KUCHING: Sarawak will gain the authority to issue licences to agents of the Sarawak-Malaysia My Second Home (S-MM2H) programme, effective Jan 1, 2025.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said that the Cabinet approved enhanced requirements and new licensing conditions for S-MM2H agents on Oct 24.
He explained that these enhancements, developed through consultations with the S-MM2H panel committee, representatives from related agencies, and S-MM2H agents, align the S-MM2H programme with updated standards set by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) under the national Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme.
“This marks a significant achievement for the ministry, as it expands the role of the current S-MM2H One-Stop Centre to not only process applications but also issue licences to S-MM2H agents,” he told a press conference here, Thursday (Oct 31).
One notable update to the S-MM2H programme, according to Abdul Karim, is the opening of a fixed deposit account with a local bank in Sarawak, with a minimum deposit of RM500,000 per application inclusive of spouse and dependents compared to the previous condition of RM150,000 per individual.
“All S-MM2H pass holders must also spend a minimum of 30 days per year in Sarawak as a condition for visa renewal or extension,” he added.
He clarified that S-MM2H passes will be valid for five years, after which participants can apply for a five-year renewal.
Upon completing 10 years, they must submit a new application. However, existing S-MM2H participants will continue to follow the current requirements for visa renewal.
New applicants are also required to pay a one-time, non-refundable processing fee of RM5,000 to the MTCP.
The S-MM2H programme is open to citizens from countries that have diplomatic relations with Malaysia, with a minimum age requirement of 30 years.
Regarding the new licensing for agents, Abdul Karim explained that current S-MM2H agents must reapply under Sarawak’s new system.
“Due to the recent delegation of authority from Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry to the state, they have not processed or renewed the existing agents’ licenses.
“Therefore, they will have to reapply with MTCP. Agents can retain their company names but must reapply with us,” he said.
For more details, visit the ministry’s website at https://mtcp.sarawak.gov.my
