Call for inclusion of NGOs in MM2H policy review

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 – The International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI) Malaysia has called on the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) to include the non-government organisations (NGOs) in any policy review on Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme.

Its president, Datuk Koe Peng Kang, said NGOs like FIABCI, Real Estate and Housing Developers' Association (Rehda), and other associations are directly affected by decisions on MM2H and whose views, comments, and recommendations that can further enhance the programme.

“It is hoped that the review will be based on the criteria, conditions, incentives and comparative study on equivalent MM2H programmes within the region, such as Citizenship by Investment (CBI) or Residence by Investment (RBI).

“Unfortunately, the recent closure of the MM2H one-stop centre office at the tourism offices throughout the country and the centralisation of MM2H at the Immigration Office in Putrajaya on July 6, and the recent return of 6,000 applications to MM2H agents, give an unclear picture of what the new policies are and where the MM2H program is heading,” he said that in an article in the Thoughts column on Bernama.com.

The federal government had given direction for a temporary freeze on the MM2H programme to reduce foreigners from entering the country gives the MOTAC an opportunity to review and improve the programme and its process.

Koe said if the government could indicate the progress of the lab and the reasons for the recent reversals of applications, it would help them to give a clear direction on the MM2H status to all the applicants and their agents

The MM2H program was established as early as in 2002, an initiative by the government to attract and allow foreigners who fulfil certain criteria to stay in Malaysia as long as possible on a 10-year renewable social visit pass with multiple entry visas.

This program is open to all countries which have diplomatic relations with Malaysia, regardless of race, religion, gender, or age, and applicants are allowed to bring their spouses, children, and parents as dependents.

Since 2002, more than 48,500 participants have been approved under this programme, generating an estimated direct service and consumer spending revenue of about RM4.9 billion in 2017 and RM4.4 billion in 2018.

-- BERNAMA