KUALA LUMPUR – Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar has decreed that the federal government must be prompt in its review of the new rules concerning Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H), which many consider to be too strict.
His Majesty raised this issue, among others, during the audience with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob today.
“The sultan decreed that Johor happens to be one of the main destinations for foreign investments, and the state is a major contributor to Malaysia’s growth,” said the statement by the Johor Royal Press Office.
It is understood that Sultan Ibrahim urged for a review of the current MM2H requirements, maintain the previous conditions, and make improvements to ensure the programme would contribute positively to the economy.
Sultan Ibrahim held an audience with the prime minister at Istana Pasir Pelangi Johor, with Menteri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad in attendance.
This is Ismail Sabri’s first audience with the Johor monarch since he was sworn in as prime minister on August 21.
On September 14, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin told Dewan Rakyat that the government would not review the new and more stringent conditions under the MM2H programme to ensure those who participate can truly contribute to the economy.
He, however, said the government will consider some flexibilities for existing MM2H holders.
Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz announced on August 11 that MM2H would be reintroduced with improvements to policies and application conditions so as to balance its security and economic aspects.
The programme, which ceased in 2019, is set for reactivation next month.
Among the changes include increasing applicants’ fixed deposits from RM300,000 to RM1 million; increased offshore income requirement from RM10,000 to RM40,000; RM1.5 million in liquid assets; and a revised visa fee from RM90 to RM500 per year on top of a RM5,000 processing fee. – The Vibes, September 25, 2021
