Kuala Lumpur: Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has clarified that the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme is open to applicants from any country, not exclusively Chinese nationals. He emphasized that the programme allows foreigners to apply for residency under various eligibility criteria, granting successful applicants a residence pass for a specified period.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tiong highlighted that successful participants in the MM2H programme contribute to Malaysia’s economic growth by living and spending their currency in the country. He stated that residency programmes are not unique to Malaysia, as Malaysians can also apply for residency in other countries under certain conditions. Tiong made these remarks in response to a Facebook statement by former Minister of Information, Communications and Culture Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim, who alleged that the MM2H programme granted permanent residency to 22,000 Chinese nationals.
Tiong firmly denied any hidden agenda behind the MM2H programme, asserting that its primary goals are to attract foreign investments and enhance Malaysia’s appeal as a preferred destination for investors and international residents. He expressed concern that statements like those by Rais Yatim could damage the programme’s reputation and deter foreign investors from considering Malaysia as an investment hub.
Tiong also criticized Rais for making unfounded accusations without verifying their accuracy, warning that such statements could provoke racial tension in Malaysia’s diverse society. He stressed the importance of responsible communication to avoid unnecessary turmoil and potential social conflicts.
The MM2H programme was introduced in 2002 to allow foreigners to purchase property and reside in Malaysia. It was temporarily suspended in August 2020 for a comprehensive review by the Home Ministry and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC). Since October 2021, the Immigration Department has overseen new MM2H applications, managing application processing services and logistics.
The programme’s general conditions include being open to foreigners from countries with diplomatic ties to Malaysia, requiring applicants to be at least 25 years old, and mandating that all applications be submitted through the MM2H One-Stop Centre. Additionally, participants must reside in Malaysia for at least 90 cumulative days per year.