Sarawak My Second Home Program page 7 - Malaysia forum

cinnamonape · 2018-02-26T21:02:32+01:00

I though I'd post an Independent Thread on the Sarawak version of the Malaysia My Second Home Program which is different in several ways from the version in the Peninsular Malaysian States. Why you ask? Well, when Malaysia formed Sarawak and Sabah were British Colonies while Malaya had been independent several years. The new members insisted on some conditions as part of the union, including an Independent State Bureaucracy (including Immigration and Tourism) and maintaining their own Constitutional protections from the Rajah Brooke-era. [Note: This report was written four years ago and there has since been some small revisions in the program that are posted on the Official Sarawak MM2H website, along with a list of agents and application forms] https://mtcp.sarawak.gov.my/page-0-179-49-Sarawak-Malaysia-My-Second-Home-Explanation-Flyer-Forms.html I just completed the process on February 1st 2018, on my own, without an agent and from arrival/submission of documents it took almost precisely TWO MONTHS. That also included some shut down time in government offices for Christmas and New Years holidays. This would be record time on the Peninsula. I suspect that a well-prepared individual could do it in a month. It's IMPERATIVE that anyone intending to [live in] Sarawak or Sabah do so at the Immigration offices in those States. You cannot convert your Peninsular MM2H to those states, you would have to reapply in full. Although you cannot transfer your MM2H to Sarawak or Sabah, you CAN do the opposite. For example, someone on the MM2H (Peninsular) cannot buy property in Sarawak. But a Sarawak M2H can do so in the Peninsula. They can reside their whole time in Penang if they so wish, or move to Sabah. [Correction- December 2019: Sabah appears to be denying Sabah MM2H recipients the privilege of living in the Peninsula. In fact they expect them to establish either a long-term lease or purchase property in the State. They do not allow Sarawak MM2H or Peninsular MM2H to reside long-term in Sabah, either.] It's difficult to find out information about the Sabah Program, though my understanding is that it largely is the same in terms of requirements and benefits [except one cannot live in other Malaysian states and must reside long-term in Sabah] as the Peninsular programs. One does have to submit all the documents to the Immigration Department for Sabah. One can apply on your own. They have a number of agents that are authorized as well. One benefit...The minimum floor for purchasing a condominium or home is lower than in most of the peninsula. I can tell you in detail about the Sarawak version...in reality. Some things are different that what they advertise, however. Unlike the Peninsular version it's definitely a RETIREMENT visa program. With one or two exceptions (if you have school age children in school) it's for a primary applicant 50 years of age or above. As well, with rare exceptions (e.g. a government consultancy) you cannot work in Sarawak. This was surprising to me as I came entirely decked out with bank slips and 401K forms...UNLIKE the PENINSULA Sarawak doesn't require that you demonstrate proof of ANY liquid assets abroad at ALL. ]FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS] EITHER OPTION 1] (Pension/Off-Shore Income Option)] I simply had to show them was 3 months worth of monthly off-shore income (mine were pension warrant slips to my bank, but ANY Pay Slip/Warrant Slip will do). So if you have a Private Pension/Annuity or Off-Shore Salary it is acceptable. If you are SINGLE the amount of pension/income is RM 7,000 (For married couples RM 10,000). If you take this option you must have 3 Months of payment slips to demonstrate you are already receiving that income. Couples may combine sources of off-shore income to reach RM10.000. CURRENTLY RM7000 = US$1800 RM10,000 = US$2560 ]OR Option 2 (Fixed Deposit Option) ] This is for people who cannot demonstrate the minimum pension/offshore income levels for Option 1. Sarawak requires applicants in this path to establish a Fixed Deposit (refundable upon termination of the program) of RM 100,000 for a SINGLE and RM150,000 for a couple. [Revision: Since September 2020 the Deposits have increased to RM 150,000 for a SINGLE and RM300,000 for a couple]] CURRENTLY RM 150K = US$38,600 RM300K = US$77,000 Similar rules about the withdrawal as on the peninsula. One can withdraw up to RM80K (single ~ $20,000) or RM160K (couple ~ US$40,000 ) after the second year for housing/apartment purchase, Malaysian-built car (the status of this is unknown), or Medical/Educational purposes. Afterwards one must retain RM70,000/RM140,000 in the account for the time you remain. If one applies under Option 2 one must specify which local bank branch you are intending to submit the FD. The Ministry of Tourism and Culture will then compose a letter to that bank approving the deposit. You establish the account and then submit the document showing the account has been completed to the Sarawak Ministry of Immigration as part of your application package. This is different than on the peninsula where one obtains a Letter of Conditional Approval from Immigration first and then makes the Health Exam and FD. ** There are two difficulties in the Sarawak program. 