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Relaunched
17/06/2006 The Star
Previously known as the Silver Hair programme (1996-2002), the Malaysia My
Second Home (MM2H) programme was set up to promote Malaysia as an attractive
second or permanent home for foreigners. Till now, the programme has
attracted more than 8,000 participants.
But since its launch, the programme rules have evolved numerous times and
some applicants complained of the changing guidelines.
“We want to ensure we only attract ‘genuine’ participants. And we want to
minimise the likelihood of the programme being exploited by foreigners who
come to Malaysia for work or business,” explained Tourism Minister Datuk
Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.
In April this year, the Home Affairs Ministry, previously in charge of MM2H,
handed over the reins to the Tourism Ministry. The Tourism Ministry works
with other ministries like the Ministry of Home Affairs and other
departments and private companies.
Under the new guidelines, applicants below age 50 need to put RM300,000 in a
fixed deposit in a local bank and are allowed to withdraw up to RM240,000
after one year.
“But the funds can only be used to buy a house, or to cover medical or
education expenses. If you do not have children, don’t need medical
treatment and have already purchased the house, your money is locked in the
fixed deposit,” comments Andy Davison, founder of The Expat magazine and the
website www.mm2h.com.
An MM2H participant, Davison proposed to the ministry to allow foreigners
who already own properties in Malaysia to withdraw the RM240,000 for other
uses.
“The ministry seems receptive to the idea and will look into it,” says
Davison who actively encourages foreigners to move to Malaysia through his
informative website.
Last month, the ministry also launched a one-stop centre to make it easier
for foreigners to sign up for the programme and expedite their applications.
The MMSH centre provides pre-and-after “sales” service to foreigners,
including helping applicants submit forms, handle enquiries or complaints
and offer tips like local investment opportunities, etc.
Applicants can also get a list of licensed/registered agents who can handle
the paperwork and apply for the programme on their behalf.
At this point, independent applicants who want to import their car or buy a
house still have to dart about to the various departments or relevant
agencies. The ministry is also trying to hire officers with multi-lingual
skills to deal with non-English speaking applicants at the centre.
Several new proposals for the MM2H are also in the pipeline like the
“community village” scheme where you get an Arab or Korean village – a
housing community with facilities like ethnic restaurants and grocery
stores. Several ministries are also discussing the possibility of allowing
MM2H participants, whose expertise can serve the country, to work on a
part-time basis. Currently, the participants are not permitted to work while
they are here.
Though the MM2H is far from perfect, as long as the ministry is open to
feedback and keeps improving its services, the programme stands to be a huge
success in the long run. – By LEONG SIOK HUI
Malaysia My Second Home Centre
Level 23B, Menara Dato’ Onn
Putra World Trade Centre
45, Jalan Tun Ismail, Kuala Lumpur
(03) 2696 3361/ 3353
Fax: (03) 2698 8533
E-mail: mm2h@motour.gov.my
Website: http://mm2h.motour.gov.my |
