MM2H: 267 new applications, 1,461 withdrawals since September 2021, says Hamzah

KUALA LUMPUR: There were 267 new applications received by the Immigration Department for the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme between Sept 16, 2021 and June this year, says Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin.

“To date, there are 53,356 MM2H Programme and Silver Hair Programme pass holders who are still active,” the Home Minister said in a parliamentary written reply dated Aug 3.

Hamzah (PN-Larut) also noted that 1,461 participants have decided to pull out of the programme between September 2021 and June.

“The Home Ministry would like to dismiss claims that the withdrawal was due to the new terms imposed as existing MM2H participants are not subjected to the new rules except for those pertaining to the duration for new pass, processing fee and pass fee of RM500, which is imposed on the participants once their existing pass expires,” he said.

Hamzah went on to explain that factors such as the inability to commit to the programme, personal reasons and the Covid-19 pandemic, which had taken a toll on the participants' economic standing, are some of the reasons for the withdrawal.

He was responding to a question from Hannah Yeoh (PH-Segambut) on the status of the programme, the number of withdrawals due to the new rules and collections from the programme.

In August last year, the Federal Government announced 10 new conditions for applicants of the programme, including RM1.5mil in liquid assets, RM40,000 monthly offshore income, RM1mil in a Malaysian fixed deposit and an additional RM50,000 per dependant.

Existing MM2H pass holders only need to comply with two out of the 10 new conditions: an increase in pass fee from RM90 to RM500 per year and the requirement to stay in the country for a minimum of 90 days a year.

The Sarawak MM2H programme, however, is unaffected by the change.

Among the state’s criteria are fixed deposits in local banks, from RM150,000 for individuals to RM300,000 for couples.

The requirement to invest in properties worth at least RM600,000 for residential purposes applies only to applicants who are aged between 40 and 50.

Those aged above 30 could be considered if they are accompanying their children to study in Sarawak or seeking long-term medical treatment while a minimum stay of 15 days cumulative per year is required.