The cost of living in Malaysia is rising. Petrol, groceries, even kopi ais at the mamak has gone up. Many people feel their monthly salary just isn’t enough anymore. That’s why passive side hustles are becoming more popular.
Passive income means you earn even when you’re not working. It’s not magic, and it doesn’t mean you’ll get rich overnight. But it does mean you can build an extra stream of money that helps cover bills, savings, or even holidays.
I’ve tested many side hustles in Malaysia, and some work much better than others. In this guide, I’ll show you the best passive income platforms Malaysians can start today, ranked by their earning potential and reliability.
Why Passive Income Matters in Malaysia Today
Malaysia’s inflation makes it tough for a single income to cover everything. More Malaysians are picking up side hustles, but not everyone has time to drive Grab or sell physical products.
Passive side hustles solve this problem because:
- They can run while you sleep.
- Most only need setup once.
- Many scale as you grow your audience.
For me, the biggest lesson came in 2020. I signed up for an affiliate program, dropped links on my small blog, and forgot about it. Two months later, I checked my dashboard and saw RM600 sitting there. That’s when I realised passive income works.
Best Passive Side Hustles Malaysians Can Start in 2025
Here’s the ranking, based on commissions, ease of setup, and proven success stories in Malaysia.
#1 BK8 Casino Affiliate Program – High Commission Earnings
The BK8 Casino Affiliate Program is one of the highest-paying affiliate platforms in Malaysia. Affiliates earn up to 40% commission based on player activity.
Why it ranks first:
- High recurring income. Once a player signs up, you keep earning from their activity.
- Wide market appeal. Online casino interest is strong in Malaysia.
- Flexible promotion channels. You can use blogs, Telegram groups, TikTok, or even WhatsApp.
I know someone who started promoting BK8 links in a small Telegram group. After three months, he was making RM2,000 monthly in commissions. He didn’t need stock, deliveries, or customer service. Just content and links.
How it works:
- Register as a BK8 affiliate.
- Get your unique referral link.
- Share it through content or social media.
- Earn commission whenever players deposit and play.
If you already write about slots, sports betting, or entertainment, this program can be your top passive earner.
#2 Shopee or Lazada Affiliate Program – E-Commerce Side Hustle
Shopee and Lazada dominate e-commerce in Malaysia. Their affiliate programs are great for beginners. You promote products using unique links, and you get a commission every time someone buys.
Why this works:
- Everyone shops online.
- Easy to start. You only need a free affiliate account.
- Commissions are smaller than BK8 but more stable because people buy daily.
For example, I once wrote a Facebook post about a cheap phone gimbal on Shopee. I shared my affiliate link, and within two weeks, I made RM120 in commissions. It wasn’t huge money, but it came from a single post.
Best use cases:
- TikTok product reviews.
- Instagram stories.
- Niche blogs (tech, beauty, home).
If you like recommending products, this is one of the easiest passive hustles to start today.
#3 Toluna – Passive Survey & Review Income
Toluna is an international survey and product testing platform available in Malaysia. It doesn’t pay massive amounts, but it’s reliable for extra side cash.
Why it’s good:
- No investment needed.
- Flexible—you can do surveys anytime.
- Payout options include cash and vouchers.
You won’t get thousands here, but you can build consistent side money. Many Malaysians report earning RM100–RM300 monthly just by completing surveys while watching Netflix.
Example: A friend of mine uses Toluna during her lunch break at work. She cashes out about RM150 in vouchers every month, which covers her groceries. It’s simple, steady, and passive once you form the habit.
#4 AliExpress Affiliate Program – Global Reach, Long-Term Growth
AliExpress is massive globally, and its affiliate program lets you earn commission by promoting products worldwide.
Why it’s valuable:
- Access to millions of products.
- Higher commissions on niche items.
- Works well with blogs, YouTube, or niche sites targeting global audiences.
The catch? It’s slower to start. You need to build traffic first. But once you do, the earning potential is higher than Shopee or Lazada because you’re tapping into a global market.
I tested AliExpress affiliates on a small blog about tech gadgets. The first few months were quiet. Then a viral post about mini projectors brought in sales, and I made US$180 (around RM800) in a single month. That’s when I realised the global reach is powerful.
Other Passive Side Hustles Worth Considering in Malaysia
If you’re looking beyond affiliates, here are more ideas Malaysians are using:
- ASNB or EPF i-Invest: Safer long-term growth through unit trusts.
- Digital products: Sell eBooks, templates, or online courses.
- Dropshipping: Semi-passive, since suppliers handle stock and delivery.
- Rental side income: Renting out rooms, parking spots, or even cars.
These options require more setup or capital, but they build steady streams once running.
How to Choose the Right Passive Side Hustle
Not all hustles suit everyone. The best one depends on your lifestyle and skills.
- If you’re active on social media: Shopee/Lazada Affiliate.
- If you have an audience in gaming or betting: BK8 Affiliate.
- If you prefer low effort: Toluna.
- If you want to go global: AliExpress Affiliate.
Ask yourself: “Do I want fast, small money or slower, bigger money?” Start small, test results, and scale the ones that work.
Tips to Maximise Your Side Income in 2025
Here are strategies I’ve seen work for Malaysians who treat passive hustles seriously:
- Track your income – Use a spreadsheet or app. If something earns RM100/month, find ways to double it.
- Reinvest profits – Put small earnings back into ads, content, or tools to grow faster.
- Use automation – Schedule posts, track links, and use free tools to save time.
- Diversify slowly – Don’t try five hustles at once. Start with one, then add another.
- Withdraw often – Always cash out your earnings. Don’t let platforms hold your money.
Conclusion – Start Small, Grow Big
Passive income isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. It’s about planting seeds and letting them grow.
- Top 1: BK8 Affiliate Program – highest recurring income.
- Top 2: Shopee/Lazada Affiliate – stable commissions from daily shopping.
- Top 3: Toluna – easy, consistent survey cash.
- Top 4: AliExpress Affiliate – long-term global earning potential.
Pick one side hustle today and start. Don’t overthink. The sooner you begin, the sooner you’ll see results.
Remember, your job covers your needs. Your side hustles cover your dreams.
