KUCHING: It is not a requirement that applicants to the Sarawak-Malaysia My Second Home (S-MM2H) programme must purchase property in the state.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said it is not mandatory but that applicants are encouraged to purchase property in Sarawak.
“It is not necessary that they must buy a property. A lot of people think that participants of S-MM2H must buy a property. No. But they are encouraged to buy,” he said in a press conference after delivering his ministerial winding-up speech on Tuesday (Nov 19).
]Abdul Karim said applications are always thoroughly assessed.
“There must be a valid reason for an application to be rejected or put on hold. Applicants must fulfil a checklist that includes depositing their fixed deposit (FD), undergoing health checks, and demonstrating financial capability,” he said.
“We don’t want people coming here without adequate means and then relying on the Welfare Department for assistance. That’s not acceptable,” he said.
He added the state has even lowered the minimum age for eligibility from 50 to 30, making the programme more accessible to younger applicants.
“However, we don’t welcome those who have ulterior motives. Scammers, human traffickers, those who bring vices.
“That is why when we check every applicant, (say) if he is only 35 years old, he wants to buy a house and build his base here, what is he going to do? What has he been doing before this? If we are suspicious about his background, we will get the police to do further checks.
“We will delay the processing or the approval. But in most cases, almost all applicants get the approval. They don’t have any problem, unless we are very suspicious,” he said.
He also noted that the outcome of an application often depends on how it is submitted — either directly by the applicant or through an agent.
“If an agent is involved, they will usually approach us to understand why the application was rejected. We provide details on what the applicant failed to comply with, such as not meeting the means test or other prerequisite conditions,” he said.
He also said Sarawak is very serious and that the review process is stringent.
“In Sarawak, we undertake a Cabinet meeting and will meet every month to see each and every application.
“That is why, those with ulterior motives, evil intentions, I don’t think they are there to put in the application because they know how stringent it is,” he said.
Abdul Karim added most of the successful applicants have shown interest in Sarawak.
“They love Sarawak. If they get it, some even express a desire to become permanent residents (PR).
“But unfortunately, it’s not going to be easy,” he said.
