In today’s world, it’s becoming more common to have more than one source of income. Whether you’re saving for a big purchase, dealing with rising living costs, or simply wanting more financial freedom, having a side hustle is one of the best ways to achieve your goals. The best part? There are tons of side hustles that you can start with absolutely zero investment. Yes, you heard that right!
As someone who’s been navigating the side income space in Malaysia for a while now, I’ve seen many side hustles come and go. Some promise overnight riches (they’re usually scams), while others are solid, reliable ways to earn extra money, without risking a single ringgit. If you’re ready to dive in, let’s go through the Top 10 Side Hustles Malaysians Can Start Today with Zero Investment!
1. BK8 Casino Affiliate Program
What Is It?
If you’re familiar with the online gaming scene in Malaysia, you’ve likely heard of BK8. But did you know you can actually earn good money by promoting their services? This is one of the most profitable affiliate programs in Malaysia, and the best part is, you don’t need any upfront investment.
How Does It Work?
You sign up for the BK8 Casino Affiliate Program, receive a unique referral link, and promote it on social media, blogs, or even through messaging apps like WhatsApp. Every time someone clicks on your link and registers, you earn a commission.
Personal Tip
When I first started in affiliate marketing, I was nervous about promoting something like online casinos. But guess what? People are always looking for trusted platforms. All you have to do is provide honest reviews, share your personal experiences, and you’ll be surprised how many people will trust your recommendations. Plus, BK8 offers some of the best commissions out there, so it’s definitely worth considering.
2. Shopee & Lazada Affiliate Programs
Why Affiliate Marketing is Perfect for Beginners
Affiliate marketing is one of the easiest side hustles to start because you don’t need to create a product. All you do is promote what’s already there, and Shopee and Lazada are perfect for this. These are platforms everyone in Malaysia uses, and the variety of products means you can promote items that suit your audience.
How to Get Started
Signing up for the Shopee Affiliate Program or Lazada Affiliate Program is simple. Once approved, you get links that you can share on your social media or blog. Every time someone buys something through your link, you earn a commission.
Pro Tips for Success
I’ve found that product reviews work wonders. Malaysians love a good deal, so if you write or talk about a popular item, compare prices, and throw in your affiliate link, it works like a charm! I made my first RM50 commission just by reviewing a blender I’d bought from Lazada.
3. Dropshipping on Shopee or Lazada
Zero-Inventory Business Model
Dropshipping is the ultimate zero-investment side hustle because you don’t need to buy any products upfront. Here’s how it works: you set up a store on Shopee or Lazada, list products from a supplier, and when someone buys, the supplier ships the product directly to the customer. You earn the difference between the selling price and the supplier’s price.
How to Start
You can start by creating a seller account on Shopee or Lazada and partner with suppliers, many of whom are available locally and internationally. Once you find the right products, you list them and start marketing.
My Experience
The beauty of dropshipping is that you can scale it without the headache of managing inventory. I started small, selling only a few products. Over time, I expanded, and while it’s not passive income (you’ll need to handle customer service), it’s highly profitable with zero upfront cost.
4. Freelancing on Fiverr or Upwork
Monetizing Your Skills
Do you have a skill like writing, graphic design, or social media management? If so, freelancing on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork is a great way to turn that talent into cash. You can start with zero investment by offering services that require only your expertise and time.
How to Succeed
Create a profile on Fiverr or Upwork, and offer services that you’re confident in. If you’re a beginner, start with lower rates to attract clients and build up your portfolio. As you gain more experience and reviews, you can increase your rates.
My Freelance Journey
When I first started freelancing, I offered small, affordable writing gigs. Over time, I built up my client base and increased my rates. Now, it’s a steady stream of income, and the flexibility is a major bonus!
5. Content Creation on YouTube or TikTok
Why Video Content is the Future
YouTube and TikTok are two of the biggest platforms in the world, and they’re both incredibly popular in Malaysia. If you enjoy making videos, this could be your ticket to a thriving side hustle. Plus, you don’t need fancy equipment to start—your phone’s camera works just fine!
Earning Through Monetization
Once you start getting views and followers, you can monetize your content through ad revenue, brand sponsorships, and even affiliate marketing (remember BK8 and Shopee?).
