Sarawak M2H
#211
BE Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2017
Location: Kuching, Sarawak
Posts: 674
Re: Sarawak M2H
There are a lot of miscommunications between Ministries and between a Ministry and the private sector. One long term one is the statement on the Ministry of Sport, Tourism and Culture's website that the SM2H is for 10 Years. That's a myth that the Minister repeats here.
https://www.newsarawaktribune.com.my...cement-dr-sim/
Another is that Permanent Residents can be a sponsor. The website still states that one can get a waiver of the import tariff for an imported used vehicle or domestically built vehicle. Since that would be a Federal policy I seriously doubt the benefit exists any more.
There are a whole host of "policies" instituted by the Ministry of Immigration that are out of synch with the idea of making it easier. Documents only in Malay; the "Journey Performed" fee- designed to prevent solicitation of employers- which makes no sense for SM2H, requiring people to take their Health Checks to a single clinic to be authorized; Requiring that every page of a passport be copied (even blank ones)., etc.
Dr. Sim likely gave his introductory talk at the "opening" and hopefully immigration pointed out that "actually we do ask applicants to attempt to stay in Sarawak" and Sabah has recently barred those on MM2H from the Peninsula and SM2H from residing in their State and allowing those on their program for residing elsewhere. That's the sort of information that is critical, particular to Ministers negotiating bilateral agreements between States within Malaysia. As well, given the number of property agents involved in the workshop it would seem likely that they might see requiring applicants to purchase/rent land or property as a requirement as beneficial to their bottom lines. But instituting such a rule would actually REDUCE the number of applicants.
So new regulations might very well be introduced that is NOT beneficial to the program under the argument that it will attract more "quality applicants". But who would BUY property when they are over 50, have no long-term guarantee of residency, can't pass on the property they own to a child who can become Resident. You have to solve the issue of PR and inheritance before you'll get people purchasing real estate.
I just delivered a 17 page analysis of How to Make SM2H more successful, attractive and applicant friendly, better known, AND will generate more income directly and indirectly to the State. Hopefully they'll take a look-see and find it interesting and innovative. Maybe because it comes from an orang puti it will be placed in the blue colored filing cabinet down the hall.
https://www.newsarawaktribune.com.my...cement-dr-sim/
Another is that Permanent Residents can be a sponsor. The website still states that one can get a waiver of the import tariff for an imported used vehicle or domestically built vehicle. Since that would be a Federal policy I seriously doubt the benefit exists any more.
There are a whole host of "policies" instituted by the Ministry of Immigration that are out of synch with the idea of making it easier. Documents only in Malay; the "Journey Performed" fee- designed to prevent solicitation of employers- which makes no sense for SM2H, requiring people to take their Health Checks to a single clinic to be authorized; Requiring that every page of a passport be copied (even blank ones)., etc.
Dr. Sim likely gave his introductory talk at the "opening" and hopefully immigration pointed out that "actually we do ask applicants to attempt to stay in Sarawak" and Sabah has recently barred those on MM2H from the Peninsula and SM2H from residing in their State and allowing those on their program for residing elsewhere. That's the sort of information that is critical, particular to Ministers negotiating bilateral agreements between States within Malaysia. As well, given the number of property agents involved in the workshop it would seem likely that they might see requiring applicants to purchase/rent land or property as a requirement as beneficial to their bottom lines. But instituting such a rule would actually REDUCE the number of applicants.
So new regulations might very well be introduced that is NOT beneficial to the program under the argument that it will attract more "quality applicants". But who would BUY property when they are over 50, have no long-term guarantee of residency, can't pass on the property they own to a child who can become Resident. You have to solve the issue of PR and inheritance before you'll get people purchasing real estate.
I just delivered a 17 page analysis of How to Make SM2H more successful, attractive and applicant friendly, better known, AND will generate more income directly and indirectly to the State. Hopefully they'll take a look-see and find it interesting and innovative. Maybe because it comes from an orang puti it will be placed in the blue colored filing cabinet down the hall.
Last edited by RedApe; May 13th 2019 at 10:33 am.
