Govt hopeful MM2H programme can attract global celebrities

IPOH: The government is hopeful that the revamped Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme can attract global celebrities to invest in the country, says Nga Kor Ming.

“We hope all the rich and famous personalities such as David Beckham, Andy Lau and Jackie Chan will be tempted to come to invest in Malaysia.

“We believe that the property sector will get a boost from this,” the Local Government Development Minister told a press conference here yesterday.

Nga said when the property sector advances, it will have a positive impact for many industries.

On Friday, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing unveiled a revamped version of the MM2H programme which has three tiers – Silver, Gold and Platinum.

Nga said the revamped programme could attract about RM500bil in investments.

“With investments in sectors such as property, retail, banking or hotels, it will help to spur the country’s economy.

“Demand for ringgit will also increase,” he said.

“It can also create more high salary job opportunities.

“We have reasons to believe that 2024 can be a productive and positive year,” he added.

Separately, Nga, who is Kepayang assemblyman, said a “passport” would be introduced which allows tourists to collect stamps from 56 premises in Ipoh Old Town and win prizes.

He said the initiative was introduced to encourage more tourists as the Visit Perak Year 2024 campaign kicks off next year.

“We have 56 locations where tourists can collect the stamps.

“We have prepared 5,000 maps of these locations.

“More details will be unveiled during the official launch before Chinese New Year.

“I will also announce the incentives, maybe some vouchers for hotels or discounts,” he said.

Nga also said a multi-level parking building in Old Town, which costs about RM13mil, is expected to begin construction next year.

He said planning for the project was in its final stages now.

“It will add about 400 new parking bays to the area.

“After its completion, Old Town will have about 800 parking bays.

“This will be sufficient to address the lack of parking bays and encourage the development of the tourism industry,” he said.