Hi Exhale,
l still have some strong ties to Singapore, and I might go into the city 2 or 3 times a week. I might even work part-time, and would need to go in every other day. I feel a part of Singapore, but it's getting to costly. I rent my place here, and I just can't see myself living here very long term because of the cost. For the next two or three years, I would be near Singapore, and slowly spend all my time in Malaysia after a few years.

MM2H sounds great. I do worry a bit about the banks, but I have some friends who certainly trust the banks, so I'm not concerned too much.

I feel a little more inclined to live in JB in a nice condo with good security features and close to the Causeway. However, I do like the tranquility that Nusajaya offers also.

Regards,
Rob

I used to feel part of Singapore too... But the feeling passed the propaganda wears off once you get out. You'll have to take my word on that. And I am being quite serious.

I'm a bit puzzled about your banking concerns. We've found CIMB and Hong Leong to be pretty good. Think both banks are in Singapore too? And nothing to stop you keeping bank accounts in Singapore either, even if you relinquish PR. We have no connections with Singapore now, but still keep bank accounts there.

I appreciate your candor. I have one quick question. When you are in the MM2H program and you need to put RM150,000 in the bank, I've heard that the interest in about 3%. Is it true that you are not able to touch anything in that bank account, including the interest, until one year has passed and then you can withdraw a certain amount to buy a home.

Thank you if you can answer that.

Rob

Rules as of this moment, the deposit has to stay in place for the duration of your visa. The amount to be deposited is dependent on your age (below or above 50). Take a look at the conditions on the gov website below.

http://www.mm2h.gov.my/conditions.php

So if you are 50+ currently, the Fixed Deposit amount is RM 150,000 but you can take out RM 50,000 after 1 year** for property purchase etc (see gov website)

The deposits don't get done until you have approval of the visa. You get a conditional approval letter and that will instruct you what you have to do to complete.

So best thing is to get 2 fixed deposits set up. One for RM 100,000 and one for RM 50,000. That way, you can easily split out the 50,000 when the time comes. Also make sure that the interest goes into another account (current account, savings account whatever). The interest doesn't have to be lumped in with the Fixed Deposit.

** Please note. There are a few little grey areas to interpret on the MM2H gov website. Well.... that's Malaysia for you, heh heh

I think (and I cannot remember exactly) that the subject of putting down a reduced deposit amount i.e. RM 100,000 only if you already have a property may be possible. This was discussed recently on my2home info site. I'll find you a link later. The gov website (see the link above) hints at it in the first paragraph, item iii

My head hurts thinking about all this. Is MM2H an equivalent of Singaporean PR?

Do you have to go through the MM2H programme to buy a property in Malaysia?

I need to do a lot more reading...

It is great to see so much discussion in a thread about Johor.

There is a huge thread focused on the 2nd link area of Johor

http://sammyboy.com/showthread.php?3...-in-JB/page668

For MM2H

http://www.mm2h.gov.my/

http://www.my2home.info/index.php/board,16.0.html

The JB area seems to be really growing as an area people are considering. The area seems to really be moving in the right direction and is quite a nice place to live.

Bocat, MM2H is a visa. It's not Permanent Residence (PR). But it's a serious visa. It's 10 years AND renewable. You can think of it like a Permanent Tourist (PT )

If you're interested in MM2H have a good look at the 2 links that Curiouscat has provided. Tons of info on both sites. More than I can explain to you. Don't be daunted by all the info. If you have the time, you can read up and apply youself (DIY). If you don't want to do that, you can pay an agent to do all the work for you. The choice is yours.

No, you do not need to have MM2H visa to buy a property. Any foreigner can buy. There's a minimum rate of RM 500,000 (but see my previous post re Penang) and you can buy freehold too.

Curiouscat, agree it's nice to hear a lot about Johor. Once Traders Hotel in Nusajaya is built, I'll be down for a holiday

Hi,
We (my wife and two kids) are quite interested to move to JB and for that doing some research on the amenities. We are Singaporean and I need to travel to SG–City on working days at 8am. I would like to share on my findings –

Housing – Both Horizon Hill and East Ledang have good housing at reasonable price/rental. I will go for either one.

Transport to SG – I have seen couple of carpool and private van to charge about S$200 per month. Still looking for a reliable service to confirm my transport.

Daily shopping – there are few shops and market near to the Horizon Hill and Bukit Indah area. Happy with that

Security – do not see any big problem with it.

Schooling? – this is the area I am stuck now and unable to solve my problem. I have two children – at Sec1 and Pr4. Currently both are studying at local Singapore school, though trying to put them at private school in JB. Do you have any advice on school bus from HH/EL to SG and/or information about good private school in JB? BTW, I have seen Fairview (not interested …) and Austin (acceptable..).

If any of you have answer to my problem, please contact me at 97698680. Happy to share my other experiences too.

hmsayeed

If you do drive a Singapore-plated vehicle, it might be easier for you to just drive yourself in and out.

As for schooling, Marlborough College will open in August 2012 which you may want to consider.

http://www.marlboroughcollege.org/malaysia/

I will be avoiding the private school route myself for my child though when it's his time. Not sure I want him spending his early schooling years surrounded by other children who come exclusively from privileged backgrounds.

I know only what I read online. http://www.marlboroughcollege.org/malaysia/ is the new school that seems to have some people excited and it is located in Nusajaya. I think maybe it is even more expensive than other international schools? Anyway that seems like one you should look into, if you haven't.

So true! I am moving to Horizon Hills by April hopefully, and while my son is still only 3, I do not see how I will ever enroll him in something like Marlborough College when he gets older.

I'm not sure about the interview part, it seems reasonable to me, but I definitely don't want him having schoolmates who by definition, come only from exclusively privileged backgrounds.

Early days yet, but I think I will likely try to find a good local Chinese school for him there when his time comes. I hope the one in Horizon Hills is decent.

Meantime, I will be heading in again to look at nursery and kindergarten options on Tuesday.


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Anyone here live in Nusajaya with a SG EP visa? Will the renewal be difficult? Or worst case get revoke?

EP allows you to stay in Singapore for work, it doesn't say you must stay in Singapore.

Living in Johor and commuting to Singapore for work should have no bearing on your EP renewal.

Finally we have completed move from SG to east ledang, Nusajaya. This is my first week though, the experience is not that bad, and has not faced any problem yet. On other hand, my kids and I can reach office/school early, i.e. within 30-40min.
cheers

Glad to hear all is going well.
As you may have read above I found that the claim someone could do the journey from Nusajaya to Sing central in 40 minutes as very unlikely.
Would you mind just telling where in Singapore you work??

I am looking out of my window at the moment and can see that traffic on Clementi Ave 6 towards the AYE is at a standstill and the traffic on the AYE towards the city is very slow.

My missus is thinking about a move to Malaysia now and then although I can't see it as a possibility at the moment.