GEORGE TOWN: Expatriates in Penang have welcomed the government’s easing of rules for existing Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) pass holders.

       Many were faced with the prospect of having to relocate elsewhere after more stringent requirements were announced in August but the latest developments brought some relief.

       On Tuesday, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin told the Dewan Rakyat that existing participants would only need to comply with two out of the 10 new regulations – an increase in fees to RM500 and staying in the country for at least 90 days per year.

       An American, who wished to be known as William H, thanked the Sultan of Johor and various organisations for highlighting their plight.

       “My wife and I, along with thousands of existing MM2H pass holders, were relieved with the announcement as to pack up and move to a new country is not easy.

       “I would also like to thank the many people who offered their encouragement and support. This is exactly what I expected from Malaysians, who have always been warm, welcoming and compassionate to foreigners,” he said.

       An Australian, who only wanted to be known as MH, described the move as “a step in the right direction” and took the pressure off their shoulders for now.

       “For us, Malaysia is effectively a permanent home. We already sold off our property in Australia and don’t want to start anew in our mid-60s,” she said.

       She said it was still not clear whether they would be offered existing terms or be subjected to the new requirements when it is time to renew their passes.

       “If the husband is the main applicant, what happens to the spouse when he passes on? Or what if our passports expired and we had to update our passes?

       “In such situations, would we be deemed as an existing or new applicant? What constitutes a ‘person of quality’? We hope the guidelines could be made clearer,” she said.

       William H also shared similar concerns and requested the relevant authorities to put the terms and commitment in writing to avoid any issues.

       “Investing in a new country by purchasing properties and cars, placing our children in schools or learning a new language comes with risks.

       “Existing MM2H participants have to decide whether to continue staying in Malaysia without any guarantees that the rules won’t change again with another government,” he said.

       Another respondent, who wished to remain anonymous, said they had built up strong social ties after living in the country for many years and would be loathe to leave all that behind.

       “I know some felt strongly about the earlier announcement and decided to leave but the majority of us would want to stay on if we are allowed to follow the existing terms”.