Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin said applications for the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) will be reviewed by his ministry on a case-by-case basis, amid calls to review the programme’s new rules.
He explained that the applications review is aimed at keeping the percentage of foreigners living in Malaysia through the programme at just 1% of the Malaysian population, reported The Malaysian Reserve (TMR).
“It is a process that is being done by my party. We will review the applicants on a case-by-case basis. We want applicants who can contribute to our country and those who want to truly make Malaysia their second home,” he said.
“However, there will be an exception for senior citizens who have been living here for the past 15 years, for example, and want to continue living in this country.”
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According to Hamzah, there are 57,478 MM2H visa holders as of 31 July 2021, of whom 28,249 are principals and 28,229 are dependents.
The Immigration Department saw 13,873 applications for the MM2H programme since the country introduced the Movement Control Order (MCO) last year until 31 August. TMR reported that 4,714 applications had been approved.
Hamzah revealed that over 8,000 MM2H participants were found to be living outside Malaysia.
“We have found that the applicants only come to Malaysia for a short period to register their application and whenever they want to renew their passes,” he said as quoted by TMR.
“Our officers will determine the status of these participants and their intention in participating in the programme.”
It was previously reported that the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry has called for the suspension of the new MM2H rules, saying it could lead to capital outflow.
Sharing similar sentiment, Johor’s Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar described the new rules as too restrictive, noting that it could drive foreigners’ interest away.
“This means massive revenue loss for Malaysia,” said Sultan Ibrahim on Facebook and quoted by TMR.
Introduced in 2002, the MM2H programme enables foreigners to acquire property and live in Malaysia on a long-term basis.
The programme was temporarily frozen in August last year to make way for a review by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) and the Home Ministry.
According to Home Ministry Secretary General Datuk Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz, new applicants should live in Malaysia for a cumulative period of at least 90 days per year.
“Participants must have an offshore income of at least RM40,000 a month compared to RM10,000 previously,” he said as quoted by TMR.
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