1) One is that one will only be given a maximum of a FIVE-YEAR renewable visa...not 10-Years as advertised. This is supposedly because the Immigration office wants a re-applicant to undergo another health check in 5 years to examine for any communicable diseases and drug abuse. [Also at the Five-Year extension point the passport will be checked to examine if the Individual is Resident for 15 Days per Year] I was assured that other ailments would not disqualify the re-applicant. For everyone else it's a formality. "We have never rejected a reapplicant" according to the Asst. Director of Sarawak Immigration. Talking with a few expats on the program they have said it's just a matter of filling out the forms, giving them another health checkup (which must include blood and urine tests and a Chest X-Ray @ RM150 signed by a DOCTOR). Oh and paying the RM90/year visa fee. EXPAT Friends here told me, "Look on the bright side, IF you had gotten a 10-Year Visa and hate it and leave after 3 years...you'd be out RM630." The Immigration officer in charge of Sarawak M2H stated that provided one passes the health check and have appropriate FD (if that option is required) "Renewal is just a formality". 2) The second and more tangible problem is that one MUST have a Sarawakian sponsor willing to sign a PROMISSARY document (Stamp Fee of RM10 at the Tax Office) to provide for cover the Security Bond IF the applicant (YOU) is for some reason thrown off the program (for secretly working, dealing drugs, establishing a covert political party, etc.) [This restriction has changed since September 2020- Sarawakian-based Agents are now allowed] The bond PROMISE varies...from RM300 for Americans and Canadians (along with Colombia nad much of Sub-Saharan Africa)...down to RM200 for Singaporeans. http://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/en/main-services/visa/security-bond-bank-guarantee-rates.html I quizzed the Asst. Director of Immigration who stated that they had no issue if a landlord acted as the sponsor and took a deposit for the bond, or if there was a contract between the sponsor and applicant. AGENTS:Sarawak Immigration clearly states "Agents and Middlemen are not allowed". But apparently there are four "approved agents" on the Federal government website. Several of these are actually defunct in Sarawak and their businesses have now drifted into other areas. These seem to be from a time when the Silver-Hair program existed and Sarawak barred agents sometime afterwards http://www.mm2h.gov.my/index.php/en/our-agents/list-of-registered-agents [Insert Sarawak into the State window] Why this restriction exists isn't clear, but there are several "underground agents" out there...and they charge a substantial fee for simply making an introduction to a "sponsor". But you can do the ENTIRE APPLICATION on your own, IF you can find a Sarawakian sponsor. In my view you are largely going to provide all the same information to an agent as you would if you were filling out the paperwork yourself. The only benefit is that they will find you a sponsor, who will likely get a small percentage of the fee that you pay. Since the sponsor exists to provide a layer of security "this person knows the applicant and votes for their good behaviour" a sponsor acquired through an agent doesn't really do this. Personally I think that the sponsor requirement doesn't do what it is supposed to do (more security in the process) and simply increases the level of criminality, and embezzlement of applicants. *** Another oddity is that while you have to be PRESENT in Sarawak to complete the process, you cannot come in on a TOURIST PASS. This apparently applies only to some countries (I believe Commonwealth are exempt). You must actually have a Single-Entry Visa issued from the consulate/embassy in your home country (Cost there US$6). Oh dear, does that mean I have to fly back to the USA for a six dollar visa and fly back again? No, there was a "fix"...I could buy a $6 Single-Entry Visa at the immigration office (Hooray!!!). The problem is that there is something called the "Journey-Performed Fee" in addition. That was a whopping RM500. (Boo...US$130). My advice is to get the regular Single Entry Visa With Reference (VDR) before you come. You may need to submit your sponsor letter and explain why you can't enter on a tourist pass. BTW This applies on the peninsula as well if you apply internally. But there may not be anyway around it. *** As I mentioned it's a 5 Year Multi-Entry Visa awarded. My total cost was RM 150 for Health Check-Up, RM 50 for various notarizations/legal affidavits, RM10 for the stamp tax, RM480 for the Social Visit/ME Visa (5 Years), and RM500 for the darned Journey-Performed FEE. Total cost @RM1200 (US$300) plus some Uber fares for me and my sponsor. Half of that was the avoidable JP Fee. Done in 2 months. You could knock RM500 ($130) off that if you can somehow avoid the JP fees.

