JOHOR BARU: The new eligibility criteria for the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme needs urgent review, says Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, who wants to take the matter up with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

       He said the potential loss of revenue to the state was enormous, especially since Johor is a popular MM2H destination.

       He said that the many appeals to review the new criteria were not attended to, despite an earlier promise by Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin to reconsider it.

       "What we have heard in Parliament is a mere promise to consider MM2H applicants on a case-by-case basis" he said in a Facebook post on Friday (Sept 17), adding that this fell short of expectations.

       Sultan Ibrahim added that existing MM2H participants and relevant stakeholders would feel let down.

       "If security was the main reason for the new criteria, then the Home Ministry only needs to revoke the visas of errant MM2H pass holders, instead of a blanket ruling that affects everyone.

       "MM2H offers multiplier economic effects. Malaysians benefit and so does the government," he said adding this could garner bad publicity internationally for Malaysia.

       "I hope good sense will prevail and the government will reinstate the programme without any drastic changes immediately," he said.