KUALA LUMPUR – Masjid Tanah MP Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin has been accused of confusing the public and provoking racial sentiments for allegedly insinuating that the revamped Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme panders to applicants from China.
Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister (Motac) Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said the programme is aimed at boosting the nation’s economic recovery, and applicants – which are accepted worldwide – would undergo a thorough inspection before being approved.
He added that every applicant must pass a strict review process, including financial screenings and background checks, before they are eligible to receive a pass according to conditions imposed by the Immigration Department.
Any violations and misconduct by the applicant would result in their applications being revoked.
“Why must Mas Ermieyati confuse the public and claim that the programme only sides with applicants from China? What is she trying to convey through provocations by picking on a specific country?
“Every applicant – irrespective of nationality – must fulfil terms in the Platinum category before they are allowed to apply for permanent residence (PR),” he said in a Facebook post last night.
Tiong added that the improvement in MM2H’s criteria and terms was to encourage applications, especially those with high financial standing.
“Many other nations have programmes like MM2H, besides Malaysia, and the application process is thoroughly verified.
“Mas Ermieyati’s comments show her ignorance on numerous matters, and this is a way for her to gain political attention.”
The ministry announced that the MM2H programme would see significant relaxation in its requirements, after Malaysia experienced a 90% drop in applications since the programme’s reintroduction in October 2021.
The ministry emphasised that these adjustments are part of a one-year trial period, subject to standardisation based on current needs, aiming to simplify and make the MM2H application process more flexible.
Under the new structure, the MM2H programme is now divided into three categories: Platinum, Gold, and Silver, each tailored to specific financial criteria.
The Platinum category, aimed at those maintaining a RM5 million (US$1.05 million) fixed deposit, allows applicants to apply for permanent residence (PR) status upon obtaining the Platinum pass.
The Gold category requires a minimum RM2 million (US$420,800) fixed deposit and offers a 15-year renewable multiple entry visa (MEV).
On the other hand, the Silver category involves a RM500,000 (US$107,000) fixed deposit with a five-year renewable MEV. – December 17, 2023