Sarawak My Second Home Program

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cinnamonape VIP Member

Member since 04 February 2018

cinnamonapeVIP Member29 September 2020 15:54:01

#241

715

And then there is this...

bandarputra11970 New member

Member since 17 August 2021

bandarputra11970New member17 August 2021 08:14:43

#242

The recently announced draconian changes to MM2H requirements really upset me a lot! I am already a MM2H participant (single with RM300K in FD) living in Johor and my long-term pass will expire in January 2024. Can I terminate my MM2H now and apply for S-MM2H and how do I go about the process of termination and re-application? I never thought of it before but I think the natural environment in Sarawak (air, mountains, forests) is much better than Peninsula.

caesar1956 Serial expat

Member since 03 October 2010

caesar1956Serial expat17 August 2021 09:44:44

#243

547

I too was thinking on the same lines, my mm2h will expire 2025..

Cobolin Serial expat

Member since 07 January 2019

CobolinSerial expat22 August 2021 01:07:06

#244

210

The registered agent I used can now arrange for travel to Sarawak for 3 days, 2 nights in order to apply for S-MM2H, without quarantine as long as you have been fully vaccinated. PM me with your email address for details.

Cobolin Serial expat

Member since 07 January 2019

CobolinSerial expat22 August 2021 04:33:19

#245

210

Cobolin wrote:
The registered agent I used can now arrange for travel to Sarawak for 3 days, 2 nights in order to apply for S-MM2H, without quarantine as long as you have been fully vaccinated. PM me with your email address for details.

I just heard that the 3d2n option only applies to those already in Malaysia. Otherwise it's 14 days quarantine.

aramazmm2h Active member

Member since 26 April 2021

aramazmm2hActive member24 August 2021 08:56:07

#246

Latest announcement by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Sarawak.

cinnamonape VIP Member

Member since 04 February 2018

cinnamonapeVIP Member24 August 2021 10:51:26

#247

715

Also this

Seems that Sarawak is not only willing to assist, but is encouraging people to come after the Federal Governments enormous blunder.

Cobolin Serial expat

Member since 07 January 2019

CobolinSerial expat14 September 2021 06:59:23

#248

210

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 14 鈥� The difference in the policy of Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Programme and immigration rules between Peninsular Malaysia聽 and the states of Sabah and Sarawak is the special provisions enjoyed by both states under Section 64 and 65 of the Immigration Act 1959/63.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said the provisions in Section 64 and 65 of the Immigration Act allowed both states to manage immigration matters on the entry of foreigners and the period of stay of foreigners.

鈥淭herefore, the Sabah and Sarawak state governments can adjust conditions for participation in the programme for the purpose of issuing social visit passes,鈥� he said during the Ministers鈥� Question Time during Parliament sitting today.

However, Hamzah said he would discuss with Sabah and Sarawak to standardise the MM2H programme with the peninsula.

He was responding to Wong Hon Wai (PH-Bukit Bendera) who asked for clarification on the 鈥榦ne country, two systems鈥� whereby Sarawak鈥檚 policy on MM2H is more liberal that the federal government.

Hamzah also said the government鈥檚 intention to improve the condition for participation in the MM2H programme was to ensure quality candidates and their ability to contribute to the country鈥檚 economy.

