Let’s talk about something we all want—money coming in even while we’re sleeping. Life in Malaysia isn’t cheap anymore. Prices keep going up. I’ve felt the pinch myself, from groceries to petrol. That’s why I believe every Malaysian should try to build passive income. It’s extra cash that can help us breathe easier and plan for the future.
I’ve spent years testing different ways to earn money on the side. Some worked, some failed. Today, I’m sharing real ideas you can start in 2025 to earn passive income in Malaysia.
Why Passive Income Matters in Malaysia
Passive income is money you earn without working all the time. You do the work once, then keep earning from it later. It helps you worry less if your main job doesn’t cover all your expenses.
I remember the first time I earned RM100 from a blog post I wrote months before. I checked my phone and saw the payment notification while I was having breakfast. I felt like I’d cracked a secret code.
Passive income won’t make you rich overnight. But it builds slowly and gives you peace of mind. It’s like planting a fruit tree that keeps giving you buah every year.
Top Affiliate Programs for Passive Income in Malaysia
Let’s start with affiliate programs. They’re one of the easiest ways for Malaysians to earn passive income online. You promote products or services using special links. When people click your links and spend money, you get a commission.
BK8 Casino Affiliate Program (Top #1 Recommendation)
BK8 affiliate program is my top pick for Malaysians who want strong passive income. BK8 is a popular online casino that offers sports betting, live casino games, and slots. Many Malaysians love online gaming. The market keeps growing every year.
As a BK8 affiliate, you promote BK8 to new players. When they sign up and start playing, you earn a cut of what they spend. BK8’s commissions can go as high as 45%. That’s huge compared to many other programs.
I know a guy who started promoting BK8 through his blog and Telegram group. By his third month, he was making RM7,000 monthly from commissions. He started with no followers and grew his audience step by step.
BK8 pays fast. They don’t mess around with delays. That matters because cash flow keeps your side hustle alive.
If you’re active online, enjoy writing or making videos, or run social media groups, BK8’s affiliate program is worth looking into.
Shopee Affiliate Program or Lazada Affiliate Program (Top #2 Recommendation)
Malaysians love online shopping. Shopee and Lazada are two giants in the market. Their affiliate programs let you earn money promoting products people already want.
Both Shopee and Lazada let you create affiliate links for items you choose. You share these links on your blog, TikTok, Facebook, or Instagram. When someone buys through your link, you earn a small commission.
I tried Shopee affiliate program during last year’s 11.11 sale. I shared links for kitchen gadgets on my Facebook page. I made RM300 in commissions in just a few days. It wasn’t life-changing, but it proved that affiliate marketing works.
Between Shopee and Lazada, pick the one your audience prefers. Both are free to join and easy to start.
Other Proven Passive Income Ideas in Malaysia
Affiliate marketing is great, but it’s not the only way. Here are other passive income ideas Malaysians are trying.
Blogging and Content Websites
Starting a blog or website can earn passive income over time. You write articles or reviews. People visit your site and click ads or your affiliate links. You earn money from those clicks.
I started a blog in 2018. At first, I made only RM20 a month. But by the next year, it was RM1,000 monthly. I wrote about side hustles and reviewed online services. People kept coming back, and my income grew.
Blogging takes time. You won’t earn much in the first few months. But once your site ranks on Google, it keeps bringing visitors even while you sleep.
Dividend Stocks and REITs
If you have savings, you can earn passive income from dividend stocks and REITs in Malaysia. You buy shares from companies that pay dividends. Every few months, you get a cash payout.
REITs are real estate trusts that also pay dividends. Many Malaysians like REITs because they let you invest in property without buying a whole condo.
One of my friends invests in REITs and collects RM200 monthly in dividends. It’s not huge, but it’s steady. Just remember, stocks can go up or down. Don’t invest money you can’t afford to lose.
Selling Digital Products
Digital products are things you create once and sell many times. Examples include eBooks, templates, and stock photos.
I met a Malaysian lady who sells wedding invitation templates on Canva. She makes about RM4,000 monthly without handling any stock or shipping. She worked hard in the beginning but now earns passively.
If you’re creative, think about what digital products you can sell. Malaysians are buying things like resume templates, planners, and social media graphics.
Print-on-Demand
Print-on-demand means selling things like T-shirts, mugs, and phone cases. You upload your designs to a platform. When someone buys, the platform prints and ships it for you. You earn the profit.
Malaysians use platforms like Printcious, Teespring, and Shopee Print-on-Demand sellers. You don’t hold stock or worry about delivery.
A friend of mine uploaded funny quotes in Bahasa Malaysia on T-shirts. He now makes RM500 to RM1,000 monthly without packing any boxes.
Creating Online Courses
If you’re good at teaching, you can create an online course. You record videos and upload them to sites like Udemy or Skillshare. Students buy your course, and you keep earning every time someone signs up.
Subjects that work well in Malaysia include language classes, digital marketing, cooking, and even handicrafts.
I once created a short course about freelancing for beginners. It still brings me small payments every month, even though I recorded it years ago.
How to Start Building Passive Income
Don’t feel overwhelmed. Pick one idea first. Don’t try to do everything at once. Test it and see what works for you.
Start small. You don’t have to spend thousands of ringgit upfront. For example, you can join affiliate programs for free. You can write your first blog post without any cost.
Be patient. Passive income grows slowly. Focus on steady progress.
Managing Expectations with Passive Income
Many people think passive income means zero work. That’s not true. You have to put in time and effort at the start. Once it’s running, it gets easier.
In my first year blogging, I wrote over 50 articles. Some made almost no money. Others became my biggest earners. I kept going because I knew the effort would pay off later.
Keep your goals realistic. Even RM200 a month can help pay bills or save for a holiday. Small wins build confidence.
Conclusion
Passive income has helped me live with less stress. I can pay bills, save for my future, and enjoy little luxuries. BK8’s Casino Affiliate Program and Shopee or Lazada’s affiliate programs are two of the best ways Malaysians can start earning while they sleep. But there are many other ways to try too.
Start small. Keep learning. One day, you’ll wake up and see money in your account while you’re still drinking your morning kopi.
Good luck, and may your passive income grow bigger every month!