The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry has unveiled a revamped version of the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme which now has three tiers – Silver, Gold and Platinum.

Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (pic) said each tier will have specific eligibility requirements.

The type of entry visa available to applicants will also vary according to the tier for which they qualify.

“The objective is to simplify the often-criticised MM2H application procedures by introducing more flexibility and clarity,” he said in a statement on Friday (Dec 15).

Tiong is on a working trip to China; the announcement comes after bilateral discussions and promotional activities with Chinese platforms during his visit, which focusses on collaborative marketing efforts.

He said the unveiling aligns with the upcoming 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China in 2024, positioning MM2H as a special gift to mark this milestone.

Tiong was confident that the revamped programme would attract a wider pool of applicants, fostering global interest in Malaysia as a second home destination.

He said the revamped programme will be run as a trial for one year and remained open to adjustments based on evolving circumstances to ensure that it stayed relevant and effective.

The revised system makes several changes to eligibility criteria.

The minimum age requirement has been lowered to 30 years, opening the door to more people who seek to make Malaysia their second home.

Applications can only be submitted through licensed MM2H agents accredited by the ministry under the Tourism Industry Act 1992 as a way to make the process more streamlined and secure.

Another significant change is an expanded list of eligible dependents.

In addition to spouses, children below 21 and children with disabilities, the programme now covers all children between 21 and 34 years old who are not working in Malaysia or married.

Furthermore, parents and parents-in-law are now eligible to be included as dependents.

Under the Platinum tier, participants must have a fixed deposit (FD) of RM5mil (approximately US$1.05mil). After one year, a maximum withdrawal of 50% is allowed for property purchase (with a minimum value of RM1.5mil and above), healthcare and domestic travel within Malaysia.

The Gold tier sets the FD requirement at RM2mil (approximately US$420,800) with similar withdrawal provisions for property purchases (minimum value of RM750,000 and above), healthcare and domestic travel.

The Silver tier requires RM500,000 (approximately US$105,000) in FD with similar withdrawal provisions.

Irrespective of the chosen tier, all participants must fulfil the minimum stay requirement of residing in Malaysia for a cumulative total of 60 days annually.

The MM2H programme was reactivated on Aug 11, 2021 with revised conditions, after being put on hold for a year because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Under the 2021 conditions, participants must spend a minimum of 90 cumulative days in the country annually, have an offshore income of at least RM40,000 per month (increased from RM10,000), and maintain a fixed deposit account of at least RM1mil.

A maximum withdrawal of 50% is allowed for property purchase or spending on health and children’s education.

Many, including Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar and stakeholders, said the revised conditions were too restrictive and unattractive to potential applicants.

Source: TheStar.com.my

About Mezzo @ The Light City

The first residential project at The Light City – a large-scale 32.76 acre integrated mixed-use waterfront development by  IJM Perennial Development in Gelugor, Penang. Strategically located next to The Light Collection, just a mere minutes drive from Penang Bridge and George Town.

It comprises two 34-storey residential towers, featuring 456 seaview condominium units with various built-up sizes.

Find out more about Mezzo @ The Light City

Taman Penaga Indah, a small-scale landed residential development by SP Maju Jaya Sdn. Bhd. in Penaga. It is situated along Jalan Bawah Penaga, approximately a 20-minute drive north from Penang Bridge. The development is conveniently located within a less than 5-minute walking distance from SK Penaga and is surrounded by several other public schools within a 2km radius, namely SK Penaga Jaya, SMK Sri Muda, and SRJK Aik Keow

This project comprises a total of 33 landed homes, featuring a mix of single-storey semi-detached and bungalow units. Each unit will offer a minimum of 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, with a land area of at least 31ft x 72ft.

Project Name : Taman Penaga Indah
Location : Penaga
Property Type : Residential
Total Units: 30 (semi-d), 3 (bungalow)
Built-up Size: 23ft x 43ft onwards
Land Area: 31ft x 72ft onwards
Tenure: Freehold
Indicative Price: RM560,000 onwards
Developer : SP Maju Jaya Sdn. Bhd.

The Madani Inclusive Housing Concept will be catalyst for the development of affordable housing projects for the target groups in the country said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said the efforts started with the cooperation of the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to provide houses to the targeted groups in the capital and the initiative will be carried out together with the related government agencies.

Anwar said the government was always committed and focused on the housing agenda to make sure all Malaysians, no matter what household income group they belong too, are able to live in a conducive and harmonious environment to support the formation of a Madani community that enjoys quality and cohesive living,” he said in his Facebook posting on Monday.

Earlier in the day, Anwar had chaired the National Affordable Housing Council (MPMMN) meeting to discuss the housing issues between the federal government, state governments and industry players that also touched on the direction taken, coordination and monitoring of affordable housing plans, construction and maintenance of houses.

Anwar said during the meeting, he agreed to the target of providing 500,000 affordable housing units under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK12), and stress the importance of achieving the target so as to benefit the people.

“Once again I have stressed the need to expedite efforts and approval period to boost investment and ease the business dealing processes that will encourage businesses and attract investment. This will attract developers to build more affordable houses,” he said.

The meeting was attended by the respective menteri besar, chief ministers, housing excos, cabinet ministers and agencies involved in housing from the federal government, state government, statutory bodies as well as housing developers from the private sector.

Source: TheEdgeMalaysia.com

Road users are advised to plan their journey ahead of the Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM) which is set to take place on Dec 17.

The event has attracted some 20,000 participants worldwide.

Insp Aizad Muhaimin from the Penang contingent police headquarters Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department announced the closure of the Penang Bridge (first bridge) from midnight to 10 am on Dec 17.

“If the situation clears up quickly, there’s a possibility we might reopen the Penang Bridge before 10 am. However, rest assured it will not be later than 10 am.

“A total of 300 police personnel will be on duty during the event,” said Aizad during a press conference on Monday.

Insp Aizad also added that similar to the previous year, several other roads would be closed down in stages from Dec 16, starting at 11pm, with traffic diversion starting at 9pm.

Assistant Superintendent Police (ASP) Zulkifli Ahmad from the Penang contingent police headquarters traffic unit said participants can park their vehicles at Queensbay Mall, the Q1 and Q2 car park areas.

Visitors are also encouraged to park their vehicles near the Bayan Lepas free industrial zone and surrounding areas.

Residents residing near the road closure area, including The Light and other affected areas, will have access to their homes. Additionally, motorists can use an alternative route to reach Batu Maung and Penang International Airport.

State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said out of the 20,000 participants, 3,800 participants registered for the Full Marathon, 7,750 for the Half Marathon, and the rest for the 10km category.

“To enhance the convenience of the public and participants, the Penang ferry service will also be extended from 10pm (Dec 16) to 6am (Dec 17). The Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge will remain open for the public,” he added.

For more information on road closures, the public is encouraged to visit the official Facebook page of the Royal Police Malaysia (PDRM) at https://www.facebook.com/PolisPulauPinang/about?locale=ms_MY

Source: Buletin Mutiara