Sabah MM2H Overhaul: Latest News and What You Need to Know

Following up on MM2h latest news, the Malaysian federal government has officially delegated full authority to Sabah to implement and manage its own version of the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program. This decision, announced on August 29, 2024, marks a pivotal shift in the state's control over immigration and tourism matters.

The delegation of power comes after a special meeting held in July between Datuk Christina Liew, Sabah's Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, and the federal Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dato' Seri Tiong King Sing. This move allows Sabah to not only run its own MM2H program but also appoint and monitor state agents, a responsibility previously held by the federal government.

"This delegation of power pertains to the appointment of agents by KePKAS, the monitoring of the agents, and the enforcement of the program," explained Minister Liew. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS) will implement its own set of guidelines for appointing and licensing agents, which may differ from the federal MM2H program's requirements.

The formal handover took place on August 28, 2024, when Dato' Roslan Tan Sri Abdul Rahman, Secretary-General of the federal Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, presented the letter of intent to Josie Lai Mei Sing, Permanent Secretary of Sabah's Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Environment.

What has Sarawak's MM2H Program Offered?

This development follows a turbulent period for the national MM2H program. In 2021, stringent new requirements led to an 85% drop in applications nationwide. However, Sarawak's MM2H program flourished during this time, seeing a remarkable 2,800% increase in applications in 2023. The federal government has since made revisions to make the program more attractive to high-net-worth individuals, introducing a three-tier system without income requirements in June 2024.

When was Sabah MM2H Latest Update Released?

Sabah launched its own MM2H program on July 2, 2024, offering a ten-year residency permit to successful applicants. With this new authority, Sabah hopes to streamline the application process, which previously took eight to ten weeks for approval.

The State Committee, chaired by Minister Liew, will oversee the program's operations, including screening applications before issuing MM2H passes. This localised control is expected to enhance efficiency and responsiveness to local needs and conditions.

To ensure smooth implementation, Dato' Roslan has called for future trilateral meetings between the federal ministry, Sabah, and Sarawak's tourism ministry. These meetings aim to address any issues arising from the implementation of MM2H in these states and maintain "a good working relationship" among all parties involved.

This move towards decentralisation in managing the MM2H program reflects Malaysia's recognition of the unique needs and potentials of its diverse states. As Sabah takes the reins of its MM2H program, it joins Sarawak in offering tailored long-stay options for international residents, potentially boosting the state's appeal to global investors and retirees.

The success of Sabah's autonomous MM2H program could set a precedent for other states in Malaysia, potentially leading to a more diverse and competitive landscape for long-stay visas across the country. As this new chapter unfolds, all eyes will be on Sabah to see how it leverages this newfound authority to enhance its tourism and investment sectors.