ISKANDAR PUTERI: The new criteria for the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme should be reviewed by the government, says Datuk Hasni Mohammad.

       The Johor Mentri Besar said he raised the matter with Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz during the latter’s visit.He noted the MM2H was an important programme for Johor, especially due to its close proximity with Singapore.

       “The MM2H programme is one of Johor’s strength. The new criteria announced by the Federal Government for MM2H has greatly affected the state.

       “The programme was among matters discussed with the Finance Minister during his two-day working visit here.

       “We hope the Federal Government will not only review the criteria for the programme but also implement it or come up with a decision soon,” he told the media after handing over keys to 46 units of homes to Kg Pendas Baru Phase 2 residents here yesterday.

       On Friday, Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar had said he would personally take up the matter with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

       The Sultan expressed his dismay at the Home Ministry for its reluctance to review the new criteria.

       “The ministry’s decision is mind boggling and outrageous, considering MM2H has brought huge economic benefits to Malaysia,” he said.

       Sultan Ibrahim said the rejection of appeals for a review was despite an earlier promise by Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin to reconsider the new criteria.

       It was announced on Aug 11 that MM2H would be reactivated with nine new conditions after the programme was suspended in August last year due to the global Covid-19 pandemic.

       The revised terms and requirements of MM2H, which takes effect in October, includes an increase in the minimum monthly income (derived from offshore sources) to RM40,000, a minimum fixed deposit of RM1mil, a minimum liquidity requirement of RM1.5mil, a yearly visa fee of RM500 and a reduction of the visa duration to five years.