Sabah MM2H programme launched without Putrajaya’s approval, says ministry

• “The conditions were set unilaterally by the state’s tourism, culture, and environment ministry without consulting the federal ministry,” Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry said in a statement.

KUALA LUMPUR (July 8): The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) did not approve any criteria for the Sabah Malaysia My Second Home (Sabah MM2H) programme launched last month.

According to reports based on a Motac statement last week, the decision to launch the Sabah MM2H scheme with its own criteria was made without consulting the former.

“The conditions were set unilaterally by the state’s tourism, culture, and environment ministry without consulting the federal ministry,” Motac said in a statement which was reported by news portal FMT.

Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew said on June 30 that the Sabah MM2H programme has received approval from the Federal government and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, with an expected approval timeline of around eight to ten weeks.

She said the Sabah MM2H programme is applicable only within the state, emphasising that participants are prohibited from using the permit to work in Malaysia.

Motac called on the Sabah authorities to ensure that any decisions made on the state’s MM2H programme are in compliance with the law, including the Tourism Industry Act 1992, and its regulations, reported FMT.

Motac added it would welcome a meeting with the Sabah ministry to discuss any issues or questions arising from the MM2H programme.

Liew did mention on June 30 during the launch of Sabah MM2H that affordable homes are not eligible under this programme. “Affordable housing is reserved for local Sabahans and is not intended for foreign investment through this programme."

"We will also ensure there is no subletting of these permits. A committee will oversee these matters," she added.

Liew also stated that applicants for the state’s MM2H scheme must be at least 30 years old, come from countries with diplomatic relations with Malaysia, meet fixed deposit and financial prerequisites, and are restricted to purchasing high-rise properties valued at least RM600,000.

The Sabah MM2H scheme started accepting applications on July 1.

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