#212
BE Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2017
Location: Kuching, Sarawak
Posts: 674
Re: Sarawak M2H
I've set up a Sarawak My Second Home Facebook Site/Group that contains information about the CURRENT Program Requirements and some other topics interesting to applicants or potential applicants.
When the Rules change I'll alter the information.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/Sarawak-My-Second-Home-392953571551468/photos/?ref=page_internal
https://www.facebook.com/groups/168068210798651/
I hope this assist some people who might want to refer people to that program.
When the Rules change I'll alter the information.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/Sarawak-My-Second-Home-392953571551468/photos/?ref=page_internal
https://www.facebook.com/groups/168068210798651/
I hope this assist some people who might want to refer people to that program.
#213
BE Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2017
Location: Kuching, Sarawak
Posts: 674
Re: Sarawak M2H
"Sarawak's Best Kept Secret- Malaysia My Second Home" by Edgar Ong
https://www.theborneopost.com/2019/0...xejPDD-9s_mXOE
https://www.theborneopost.com/2019/0...xejPDD-9s_mXOE
Last edited by RedApe; Aug 24th 2019 at 2:09 pm. Reason: author name
#214
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2018
Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Posts: 27
Re: Sarawak M2H
The website https://mtacys.sarawak.gov.my/ states over the past few days that it is under maintenance. Could we guess that the application criteria had been reviewed and would be posted soon?
#215
BE Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2017
Location: Kuching, Sarawak
Posts: 674
Re: Sarawak M2H
The whole Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports link is being upgraded/"down for maintenance"...not just the links on the MM2H program. Could be anything. But I suspect that a revision to Sarawak MM2H policies would not require the whole site going off line, nor take so long.
#216
Just Joined
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 2
Re: Sarawak M2H
Been to Sarawak with my spouse and got his smm2h visa stamped on the 28th October 2019
Thank you Jerry for all the guidance when we needed it most. Kudos. Much appreciated for all the advices.
Only concern now is that my spouse were told by the immigration officer that we can only reside in Sarawak, contradiction with what is stated on the website, that we can reside anywhere in Malaysia.
Someone, help?
Our plan was based on living on the peninsula.
Thank you Jerry for all the guidance when we needed it most. Kudos. Much appreciated for all the advices.
Only concern now is that my spouse were told by the immigration officer that we can only reside in Sarawak, contradiction with what is stated on the website, that we can reside anywhere in Malaysia.
Someone, help?
Our plan was based on living on the peninsula.
#217
BE Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2017
Location: Kuching, Sarawak
Posts: 674
Re: Sarawak M2H
I suspect a Junior Officer trained on the Peninsula. They are told that those applying to the peninsular MM2H cannot live in Sarawak or Sabah and ASSUME that the same applies to the Peninsula for Sarawak. Also they are well aware that people are using Sarawak as a "back door" to avoiding the long waits on the peninsula...now almost a year. Sarawak has about a 2 month period from submission of application to approval. Immigration knows about this situation and thus asks/tells applicants that they should live in Sarawak. But until it's stated on the Conditional Letter of Approval and they start requiring some proof of lease or a deed (which means same issues as Sabah) then it's not enforceable.
In fact, Sarawak still allows applicants to SM2H to live on the Peninsula...or even outside the country. Sabah did change their policy a few years ago. Now Sabah requires recipients to show a tenancy or property purchase agreement in order to be approved for Sabah MM2H. This has produced some issues as some landlords will only agree to long term leases if the applicant has a long-term visa. I suspect that with a bit of money anything can be arranged...and likely the agents are in cahoots with the property managers. Heck, there may even be phony leases and deeds flying about. In addition purchase of property in Sabah with an MM2H visa in hand has a floor of RM500K, but without it...it's RM1 Million. So it's a bit of a Catch-22.
I am a bit concerned that it may be put into the revised program as Property Agents really want people to buy property...and they are short-sighted. They'll actually just reduce the number of applications.
The downside of the Sarawak MM2H is, of course, the requirement of a Sarawakian sponsor and the illegal avaricious agents that charge usurious fees for simply finding a Sarawakian to act as a sponsor (and I emphasize "act"). If people spent a month in Sarawak they'd likely find a local to do it for 1/5th to 1/10th as much.
