With the restart of the programme Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) by the Federal government, Sarawak finds it opportune to give Sarawak’s Malaysia My Second Home (S-MM2H) a boost.
Speaking to Business Today in an interview, Datuk Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth, and Sports Sarawak says despite the federal MM2H suspension, Sarawak continued with S-MM2H programme with its existing criteria and that it differs from the MM2H promoted at Federal level.
That is because Sarawak wanted to leverage the fact that it has its state immigration policies and Sarawak is ready to capture the market.
Furthermore, the state would like to provide an alternative to MM2H participants in West Malaysia by welcoming them to Sarawak to experience the unique lifestyle and many unique attractions it has to offer.
Abdul Karim says the programme in Sarawak differs from the federal government’s MM2H.
“S-MM2H differs from the federal government’s MM2H programme in that Sarawak has its own set of criteria. Changes to S-MM2H in September last year included improving new regulations and requirements, such as adjusting and lowering the age group for S-MM2H participants, which will undoubtedly benefit those who want to call Sarawak home”, he says.
The MM2H programme began in 1996 with the Silver-Haired Programme as a long-term visa for retirees to remain in Malaysia.
The programme was revamped and relaunched as Malaysia My Second Home in 2002.
The Malaysia Tourism Authority and the Malaysian Immigration Department jointly promote the MM2H programme, which allows foreigners to stay in Malaysia for ten years.
Fall In Love With Sarawak
“Sarawak implemented the MM2H programme in January 2007 and has received many positive responses from foreigners, particularly retirees who fell in love with Sarawak and decided to spend their golden years in Sarawak, making it their second home,” says Karim.
The state authorities say it has received a total of 1,306 participants to this programme over the last 14 years, with the top five countries participating being the United Kingdom, China, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Singapore.
“The federal government announced that they will restart the MM2H programme in October but with more stringent requirements, so there is a possibility that a huge portion of those interested in the programme will be unable to meet the new requirements”, says Abdul Karim.
But they can also come to Sarawak where the rules are different.
Sarawak has its own set of immigration policies. As a result, S-MM2H has very different criteria, and approval is done monthly through a one-stop panel chaired by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Sarawak.
The S-MM2H Programme is currently open to citizens of all countries with diplomatic relations with Malaysia, except for Israel, under the Federal Government’s policy on foreign diplomatic relations.
More Plusses For Sarawak
For applicants who are 40-50 years old, they must have an investment in real estate only specifically for residential purposes with a minimum value of RM 600,000.
Applicants above 30-50 years old may apply if they have children who are pursuing further education or if they are undergoing long-term medical treatment in Sarawak.
Furthermore, all S-MM2H participants must stay a minimum of 15 days in Sarawak each year.
Based on the data of the current participants, a majority of them stay much longer than 15 days, so this is an easy requirement to fulfil.
Other requirements are:
- Fixed deposits in local banks from RM150,000 for individuals to RM300,000 for couples.
- Submission of Letter of Good Conduct
- Submission of full medical check up
- Medical insurance for the applicant and all the dependents.
“Our multi-entry social pass will be very attractive to potential S-MM2H investors as it carries one of the longest duration visas – which is 10 years – and it entitles you to also stay in West Malaysia or Sabah without the need to obtain another visa for each visit.”
Abdul Karim says Sarawak can be flexible in requirements, “however, my ministry will have thorough checks on each applicant and ensure that all criteria are met before approving.”
