S-MM2H targets 1000 applicants approval for 2023
Approximately 1,000 Sarawak-Malaysia My Second Home (S-MM2H) applications is expected to be approved by the end of 2023, seeing the recent launch of the S-MM2H Management and Online Application System (MOAS) in Kuching on August 29.
This was announced by Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) Sarawak, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah during the launching of the S-MM2H MOAS at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching. The S-MM2H MOAS was developed by MTCP with the Sarawak Information Systems (SAINS) to better facilitate the overall application process, covering daily operating functions.
“The system, which took off on June 1, is a tool for MTCP and the Immigration Department of Malaysia Sarawak (JIMS) to monitor the status of S-MM2H participants and generate useful statistical data for analysis and research. Besides that, it is also used to handle operating functions, including application, submissions and application processing by officers of MTCP and JIMS. For rejected applicants, they can resubmit new applications online,” said Abdul Karim.
He also pointed out that from January to August 2023, a total of 446 participants have been approved, and 88 new applications have been received since the S-MM2H MOAS system went live.
“With the new system in place, it will shorten the time required for approval processes and make it more effective and efficient. Since adopting the MM2H programme back in 2007, MTCP has approved a total of 2,190 participants to date. With the refinement of requirements from Sept 1, 2022, there were 411 successful applicants in 2022, an increase of 1,422 per cent in the number of successful applications compared to 2021,” expressed Abdul Karim.
He also noted that there is a surge in applicants in Sarawak as the state has stuck to its minimum requirement for applicants to place a fixed deposit of RM150,000 for individuals and possess a monthly income of RM7,000 for individuals, compared to the national MM2H where applicants must have a minimum saving of RM1 million and liquid assets of RM1.5 million.
Abdul Karim also revealed the top 10 countries that have been part of the S-MM2H programme since its implementation in 2007 – United Kingdom (312), China (277), Taiwan (201), Hong Kong (193), Singapore (168), United States of America (161), South Korea (129), Australia (99), Indonesia (96) and Japan (91).
Also present during the launching, Deputy Minister of MTCP, Datuk Sebastian Ting, MTCP Permanent Secretary, Datu Sherrina Husaini, Senior Sarawak State Counsel, Datu John Wayne Chamberlin Sirau, Deputy Director of JIMS, Alice Alixius and MTCP Director, Debbie Jenggut Nyelang.