As advice...live in the Peninsula if you want. When you (or your husband) reapplies, rent a place with a rental agreement. Ask the landlord to make it month to month and you'll pay a bit more. Use this to prove "Sarawak Residency". But currently Proof of Residency within Sarawak is not required for Renewal. Maybe that will change - as they are revising the program.
In fact, Sarawak still allows applicants to SM2H to live on the Peninsula...or even outside the country. Sabah did change their policy a few years ago. Now Sabah requires recipients to show a tenancy or property purchase agreement in order to be approved for Sabah MM2H. This has produced some issues as some landlords will only agree to long term leases if the applicant has a long-term visa. I suspect that with a bit of money anything can be arranged...and likely the agents are in cahoots with the property managers. Heck, there may even be phony leases and deeds flying about. In addition purchase of property in Sabah with an MM2H visa in hand has a floor of RM500K, but without it...it's RM1 Million. So it's a bit of a Catch-22.
I am a bit concerned that it may be put into the revised program as Property Agents really want people to buy property...and they are short-sighted. They'll actually just reduce the number of applications.
The downside of the Sarawak MM2H is, of course, the requirement of a Sarawakian sponsor and the illegal avaricious agents that charge usurious fees for simply finding a Sarawakian to act as a sponsor (and I emphasize "act"). If people spent a month in Sarawak they'd likely find a local to do it for 1/5th to 1/10th as much.
As advice...live in the Peninsula if you want. When you (or your husband) reapplies, rent a place with a rental agreement. Ask the landlord to make it month to month and you'll pay a bit more. Use this to prove "Sarawak Residency". But currently Proof of Residency within Sarawak is not required for Renewal. Maybe that will change - as they are revising the program.
#218
Just Joined
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 2
Re: Sarawak M2H
I suspect a Junior Officer trained on the Peninsula. They are told that those applying to the peninsular MM2H cannot live in Sarawak or Sabah and ASSUME that the same applies to the Peninsula for Sarawak. Also they are well aware that people are using Sarawak as a "back door" to avoiding the long waits on the peninsula...now almost a year. Sarawak has about a 2 month period from submission of application to approval. Immigration knows about this situation and thus asks/tells applicants that they should live in Sarawak. But until it's stated on the Conditional Letter of Approval and they start requiring some proof of lease or a deed (which means same issues as Sabah) then it's not enforceable.
In fact, Sarawak still allows applicants to SM2H to live on the Peninsula...or even outside the country. Sabah did change their policy a few years ago. Now Sabah requires recipients to show a tenancy or property purchase agreement in order to be approved for Sabah MM2H. This has produced some issues as some landlords will only agree to long term leases if the applicant has a long-term visa. I suspect that with a bit of money anything can be arranged...and likely the agents are in cahoots with the property managers. Heck, there may even be phony leases and deeds flying about. In addition purchase of property in Sabah with an MM2H visa in hand has a floor of RM500K, but without it...it's RM1 Million. So it's a bit of a Catch-22.
I am a bit concerned that it may be put into the revised program as Property Agents really want people to buy property...and they are short-sighted. They'll actually just reduce the number of applications.
The downside of the Sarawak MM2H is, of course, the requirement of a Sarawakian sponsor and the illegal avaricious agents that charge usurious fees for simply finding a Sarawakian to act as a sponsor (and I emphasize "act"). If people spent a month in Sarawak they'd likely find a local to do it for 1/5th to 1/10th as much.
As advice...live in the Peninsula if you want. When you (or your husband) reapplies, rent a place with a rental agreement. Ask the landlord to make it month to month and you'll pay a bit more. Use this to prove "Sarawak Residency". But currently Proof of Residency within Sarawak is not required for Renewal. Maybe that will change - as they are revising the program.
In fact, Sarawak still allows applicants to SM2H to live on the Peninsula...or even outside the country. Sabah did change their policy a few years ago. Now Sabah requires recipients to show a tenancy or property purchase agreement in order to be approved for Sabah MM2H. This has produced some issues as some landlords will only agree to long term leases if the applicant has a long-term visa. I suspect that with a bit of money anything can be arranged...and likely the agents are in cahoots with the property managers. Heck, there may even be phony leases and deeds flying about. In addition purchase of property in Sabah with an MM2H visa in hand has a floor of RM500K, but without it...it's RM1 Million. So it's a bit of a Catch-22.
