Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (in white) shaking hands with attendees at a Ramadan programme at Masjid Jamek Layang-Layang in Kluang on March 14, 2024. Behind him is Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
KLUANG: The government has decided to ease the conditions for the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme to attract more applicants, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said, however, that the revision of conditions would not compromise national security.
“The matter was decided in the tourism and culture Cabinet committee meeting that I chaired two days ago.
“Among the main conditions that will be revised is the fixed deposit amount that the applicants must possess, which will vary according to three tiers of silver, gold and platinum.
“We will also work with the Immigration Department to ease the application process, where after all forms are filled, the application will be vetted in three working days to ensure they are eligible security-wise,” he told reporters when attending a Ramadan programme at Masjid Jamek Layang-Layang here on Thursday (March 14).
Under the revised conditions, applicants cannot resell their property before a period of 10 years and their visa must be renewed every five years, he said.
He said in addition, the government would offer applicants the convenience of choosing the school of their choice for their children.
“What we are doing is to improve the existing system without compromising national security.
“The same goes for those applying for (properties in) Forest City, we will ease the conditions so I hope the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry and Home Ministry will take the necessary steps to immediately attract more MM2H applicants,” Ahmad Zahid added.
On March 12, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said in parliament that more foreign nationals are expected to join the MM2H programme as the government is looking into relaxing some requirements.
He said this is in line with last year's Budget 2024 announcement where Putrajaya said it wanted to make the programme more attractive and competitive.
As of Jan 31 this year, Tiong said there are 56,066 active MM2H pass holders comprising principals (27,759) and dependents (28,307).
China remains at the top of the list with a total of 24,765 holders, followed by South Korea (4,940), Japan (4,733), Bangladesh (3,604), the United Kingdom (2,234), Taiwan (1,611), the United States (1,340), Singapore (1,282), India (1,223) and Australia (1,069). - Star
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