KUCHING: The Sarawak-Malaysia My Second Home (S-MM2H) programme has recorded an almost 100 per cent approval rate for participants, according to Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts attributed this impressive approval rate to thorough vetting conducted by the Immigration Department, the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP), and other relevant bodies before applications reach the S-MM2H committee.
“By the time the applications reach this committee, they have already been checked thoroughly to meet all criteria, including medical check-ups, fixed deposit placements, and other requirements,” he stated at a press conference here, Thursday (Oct 31).
Abdul Karim noted that the committee may occasionally request additional information, especially if certain applications raise concerns, such as young applicants purchasing multi-million-ringgit properties.
“In cases where we need more assurance, we might ask KIV (keep in view) to recheck the background of applicants to avoid potential issues, such as scams or human trafficking,” he added.
According to Abdul Karim, from 2007 to 2019, the S-MM2H programme saw a total of 1,240 approved participants, but it has seen significant surge following enhancements made to the programme in September 2020, September 2022, and August 2023.
“Between 2020 and August 2024, 1,462 participants were approved, marking a significant increase over a shorter timeframe,” he added.
He also revealed that the top 10 nationalities of S-MM2H participants are led by China (391), followed by the United Kingdom (350), Taiwan (262), Hong Kong (255), the United States (210), Singapore (207), South Korea (178), Japan (138), Australia (121), and Indonesia (117).
In 2023 alone, the number of S-MM2H participants grew by 22.9 per cent, from 441 in 2022 to 542.
He said the programme has also contributed significantly to local banks in Sarawak, with fixed deposits totaling RM56.7 million in 2023.
As of August 2024, an additional 386 participants have been approved, with fixed deposits amounting to RM77.55 million.