I am a bit concerned that it may be put into the revised program as Property Agents really want people to buy property...and they are short-sighted. They'll actually just reduce the number of applications.
The downside of the Sarawak MM2H is, of course, the requirement of a Sarawakian sponsor and the illegal avaricious agents that charge usurious fees for simply finding a Sarawakian to act as a sponsor (and I emphasize "act"). If people spent a month in Sarawak they'd likely find a local to do it for 1/5th to 1/10th as much.
As advice...live in the Peninsula if you want. When you (or your husband) reapplies, rent a place with a rental agreement. Ask the landlord to make it month to month and you'll pay a bit more. Use this to prove "Sarawak Residency". But currently Proof of Residency within Sarawak is not required for Renewal. Maybe that will change - as they are revising the program.
we are supposed to be celebrating after the mm2h stamp, alas a bit of a downer when was told otherwised. hmmm, fingers crossed, will keep you posted. cheers
#219
Forum Regular
Joined: Dec 2018
Location: Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Posts: 187
Re: Sarawak M2H
Been to Sarawak with my spouse and got his smm2h visa stamped on the 28th October 2019
Only concern now is that my spouse were told by the immigration officer that we can only reside in Sarawak, contradiction with what is stated on the website, that we can reside anywhere in Malaysia.
Our plan was based on living on the peninsula.
Only concern now is that my spouse were told by the immigration officer that we can only reside in Sarawak, contradiction with what is stated on the website, that we can reside anywhere in Malaysia.
Our plan was based on living on the peninsula.
#220
BE Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2017
Location: Kuching, Sarawak
Posts: 674
Re: Sarawak M2H
Just to follow up on the above.
I contacted the Sarawak MM2H Director at the Ministry of Tourism in Kuching and asked about any changes re. mandatory residency in Sarawak.
She said that there hasn't been any such change and currently one can live and stay anywhere in West Malaysia as well as Sarawak without restriction. She suggested either that the immigration officer was trained in Sabah or misread the requirement that those wanting to live IN SARAWAK must apply through the Sarawak Immigration.
But there has been no rule change and you should face no issues at renewal as you were approved under the "old set of rules". Just keep your letter of conditional approval in a Safe Place. When the new rules come out (and if there is a change) show them the letter and the dates to indicate that your approval was under the old rules. Your MM2H pass will say "Permitted to Enter and Stay in Malaysia until....(date)." There is no Condition or Restriction that a Sarawak MM2H Recipient has to reside in Sarawak, at least not yet.
I contacted the Sarawak MM2H Director at the Ministry of Tourism in Kuching and asked about any changes re. mandatory residency in Sarawak.
She said that there hasn't been any such change and currently one can live and stay anywhere in West Malaysia as well as Sarawak without restriction. She suggested either that the immigration officer was trained in Sabah or misread the requirement that those wanting to live IN SARAWAK must apply through the Sarawak Immigration.
But there has been no rule change and you should face no issues at renewal as you were approved under the "old set of rules". Just keep your letter of conditional approval in a Safe Place. When the new rules come out (and if there is a change) show them the letter and the dates to indicate that your approval was under the old rules. Your MM2H pass will say "Permitted to Enter and Stay in Malaysia until....(date)." There is no Condition or Restriction that a Sarawak MM2H Recipient has to reside in Sarawak, at least not yet.
#221
BE Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2017
Location: Kuching, Sarawak
Posts: 674
Re: Sarawak M2H
Perhaps a useful item.
A Sarawak MM2H Brochure (Current Rules).
A Sarawak MM2H Brochure (Current Rules).
#222
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2018
Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Posts: 27
Re: Sarawak M2H
RedApe: You say in your Brochure that "Currently a Sarawak sponsor is required but this is under review". How long do you think it would take for them to review the mandatory "sponsor" requirement? Many thanks.
#224
BE Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2017
Location: Kuching, Sarawak
Posts: 674
Re: Sarawak M2H