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One-stop centre to help
applicants
20/05/2006 The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: A one-stop centre has been set up to expedite applications for
the Malaysia My Second Home programme.
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, who launched the
centre located at Menara Dato’ Onn in Putra World Trade Centre, here,
yesterday, said the ministry wanted to make it simpler for foreigners to
take up the programme.
“The Government is very concerned with the slow application process because
the foreigners might as well go to another country if they have to wait too
long for the approval,” he said.
He also said 16 licensed agents had registered with the ministry to work
closely with the centre to help the programme’s participants.
The centre will help foreigners apply for the programme and assist them in
matters involving other ministries, government departments and agencies, and
private companies.
He also said the ministry was looking into hiring officers with multilingual
skills to work in the centre.
“We are considering working with travel agents and Matta (Malaysia
Association of Tour and Travel Agents) because they would have the
resources,” he added.
Tengku Adnan said the Government had also loosened the financial requirement
in the programme and extended the visa period from five to 10 years.
He said new applicants below 50 years of age now had to open a RM300,000
fixed deposit account and would be allowed to withdraw RM240,000 one year
later.
“The regulations are more flexible now, unlike the old regulations where
applicants were required to have RM150,000 in their fixed account throughout
the programme,” he added.
Tengku Adnan also said the ministry was considering offering the programme
to professionals who could provide their expertise on a part-time basis.
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