Making an extra RM5,000 a month sounds like a dream. But for many Malaysians, it’s becoming a goal—and a realistic one. You don’t need to win the lottery. You don’t need to quit your job. What you need is focus, consistency, and the right platforms.
I’ve tried a lot of side hustles. Some flopped. Some worked. The ones I’ll share with you today are the ones that brought real income—month after month. And the best part? Most of these can be done from your phone.
Let’s break it down step-by-step.
Why More Malaysians Are Earning Side Income
More people are looking for extra income—not because they want to get rich fast, but because prices keep going up. Salary alone isn’t enough anymore.
The good news is, side income has never been easier. Thanks to apps, online platforms, and social media, you can start something today. No need for big capital. No need for fancy skills. Just a phone, internet, and some hustle.
What RM5,000/Month Really Means
Let’s be honest—RM5,000 is a solid side income. But it doesn’t come from one platform alone (unless you’re really lucky). Most people earn this by combining two or three income streams.
Let’s say:
- RM2,500 from an affiliate program
- RM1,500 from selling services
- RM1,000 from content (blog or TikTok)
This is how most people do it. And you can, too.
Top Side Income Opportunities That Work in Malaysia
These are not random ideas. These are platforms that have paid real Malaysians, myself included. I’ll start with the one that’s worked best for me.
1. BK8 Casino Affiliate Program – Highest Earning Potential
BK8 has been the most profitable affiliate program I’ve ever joined. If you don’t know how affiliate programs work, here’s the simple version: you promote a product or service, and when someone signs up or spends money, you earn a commission.
With BK8, you refer people to the platform. If they play and lose money, you get a cut. You don’t need to gamble yourself. You just need to share your link.
I know a guy in Penang who makes RM10,000+ monthly just by running a Telegram group focused on casino promotions. He posts game updates, bonus tips, and his BK8 link. That’s it.
Why it works:
- Malaysians love slot and sports games
- BK8 is one of the most trusted brands in Southeast Asia
- Commissions are recurring, not just one-time
Tips to start:
- Build a Telegram or Facebook group
- Share BK8 welcome bonuses and reviews
- Use SEO or short TikTok videos to push traffic
You can apply as an affiliate directly on BK8’s official site. It takes 5 minutes.
2. Shopee or Lazada Affiliate Program – Low Effort, Steady Income
If you prefer something safer or more “mainstream,” try Shopee or Lazada affiliate program. You get paid when people buy things through your special link.
Let’s say you buy a ring light from Shopee. You post a TikTok showing how you use it, and drop your affiliate link in the comments. If 20 people buy it? You get a cut from each.
Why it’s popular:
- Zero upfront cost
- Can be done from phone
- Works with content you’re already posting
I started by reviewing cheap kitchen tools from Shopee. I’d spend RM10 on a product, film a short demo, and upload it. One video made RM350 in a week from link clicks.
Tips to succeed:
- Stick to a niche: baby items, home decor, skincare
- Use local slang or Bahasa Malaysia for better reach
- Promote hot-selling items during campaigns
Both Shopee and Lazada have free portals to sign up as affiliates. Use tools like Bitly to shorten your links and track clicks.
3. Offer Services Online – Use Skills You Already Have
Do you write well? Speak fluent BM? Know Canva? You already have what people are paying for.
Sites like Upwork, Fiverr, and EasyWork.my let you offer services like:
- Translation (BM/English/Chinese)
- Writing blog posts or ads
- Graphic design
- Video editing for TikTok or Reels
My cousin started by offering simple logo designs for RM50 on EasyWork. She now averages RM1,800/month part-time.
Tips to win clients:
- Use clean, simple gig titles like “Translate English to Malay – Fast & Accurate”
- Offer bundles (e.g. 3 TikTok captions for RM25)
- Always respond fast and deliver early
If you’re unemployed or between jobs, this is a great way to build income fast.
4. Start a Blog or YouTube Channel – Slow Build, Big Upside
This is for the long game. You won’t earn RM5,000 next week. But over 6–12 months? It adds up.
Pick a topic you like: food, parenting, makeup, games, fitness. Then create content and add affiliate links.
I know someone in KL who runs a small casino review blog. Just by ranking on Google for “online casino Malaysia,” she earns over RM4,000/month from affiliate clicks.
Why it works:
- You control your content
- It builds passive income
- Brands and platforms will find you once you grow
Use platforms like WordPress, Medium, or Blogger to get started. Or just post to Facebook and start there.
5. TikTok + Affiliate = Quick Wins
If you have a phone, you can start today. TikTok and Instagram Reels are the fastest way to get traffic.
The trick? Keep it real. Use your voice. Be helpful.
Let’s say you review a kitchen tool or a casino signup bonus. Make it clear, make it fun. People will ask where to buy—and you drop your affiliate link.
This combo (content + link) is the new way to sell without being salesy.
Tips:
- Use trending sounds and local language
- Keep it short (under 30 seconds)
- Show the product in action
Once a video goes viral, you’ll see link clicks skyrocket. One video I made reviewing a mini fan got 12,000 views and made me RM180 in affiliate earnings—within 3 days.
Plan Your Time – Side Hustle Without Burnout
You don’t need 6 hours a day. You need consistency.
Here’s a simple time breakdown:
- Weekdays: 1 hour (after dinner)
- Weekends: 2–3 hours (content creation, research)
Use free tools to save time:
- Canva for visuals
- ChatGPT for writing
- Bitly for link tracking
- Linktree for bio links
Expert Tips from Experience
I’ve been in this game for years. Here’s what I wish I knew sooner:
- Start with 1–2 platforms only. Don’t try everything at once.
- Track your results weekly. Use a spreadsheet or notebook.
- Double down on what works. Stop wasting time on things that don’t.
- Join communities. Telegram groups and Facebook pages can teach you a lot.
Most people fail not because the platform doesn’t work—but because they give up too early. Don’t be that person.
Final Thoughts: Yes, RM5,000/Month Is Possible
You don’t need a degree. You don’t need big capital. You just need consistency, a few right tools, and the will to try.
Start with BK8 if you want high earnings. Try Shopee or Lazada if you prefer content. Offer services if you want fast cash.
And remember: your first RM100 is the hardest. After that, it grows faster than you think.