Home Minister rubbishes claims China nationals get auto PR if part of MM2H

PETALING JAYA: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has rubbished claims made by Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin that China nationals who joined the MM2H programme would immediately be eligible to become a permanent resident (PR) in the country.

Saifuddin explained that the application and promotion for the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme was under the purview of the Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry while the approval for the programme was under the Home Ministry.

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"As of now, there is no Cabinet decision regarding the matter," he told The Star on Sunday (Dec 17) night.

This was after the Masjid Tanah MP alleged that the newly revamped Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme would immediately allow Chinese nationals to be eligible to become a permanent resident (PR) in the country.

Earlier, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing wants Mas Ermie to be investigated for sedition following her alleged remarks related to the newly revamped Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme.

"Aside from confusing the facts, her comments against the MM2H programme also created a racial issue, when in fact the programme is contributing towards the country's economic growth," said Tiong.

The revised system made several changes to eligibility criteria.

For the Platinum tier, applicants must have a fixed deposit of RM5mil (USD1.05mil). They can withdraw half of the amount after a year to purchase properties priced at RM1.5mil minimum.

The minimum age requirement has been lowered to 30 years, opening the door to more people who seek to make Malaysia their second home.

Applications could only be submitted through licensed MM2H agents accredited by the ministry under the Tourism Industry Act 1992 as a way to make the process more streamlined and secure.

Another significant change was an expanded list of eligible dependents.

In addition to spouses, children below 21 and children with disabilities, the programme now covered all children between 21 and 34 years old who were not working in Malaysia or married.