Earning a little extra each week can go a long way in helping with daily expenses or even saving up for something big. Luckily, in Malaysia, there are many side income options that can bring in RM500 or more each week. From affiliate marketing to freelancing, here are 10 easy ways to boost your income without quitting your day job. Let’s dive in and explore which option might be perfect for you!
Affiliate Marketing: Low Investment, High Returns
Affiliate marketing is one of the most accessible ways to start earning a side income in Malaysia. It’s flexible, low-cost, and, if done right, can become a steady source of income.
1. BK8 Casino Affiliate Program
If you’re looking for an affiliate program with high earnings potential, the BK8 Casino Affiliate Program is a fantastic choice. BK8 is well-known in Malaysia, and the affiliate program rewards you for referring new players to their platform.
Here’s how it works: You get a unique affiliate link, which you can share on your social media, blog, or messaging platforms. Every time someone signs up through your link and plays on BK8, you earn a commission. With high payouts per referral, it’s possible to reach RM500 or more in a week with consistent promotion.
One friend of mine started with BK8’s affiliate program, and within a few weeks, he was earning enough to cover his monthly bills. It’s a great program for anyone comfortable with online marketing and wants a straightforward, high-reward affiliate option.
2. Shopee Affiliate Program
Another popular affiliate option in Malaysia is the Shopee Affiliate Programs. Both are perfect for beginners, especially if you already use these platforms regularly. As an affiliate, you earn commissions by promoting products from these e-commerce giants, which is simple since they’re already popular in Malaysia.
You share links to products on your social media, blogs, or WhatsApp, and earn a small commission on every sale. The best part? You can choose products you’re passionate about, which makes promotion easy and natural. A friend of mine swears by the Shopee Affiliate Program—he just shares product links with his family and friends and has made a decent income each week.
Freelancing: Flexibility with High Earnings Potential
If you have a skill that others need, freelancing is one of the best ways to make a side income. You work on your own terms, set your rates, and choose projects that fit your schedule.
3. Online Freelancing
With online freelancing, there are countless opportunities to earn, especially if you have skills in writing, graphic design, programming, or translation. Websites like Upwork and Fiverr allow you to offer your services and connect with clients from around the world.
Malaysian freelancers are in high demand, and depending on your skill level and project type, you can easily earn RM500 or more per week. I started freelancing as a writer years ago, and once I built a few good client relationships, the work came steadily. It’s a flexible side income that can even turn into a full-time gig if you want it to!
Selling on Platforms: Turn Clutter into Cash
One of the easiest ways to start a side income is by selling items you no longer need or even finding a product niche and reselling items.
4. Selling on Carousell or Facebook Marketplace
Carousell and Facebook Marketplace are popular platforms in Malaysia where you can sell just about anything, from electronics to clothing. Start by selling unused items at home, and once you’re comfortable, you can source products to resell.
I once sold an old smartphone on Carousell and was surprised by how fast it went. With in-demand items, it’s very possible to hit RM500 a week just by selling a few pieces. And if you’re good at finding deals, you can buy low and sell high, creating a reliable income stream.
Dropshipping: A Business Without Inventory
Dropshipping is a great way to start an online business without needing to handle inventory or shipping.
5. Dropshipping Business
Dropshipping allows you to sell products through an online store without holding any inventory. You set up a store on platforms like Shopify or Shopee, list products from suppliers, and the supplier ships directly to your customers. All you need to focus on is marketing and managing orders.
Dropshipping can earn you RM500 or more weekly if you choose the right products and market them well. I know a friend who started a small dropshipping store selling phone accessories, and within a month, he was making steady sales.
Content Creation: Share What You Love and Get Paid
If you enjoy making videos or writing, content creation could be an ideal side income. Platforms like YouTube and blogging allow you to earn through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
6. Content Creation (YouTube or Blogging)
Starting a YouTube channel or blog around a topic you’re passionate about can be incredibly rewarding, both creatively and financially. In Malaysia, popular niches include food, travel, tech, and lifestyle. Once you build a following, you can monetize your content through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate links.
While it may take time to build an audience, I know many Malaysians who’ve turned YouTube channels or blogs into reliable side incomes. One friend started a food review channel on YouTube, and now he earns through ad revenue and brand deals!
Online Tutoring: Share Your Skills and Earn
If you’re skilled in a particular subject, online tutoring is a fantastic way to earn money while helping others.
7. Online Tutoring
Online tutoring is a flexible side income that pays well, especially if you teach subjects like English, Math, or Science. You can also teach skills like coding, drawing, or even test prep for SPM or university entrance exams. Platforms like Zoom make it easy to connect with students, and you can even find students through social media or MyPrivateTutor.
I started tutoring English as a side gig, and just a few sessions a week easily brought in RM500. It’s satisfying to help students improve and see their progress, plus it’s a job you can do from anywhere.
Mystery Shopping: Get Paid to Shop
Mystery shopping is a fun way to earn extra income by evaluating customer service at various businesses.
8. Mystery Shopping
As a mystery shopper, you’re paid to visit stores, restaurants, or hotels and report on your experience. Platforms like Ipsos and Helion Research often post assignments for Malaysian shoppers, and you’re sometimes compensated with free meals or products.
Doing a few assignments each week can easily earn you RM500 or more, plus you get the benefit of a unique experience each time. I had a blast doing mystery shopping last year—it was a fun way to explore new places and make extra money.
Renting Out Property on Airbnb
If you have an extra room or property, renting it out on Airbnb can generate side income with minimal effort.
9. Renting Out Property on Airbnb
Airbnb has become a popular side income option for property owners in Malaysia. Whether it’s a spare room or an entire apartment, you can list it on Airbnb and earn from short-term rentals.
Even a few bookings per month can bring in RM500 or more, especially if your property is in a prime location. I have a friend who rents out a spare room in her condo on Airbnb, and the extra income has made a big difference in her monthly budget.
Food Delivery Rider for Platforms like GrabFood or Foodpanda
With the rise of food delivery, becoming a rider for platforms like GrabFood or Foodpanda is a flexible and reliable side income.
10. Food Delivery Rider
Becoming a food delivery rider is an excellent option if you prefer flexible working hours and don’t mind getting a bit active. Both GrabFood and Foodpanda have high demand in Malaysia, and with a few hours each day, you can easily make RM500 weekly.
It’s perfect for people who want to earn while working outside, plus you get to explore different areas. I know several people who deliver part-time and love the flexibility—one even turned it into a full-time job because of the steady income.
Final Thoughts: Start Your Side Income Journey Today!
With so many options, there’s a side income out there for everyone. Whether you choose affiliate marketing, freelancing, or even food delivery, the key is to start with something manageable and scale up as you go.
Recap of Top Side Incomes
From affiliate marketing to mystery shopping, each of these side incomes can bring in RM500 or more weekly if you commit to them. It might take some effort in the beginning, but with consistency, side incomes can significantly boost your finances.
Encouragement to Start Small and Build Up
Remember, it’s okay to start small and build from there. Pick one or two options that fit your lifestyle, and see where they take you. Side incomes aren’t just about money—they’re about opening new opportunities, gaining new skills, and achieving financial flexibility.
With a little dedication, anyone in Malaysia can start earning a solid side income today. Good luck, and happy earning!