How I Started
I began with just a smartphone and a passion for talking about tech gadgets. I didn’t have a huge following at first, but as I kept posting regularly, my audience grew. Now, I get paid through ads and collaborations with local brands.
6. Online Tutoring
Teaching What You Know
If you have expertise in a subject like English, Maths, or Science, you can offer online tutoring to Malaysian students. The demand for tutors is high, especially with students trying to catch up on missed learning during the pandemic. And guess what? No investment required!
Where to Start
Platforms like Preply and MyPrivateTutor are great places to start. You create a profile, set your rates, and connect with students who need help.
Helping Others While Earning
When I first started online tutoring, I didn’t realize how rewarding it would be. Not only was I earning money, but I was also helping students achieve their goals. It’s definitely one of the most fulfilling side hustles I’ve tried.
7. Affiliate Marketing via Blogging
How Blogging Works for Affiliate Income
Blogging is an excellent way to build a passive income stream, and you don’t need to spend any money to get started. Use free platforms like Blogger or Medium, and start writing about topics you’re passionate about. You can then insert affiliate links (BK8, Shopee, Lazada) into your blog posts.
Building Traffic
To succeed with blogging, you’ll need to generate traffic. Share your posts on social media, use SEO strategies to rank in Google, and engage with your readers to build a loyal following.
My Blogging Experience
Starting a blog was one of the most effective ways I made passive income. It’s slow at first, but once the traffic builds, the money starts flowing in. I earn from affiliate commissions long after the post has been written.
8. Selling Digital Products
What Are Digital Products?
Digital products, like e-books, printables, and graphic designs, are easy to create and sell without any upfront cost. If you’re a creative person, this could be a goldmine for you. Platforms like Etsy and Shopee allow you to list digital items for free and earn whenever someone buys.
What You Can Sell
You can sell things like planners, workout guides, or even digital art. The key is to find a niche and create something people will find valuable.
My Digital Product Journey
I started selling digital planners on Etsy, and I couldn’t believe how fast they sold. The best part? I didn’t need to restock or manage shipping, making it one of the easiest side hustles I’ve ever done.
9. Virtual Assistant Services
Why Businesses Need VAs
With more businesses operating online, the demand for virtual assistants (VAs) is higher than ever. As a VA, you can handle tasks like email management, scheduling, or social media management, all from the comfort of your home.
Getting Started
Platforms like Freelancer or directly reaching out to local businesses are great ways to find clients. No investment is required—all you need is a computer and an internet connection.
My Experience as a VA
I’ve worked as a VA for small businesses, and it’s an excellent way to make steady income while learning new skills. Plus, the flexibility is amazing!
10. Social Media Management
Why Social Media is Key for Businesses
Small local businesses need social media presence but often don’t have the time or expertise to manage it. That’s where you come in. By offering social media management services, you can help them grow their business while earning a tidy sum.
What You’ll Need
Start by offering to manage platforms like Instagram or Facebook for local businesses. You don’t need any upfront investment—just a good understanding of how these platforms work.
Helping Local Businesses
I started by managing social media for a friend’s café, and soon word spread. Now, I manage multiple accounts, and it’s one of my most reliable side hustles.
Conclusion
There you have it! These are the Top 10 Side Hustles Malaysians Can Start Today with Zero Investment. Whether you’re looking to dip your toes into affiliate marketing, try your hand at freelancing, or sell digital products, there’s something here for everyone. The key is to get started and stay consistent. These side hustles may not make you rich overnight, but with time and effort, they can become reliable sources of income.
The best part? You’re not risking anything financially, so there’s no reason not to try. Whether you’re working full-time and need some extra cash, or you’re a student or stay-at-home parent looking for flexible income opportunities, these side hustles offer something for every lifestyle.
Remember, even the smallest steps can lead to big rewards over time. I’ve personally tried many of these side hustles, and while some took a little longer to gain traction, the payoff was always worth it in the end.
So, what are you waiting for? Choose one that fits your skills and interests, start today, and you’ll be well on your way to earning extra income with zero investment!
Final Words of Encouragement
Don’t be afraid to try something new, and don’t worry about perfection. Everyone starts somewhere, and the most important thing is to begin. You’ll learn and improve as you go. Who knows? Your side hustle could eventually turn into your main income source, giving you the freedom and flexibility you’ve always dreamed of.
Good luck, and happy hustling!