JOHOR BARU: Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar (pic) wants the government to expedite its review on the recent conditions imposed on the Malaysia My Second Home Programme (MM2H). His Majesty raised the matter during an audience granted to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob here yesterday.
“Johor is not only a neighbour of Singapore, but the MM2H Programme is one of the contributors to the state’s economic strength.
“Review the strict conditions set before and maintain the old conditions by making some improvements so that it can provide a positive balance, especially economic growth,” said Sultan Ibrahim on Facebook yesterday.
Johor, added the Ruler, was one of the main destinations for foreign investments besides being one of the main contributors to Malaysia’s economic growth.
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, include 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.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin had said the new criteria was to attract high-quality participants who were genuine and could contribute positively to the country’s economic growth.
He also said previous participants of the programme would have their applications vetted based on a “case-to-case basis” due to security concerns.
Sultan Ibrahim had previously questioned the Home Ministry’s reluctance to review the new criteria.
During the audience yesterday, Sultan Ibrahim also discussed other matters related to the state’s development with Ismail Sabri.
The audience was held at Istana Pasir Pelangi here, which was also attended by Mentri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad.