MM2H an excellent government initiative

I REFER to the letter “Evaluation of programmes vital” (The Star, April 4) on the need for proper evaluation of government programmes to determine their benefits to the country relevant to the cost. The writer specifically referred to the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme, the delays in approving applications and whether it is worthwhile to keep it going. I have been closely involved with the MM2H programme, which I think has been repeatedly undervalued and misunderstood, since 2005 so I would like to share my views about it. I consider it an excellent government initiative which can bring very real benefits to the country. Unfortunately, it is having the opposite effect currently.

In terms of the benefits to Malaysia, there are several. Most applicants are not coming here to work or take jobs from Malaysians but for extended stays or to retire. They have to have a minimum monthly offshore income of over RM10,000 to relocate here, and much of that money will be spent in Malaysia. Many buy a house which, in most cases, must cost over RM1mil because they are foreigners. The majority also buy a car.

A simple calculation will show that those who move to Malaysia under the MM2H programme collectively contribute billions of ringgit to the country in valuable foreign exchange and consumer spending.

In addition to this direct financial contribution, there are other benefits. Participants of the MM2H programme generally spread positive stories about the country to friends and relatives. This results in many overseas visitors coming here, which of course increases tourism revenue. Their positive stories are very useful in offsetting some of the negative stories about Malaysia which seem to frequently appear in the foreign press.

The fact that many expatriates choose to come and live here under the MM2H programme is a clear endorsement of all the things important to older people, such as the country’s infrastructure development, medical care and personal safety. A company thinking of investing and setting up operations here would be reassured by the fact that so many foreigners have voluntarily chosen to settle here rather than just being assigned by multinational companies.

For those Malaysians who worry about exclusive expatriate enclaves being set up, our research revealed that the vast majority of MM2H participants want to mix with the locals and most had more Malaysian friends than people of their own nationality. Being older, they are more respectful of the local culture and customs and are keen to assimilate, as opposed to tourists who can be disruptive.

Every year, the Malaysian population increases by over 500,000 people so the addition of a few thousand foreigners under the MM2H programme is negligible. They pay for themselves and all the extra facilities needed for a growing population as well.

Sadly, the delay in clearing the visa applications and inability of the relevant government departments to advise on when the new applications would be approved have created a negative image of Malaysia and the MM2H programme itself.

We hope the problems will soon be resolved so the programme can continue to contribute to Malaysia’s international image and its future economic growth.

ANDY DAVISON

Kuala Lumpur