By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Oct 31: To apply for the Sarawak-Malaysia My Second Home (S-MM2H) programme, it is mandatory for citizens of all countries to maintain a fixed deposit of RM500,000 in local banks in Sarawak for each application, including those for spouses and dependents.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performance Arts (MTAP) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah explained that under the enhanced requirements effective Jan 1, 2025, applicants must come from countries that have diplomatic relations with Malaysia.
He added that applicants must be 30 years or older and must provide sufficient proof of pension funds, offshore income, and savings for at least three months to support themselves during their stay in Sarawak.
“The S-MM2H programme has been improved in the following ways to comply with the Federal Government’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) renewal requirements, as approved and endorsed by the Sarawak Cabinet,” he said.
He addressed reporters at a press conference regarding the enhancements to the S-MM2H requirements and the new licensing for S-MM2H agents at his ministry today.
In addition to the above conditions, Abdul Karim stated that S-MM2H pass holders are required to stay in Sarawak for at least 30 days each year.
“The S-MM2H pass duration remains five years, and participants can renew their applications for another five years. After 10 years, they must reapply as new applicants. However, existing participants must still adhere to the current renewal requirements.”
Abdul Karim added that participants of the S-MM2H programme are not eligible to work full-time but may engage in part-time work in professional positions that do not exceed 20 hours per week, subject to approval by the state secretary through the Immigration and Labor Management Unit (ILMU) of the Sarawak Premier Department.
“Under the S-MM2H programme, participants can be sleeping partners in joint-venture businesses with local partners in certain sectors approved by ILMU. However, they must own a minimum of 49 percent of the total paid-up capital, which must be at least RM250,000.”
He stated that participants may purchase property in Sarawak, although it is not compulsory.
“If they choose to buy property in Kuching, it must be no less than RM600,000, while outside Kuching, the minimum is RM500,000. The property can only be disposed of after five years.”
He added that every applicant must undergo health examinations and have medical insurance for the duration of their S-MM2H pass.
Abdul Karim pointed out that applicants are required to pay a one-off processing fee of RM5,000 (non-refundable) to the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performance Arts (MTCP).
“Their spouse or dependents are required to provide a Letter of Good Conduct (LOGC) from their country and undergo ‘Security Screenings’ to ensure that the applicant for this programme is free from any elements of crime or legal offences.
“Approved participants are allowed to bring a maid, subject to compliance with the current entry requirements for foreign maids set by the Immigration Department of Malaysia,” he explained. — DayakDaily
