Best Online Business in Malaysia with Low Startup Costs

Looking for a way to earn extra money without quitting your job? You’re not alone. Many Malaysians are searching for side hustles they can do after work or on weekends. The good news? You don’t need a lot of money to start. You just need a clear plan and the right platform.

As someone who’s tested dozens of side income platforms in Malaysia—from affiliate marketing Malaysia to freelancing—I’ll walk you through the most practical, low-cost online businesses that actually work. Whether you’re a student, full-time worker, or stay-at-home parent, these options can fit around your schedule and budget.

Why Start an Online Business in Malaysia?

Malaysia is one of the best places to start an online side hustle.

First, you don’t need a lot of money. Many businesses start with less than RM100.

Second, the digital economy here is growing fast. More people shop online, play online games, and watch content on platforms like TikTok and YouTube. That means more opportunities to earn online.

Third, you can work from anywhere. No office. No traffic jam. Just your phone or laptop and a solid internet connection.

In short, online businesses in Malaysia are simple, scalable, and ideal for people who want to earn more without taking big risks.

What Makes a Good Side Hustle?

Before we jump in, here’s what to look for in a side hustle:

• Low startup cost (below RM500)
  
• Simple to understand
  
• Doesn’t require full-time hours
  
• Can grow over time
  
• Can work with just a phone or laptop
  

The options below check all these boxes.

Top Online Businesses with Low Startup Cost

Let’s break down the best online business ideas that are perfect for Malaysian side hustlers.

1. BK8 Casino Affiliate Program – The Most Profitable for Passive Income

This is my top pick. Why? Because it’s one of the few side hustles where you can earn long-term, recurring income—even while you sleep.

How It Works

You promote BK8’s online casino platform using a special link. When someone signs up and deposits, you earn a commission based on what they spend.

Why It’s Great for Malaysians

BK8 is a trusted and licensed brand in Southeast Asia. Many Malaysians already play on BK8, which makes it easier to promote.

Their affiliate program gives you:

• Up to 45% lifetime revenue share
  
• Weekly payments (in MYR or crypto)
  
• Free tools like banners, landing pages, tracking dashboard
  

Personal Tip

I had a friend who joined BK8’s affiliate program in 2022. He started with a Telegram channel sharing betting tips. Within 4 months, he was earning over RM3,000/month—just from recurring players.

Where to Promote

• Telegram betting groups
  
• TikTok (casino review content)
  
• Facebook pages
  
• Niche blogs (sports tips, slots, etc.)
  

If you’re comfortable talking about online gaming and sports betting, this is hands-down the best side hustle for passive income in Malaysia.

2. Shopee or Lazada Affiliate Program – Best for Beginners

If casino isn’t your thing, no worries. You can still earn from Malaysia’s biggest online platforms—Shopee affiliate and Lazada affiliate.

How It Works

Sign up for their affiliate program. Get product links. Share them online. When someone clicks and buys, you earn a small commission.

Good For:

• Students
  
• Lifestyle bloggers
  
• Tech reviewers
  
• TikTok content creators
  

What You Need

• Shopee or Lazada affiliate account
  
• Basic content (even photos with captions work)
  
• TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, or blog
  

Commission Rates

• Shopee: 2%–14% depending on category
  
• Lazada: Up to 10% for top sellers
  

Pro Tip

Create short TikTok videos reviewing viral products (kitchen gadgets, beauty tools, etc.). Use your affiliate link in bio. I’ve seen newbies make RM300–RM1,000/month doing this consistently.

3. Dropshipping via TikTok Shop or Shopee – No Inventory Needed

Want to run your own online store without touching any products? That’s where dropshipping comes in.

How It Works

You list a product online. When someone orders, the supplier ships it for you. You earn the profit.

Why It’s Popular

• No need to buy stock
  
• No warehouse
  
• Sell via TikTok Shop or Shopee
  

Popular Products in Malaysia

• Slimming belts
  
• Car phone holders
  
• Korean skincare tools
  
• Pet accessories
  

What You Need

• Seller account on TikTok Shop or Shopee
  
• RM200–RM500 to test ads or buy a few samples
  
• Canva (for product posters)
  
• Basic TikTok skills (or someone to do it for you)
  

Warning

Always test the supplier first. I once sold a neck massager from a supplier in JB. Got 20 orders fast—but half arrived late. It hurt my seller rating.

Stick to local suppliers with fast delivery. Communication matters.

4. Freelancing on Fiverr, Upwork, or JobStreet GIG – Sell Your Skills

Got a skill like writing, design, or translation? Turn it into cash.

How It Works

You post your service online. Someone hires you. You complete the task. You get paid.

Best Freelance Skills in Malaysia

• Copywriting (blog, ads, product pages)
  
• Translation (English, Malay, Chinese)
  
• Logo and poster design
  
• Voiceovers (yes, even in Manglish!)
  
• Data entry
  

Platform Comparison

Platform	Best For	Payout in
Fiverr	Creative gigs	USD
Upwork	Higher-paying projects	USD
JobStreet GIG	Local part-time work	MYR

Income Potential

Start with RM20–RM50 per gig. Once you build reviews, raise your rate.

Freelancing helped me pay off my student loan in 18 months. I wrote blog articles every weekend—RM80 each. It adds up.

5. Print-on-Demand (POD) – Design and Sell Custom Products

Love funny memes? Malaysian slang? Turn that into money.

How It Works

You upload a design. Someone buys a T-shirt, mug, or tote bag. The platform prints and ships it. You earn a profit.

No Inventory Needed

You don’t touch the product. The platform handles everything.

Best POD Sites

• Teespring
  
• Redbubble
  
• Printful (if you want to sell on Shopee)
  

Hot Ideas in Malaysia

• “Lah” and “Meh” shirts
  
• Food-themed merch (nasi lemak, Milo, Maggi)
  
• Raya or Merdeka special editions
  

Tools You Need

• Canva (free version is enough)
  
• TikTok or Instagram to promote
  
• PayPal for payment
  

One of my readers made RM1,500 selling “Milo Ais Please” T-shirts during Ramadan. He didn’t spend a cent on ads—just viral memes.

Where to Promote Your Side Hustle

Even the best side hustle won’t work if no one sees it. Here’s where to get traffic in Malaysia:

Telegram Channels

• Create a niche group (e.g. Sports Tips MY)
  
• Share offers, affiliate links, or promos
  
• Best for BK8 or Shopee deals
  

TikTok Malaysia

• Short videos work best (15–30 sec)
  
• Show product in action
  
• Add link in bio or comment
  

Facebook Groups

• Join: “Cari Duit Lebih Malaysia”, “Online Business Malaysia”
  
• Post useful tips, not spam
  
• People will follow you if you provide value
  

Important Reminders

• Don’t fall for scams. If it asks you to “top up” before you earn, it’s likely fake.
  
• Stay consistent. Most people quit too early.
  
• Always track your income and time spent.
  

Final Thoughts

Online business in Malaysia doesn’t need to be hard—or expensive.

If you want serious passive income, try BK8’s affiliate program. If you prefer selling products, go with Shopee, Lazada, or dropshipping. Got skills? Freelancing is always open.

The key is to just start. Don’t overthink it. Test one platform. Commit for 30 days. Adjust based on what works.

You don’t need RM10,000. You don’t need a full-time team.

All you need is a simple system, a phone, and the courage to start.