KUCHING: Sarawak’s Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme will not be affected by the new requirements and regulations announced by the Federal Government effective this October, says state Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

       He said his ministry had already enhanced the Sarawak MM2H programme last September with the aim of welcoming participants to enjoy the state’s hospitality and warmness.

       “Currently, among the Sarawak MM2H criteria is placement of fixed deposits in local banks from RM150,000 for individuals to RM300,000 for couples.

       “The requirement to invest in properties worth at least RM600,000 for residential purposes applies only to applicants who are between 40 and 50 years of age,” he told a press conference here yesterday.

       Additionally, Karim said applicants aged above 30 could be considered if they were accompanying their children to study in Sarawak or seeking long-term medical treatment.

       “A minimum stay period of 15 days cumulative per year is required,” he said, adding that a 10-year pass would be issued to successful applicants.

       Karim also said the Sarawak MM2H programme had its own independent panel to deliberate and decide on applications.

       The panel, which is chaired by his ministry and includes the Immigration Department, Chief Minister’s Office, State Attorney-General’s Office, Health Department and police, meets monthly.

       “As part of Sarawak’s post-Covid-19 development strategy, we will continue to actively diversify our tourism beyond leisure tourism by looking at the potential of the Sarawak MM2H in bringing quality visitors to Sarawak,” Karim said.

       The Federal Government announced on Aug 11 that the MM2H programme would resume in October with new conditions such as a higher fixed deposit in local banks of RM1mil and offshore monthly income of RM40,000 from RM10,000 previously.