8 Online Businesses in Malaysia: Ideas and Guide 2024

The development of technology often eases our lives, including starting a business. Due to the rapid growth of technology, many people choose to open an online business, especially in Malaysia. 

Online businesses in Malaysia like e-commerce have shown great growth; its market grew by 20% in 2022. 

Additionally, in terms of businesses, there were 51K+ companies, 321K+ businesses, and 3K+ Limited Liability Partnerships registered to the commission in 2023 (Companies Commission of Malaysia)

Therefore, opening an online business in Malaysia can be a great opportunity for you, especially those who want to work remotely. 

This guide will lead you to discover some of the best online business ideas in Malaysia and how to start the business from scratch. 

8 Best Online Businesses in Malaysia

In Malaysia, there were 22.59 million internet users in January 2024. In fact, at the beginning of 2024, 97.4% of Malaysians were using the internet.

This data shows that the opportunities for online business in Malaysia is high. 

To figure out some of the most promising online businesses in Malaysia, let’s take a look at the explanation below. 

1. E-commerce Business

The first recommendation for online business in Malaysia is e-commerce business. In this case, you can choose to open a store or become a drop shipper. 

The number of e-commerce in Malaysia is projected to increase by 34.94% or 7.6 million users between 2024 and 2028. 

Hence, starting an e-commerce can be the best online business in Malaysia. 

Moreover, setting up an e-commerce business is way cheaper than opening a physical store. In starting one, you can equip yourself with a domain name, payment gateway, website, and social media. 

On the other hand, if you choose to be a drop shipper, you can build a network with suppliers and sell their products. 

More significantly, dropshipping reduces the possibility that, after placing a sizable order with a manufacturer or supplier, you would discover there is no demand for your goods.

2. Selling Arts Online

The next online business in Malaysia you can go for is selling art online. This applies to any kind of art, from paintings to books. 

If you are interested in art or have decent skill in it, you can open for commission or online request.

Yet, if you are a photographer, you can sell your photographs on an online gallery or platform and benefit from it. 

What if you are an author? You can write a book and sell the hard copy through a publisher or write stories on an online platform and get the benefit from subscribers. 
 

3. Online Course

Do you have any certifications in certain skills? If yes, establishing an online course can be your suitable choice for online business in Malaysia. 

Online courses now have a high demand because people prefer more accessible, low-cost, and convenient types of courses. 

If you plan to start this business, you must understand the market, provide worksheets and resources, as well as promote your business widely.

4. Online Thrift Shop

Recently, thrift shopping has become popular among Malaysians. Compared to fast fashion, thrift fashion offers more affordable and unique products. 

Additionally, prospective buyers may want to buy great goods, but they don't want to rummage among worn-out clothes that have been braided to discover that one incredible item.

To make a profit on this, establish yourself as a reliable curator who can find exceptional antique items.
 

5. Virtual Assistance

If you are familiar with organising tasks and interacting with people, a virtual assistant business can be the online business in Malaysia you can choose. 

A virtual assistant (VA) assists executives, companies, and entrepreneurs manage their personal and work lives. 

The range of responsibilities is wide, covering anything from basic marketing management to appointment scheduling and all in between. 

Additionally, you can expand your network by interacting with many people from different backgrounds. 

6. Website Company

Do you have a programming background? If yes, creating a website company can be a promising business opportunity. 

The demand for technical skills like coding and programming is always increasing. In addition, some people need a website for their business as one of their marketing activities. 

Seeing this opportunity, you can start spreading your website-creating service to help companies actualise their website. 
 

7. Graphic Design Service

Aside from programming, graphic design also encounters a high demand in Malaysia. If you have competence in design, this online business in Malaysia can be one of your choices. 

You can open a request for logo design, motion graphics, and other design services. 

While hundreds of enterprises in Malaysia are attempting to emerge and go online, this industry is likely to develop in the years to come. 

Many of them will begin searching for freelancers or in-house designers to help them brand their goods and businesses.

8. Affiliate Marketing

The next online business in Malaysia you can consider is affiliate marketing. With affiliate marketing, an online store may compensate an outside website with a commission for traffic or purchases brought about by the website's recommendations.

Although thousands of items are marketed online, Malaysia does not have a large number of affiliate marketers. 

All you need to do to get started with affiliate marketing is develop a blog and provide helpful reviews of goods and services.

Those are 8 online businesses in Malaysia you can take note of. Since you are working on the internet, having a great online presence is critical for your business. 

Building a good online presence will help your potential customers find your business. This surely benefits your business. Online presence also helps you stand out from other competitors.

Then, how to boost your online presence? You can utilize SEO for this. With SEO, you may target potential clients with pertinent keywords and increase website traffic and income by producing excellent SEO-friendly content.

Try our SEO Services today to find out how we can assist you in using relevant keywords to improve your listings, content, and website!