Affiliate Marketing in Malaysia: How it Works & Top 10 Programmes
Affiliate marketing is fast becoming one of the most accessible ways to earn income online in Malaysia. Whether you are a student, working professional, or aspiring entrepreneur, it offers a low-cost entry into digital marketing with strong earning potential.
Affiliate marketing is a performance-based model where you promote a product or service and earn a commission for every successful sale or action made through your referral link. Brands benefit from reduced marketing costs, while affiliates gain a scalable income stream.
Globally, affiliate marketing continues to grow rapidly. In Malaysia, the rise of e-commerce platforms like Shopee and Lazada, combined with widespread social media usage, has created more opportunities than ever for affiliates to monetise content.
In this article, you will learn how affiliate marketing works, how to get started, and discover the top 10 affiliate programmes in Malaysia you can join today. By the end, you should have a clearer understanding of how to choose the right platforms and build a strategy to start earning commissions online.
How to Start Affiliate Marketing in Malaysia
Getting started with affiliate marketing Malaysia is straightforward, but success depends on strategy and consistency.
Step-by-Step: How to Become an Affiliate
1. Choose an affiliate programme or network
Look for programmes that match your interests or niche. Review the products or services offered, commission structure, and payment methods.
2. Sign up and get approved
Once accepted, you will receive unique affiliate links to track your referrals.
3. Create and share content
Promote your links through blogs, social media, videos, or email campaigns. When someone makes a purchase through your link, you earn a commission.
4. Get paid
Payments are issued once you reach the programme’s minimum payout threshold.
What Skills Do You Need for Affiliate Marketing in Malaysia?
While affiliate marketing is accessible to beginners, developing the right skills can significantly improve your results.
1. Marketing knowledge: Understand your target audience, market segmentation, and consumer behaviour to promote products effectively.
2. Digital marketing skills: Learn techniques like search engine optimisation (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, and social media marketing to drive traffic.
3. Content creation: Create engaging blog posts, videos, and visuals that attract and retain your audience.
Building these skills gives you a competitive edge and helps increase your conversion rates over time.
Pro tip: Start with one affiliate programme that aligns with your niche, then expand as you gain experience and understand what works best.
Top 10 Affiliate Marketing Programmes in Malaysia You Can Join
Choosing the right programme is key to maximising your earnings. With the right strategy, affiliates can potentially earn anywhere from RM1,000 to RM50,000 depending on their niche, traffic, and conversion rates.
Below is a curated list of some of the best affiliate marketing programmes in Malaysia to help you get started.
1. Exabytes
Commission rate: Up to RM350 per sale
How to join: Via Exabytes’ website
Best for: Tech, web hosting, and business audiences
Exabytes is a leading Malaysian web hosting provider offering hosting solutions and domain services, making it ideal for affiliates targeting business owners and website creators.
2. Watsons
Commission rate: Around 2.1%
How to join: Via affiliate networks such as Involve Asia
Best for: Beauty and health content
Watsons is a well-established health and beauty retailer in Malaysia, offering a wide range of everyday products with consistent demand.
3. Shopee
Commission rate: 4% – 10%
How to join: Via Shopee’s website
Best for: General e-commerce and lifestyle niches
Shopee is one of Malaysia’s largest e-commerce platforms, making it a beginner-friendly option with strong earning potential.
4. Involve Asia
Commission rate: Varies by merchant
How to join: Via Involve Asia’s website
Best for: Affiliates who want access to multiple brands
Involve Asia connects affiliates with major brands like Lazada and Zalora, allowing you to promote multiple products from one platform.
5. Zalora
Commission rate: Up to 6%
How to join: Via Involve Asia, Optimise Media, or Accesstrade
Best for: Fashion and lifestyle creators
Zalora is a leading fashion e-commerce platform in Malaysia, offering attractive commissions for both new and returning customers.
6. Lazada
Commission rate: Up to 80% (selected products)
How to join: Via Lazada’s website
Best for: High-volume e-commerce content
Lazada offers competitive commissions and high conversion rates due to its strong brand presence in Malaysia.
7. Sephora
Commission rate: Up to 5.6%
How to join: Via affiliate networks
Best for: Beauty influencers and content creators
Sephora provides access to a wide range of premium beauty brands, making it ideal for content focused on skincare and cosmetics.
8. Nike
Commission rate: Up to 8.5%
How to join: Via affiliate networks
Best for: Fitness, sports, and lifestyle niches
Nike’s strong brand recognition and loyal customer base can lead to higher conversion rates.
9. Klook
Commission rate: Up to 5%
How to join: Via Klook’s website
Best for: Travel bloggers and content creators
Klook offers travel experiences and bookings, along with marketing materials to help affiliates create engaging content.
10. JD Sports
Commission rate: Up to 4.9%
How to join: Via affiliate networks
Best for: Streetwear and sports fashion audiences
JD Sports features popular global brands, making it easier to drive conversions among trend-focused consumers.
Get the Skills You Need for Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing in Malaysia offers real income potential, but success requires more than just sharing links. You need strong marketing knowledge, digital skills, and strategic thinking.
If you want to build these capabilities, Sunway University’s online’s Master of Marketing equips you with:
- Advanced digital marketing strategies
- Consumer behaviour insights
- Data-driven decision-making skills
- Real-world marketing applications
With a solid foundation, you can turn affiliate marketing into a sustainable income stream or even a full-time career.
Take the next step now and schedule a call with an Education Counsellor to learn more about this 100% online programme.
