. Be consistent. Once you build a following, you can earn from:
- Ad revenue
- Brand sponsorships
- Selling your own products
One of my ex-colleagues now earns from her cooking videos. She started with just a phone and her kitchen.
6. Sell Homemade Food or Cakes
Can you bake or cook? Start selling.
Many people in Malaysia order food from Facebook groups or WhatsApp. You don’t need a shop—just good photos and tasty food.
Repeat orders keep the income coming. Start with small batches and let word of mouth grow your sales.
7. Online Tutoring
If you’re good at English, Maths, or Bahasa Malaysia—teach.
You can do this part-time from home using Zoom or Skype. Parents are always looking for affordable tutors.
There are also sites like Preply where you can find students outside Malaysia too.
8. Rent Out a Spare Room (Airbnb)
If you live in a city or near a college, consider Airbnb. You can rent out a room and make side income passively.
You’ll need to keep the room clean and respond to bookings, but the work is minimal.
One of my uncles makes RM800–1,200 a month this way without doing much.
9. Get Paid to Test Mobile Games
There are sites and apps that pay you to test new games. You just play, report bugs or review the experience.
It’s not a full-time income but fun and pays small amounts regularly. Great for people who enjoy mobile games.
Search for “game testing platforms” or check out sites like PlaytestCloud.
10. Become a Virtual Assistant
Many small business owners need help with admin work. Emails. Scheduling. Social media posts.
You can do this from home. All you need is basic English, good internet, and reliability.
Find gigs on sites like OnlineJobs.ph or in local FB groups.
Final Thoughts
Making side income in Malaysia doesn’t have to be hard. Start small. Try what fits your skills and schedule.
Some methods work better than others. But the key is to take action.
If you want something simple, legal, and beginner-friendly—start with BK8 affiliate or online freelancing. Then expand from there.
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to start.