GuestPoster704 Guest

GuestPoster704Guest14 September 2021 11:49:37

#249

214245

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 14 鈥� The difference in the policy of Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Programme and immigration rules between Peninsular Malaysia聽 and the states of Sabah and Sarawak is the special provisions enjoyed by both states under Section 64 and 65 of the Immigration Act 1959/63.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said the provisions in Section 64 and 65 of the Immigration Act allowed both states to manage immigration matters on the entry of foreigners and the period of stay of foreigners.

鈥淭herefore, the Sabah and Sarawak state governments can adjust conditions for participation in the programme for the purpose of issuing social visit passes,鈥� he said during the Ministers鈥� Question Time during Parliament sitting today.

However, Hamzah said he would discuss with Sabah and Sarawak to standardise the MM2H programme with the peninsula.

He was responding to Wong Hon Wai (PH-Bukit Bendera) who asked for clarification on the 鈥榦ne country, two systems鈥� whereby Sarawak鈥檚 policy on MM2H is more liberal that the federal government.

Hamzah also said the government鈥檚 intention to improve the condition for participation in the MM2H programme was to ensure quality candidates and their ability to contribute to the country鈥檚 economy.

He said flexibility could be given to existing MM2H holders from meeting current conditions, such as having a fixed deposit of at least RM1 million and with maximum withdrawal of 50 per cent allowed on the principal value for purchase of property and children鈥檚 health and education needs.

Other conditions included declaration of liquid assets of at least RM1.5 million and offshore income of at least RM40,000 per month, he added.

He said the new participants would have to meet all the condition to ensure they are truly genuine, of high quality, and able to make a positive contribution to the country鈥檚 economic growth.

The MM2H programme, introduced in 2002, allows foreigners to purchase property and reside in Malaysia on a long-term basis. It was temporarily frozen in August 2020 to enable the Home Ministry and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to study and review the programme. 鈥� Bernama

GuestPoster704 Guest

GuestPoster704Guest14 September 2021 12:52:06

#250

214245

Lol they鈥檙e not going to change. They know it鈥檚 totally unrealistic. The new policy won鈥檛 attract 570 people let alone 57k. They鈥檒l never come close to 1% they didn鈥檛 come
Close with the old system. What makes them think people will fall all
Over themselves to meet the new requirements? Totally out of touch with reality.

Sabah and Sarawak will tell him to go pound sand!

BritJohn Member

Member since 30 December 2018

BritJohnMember23 October 2021 19:49:20

#251

What are the thoughts on whether Sarawak will remove the ability to live in KL from it's S-MM2H? I am really hoping not as my plan in 2 years (when I turn 50) was to apply for the S-MM2H programme since it was always much more flexible than the Peninsula - now the major changes have happened to the Peninsula programme have really annoyed me as that might then change the S-MM2H programme.

beawou Member

Member since 07 September 2022

beawouMember07 September 2022 00:05:36

#252

@cinnamonape

Hi my name is Beatrice Wong & I hold an Australian passport.聽

How / Where can I find a reliable sponsor for the Sarawak MM2H program ?

cinnamonape VIP Member

Member since 04 February 2018

cinnamonapeVIP Member07 September 2022 20:28:02

#253

715

@beawou Sponsors are generally the family, friend or a former employee of the applicant. In the past visitors to Sarawak have reached out to members of their church or contacts in various organisations that both belong to. Sponsors have to sign a guarantee to cover the Personal/Security Bond of the applicant which will be forfeited if the recipient violates the terms of the visa.

Because of that most recent applicants have tended to apply via an agent, which have been legalised since September 2020. A list of agents can be found on this site.

There has been a recent revision to the Requirements to apply that make the conditions more difficult.

cinnamonape VIP Member

Member since 04 February 2018

cinnamonapeVIP Member20 September 2022 12:23:22

#254

715

A new Sabah MM2H program is about to be announced.

Certainly it will be better than the Federal MM2H.

Hopefully better than the newly revised Sarawak MM2H, too.

Cobolin Serial expat

Member since 07 January 2019

CobolinSerial expat14 January 2023 01:41:34

#255

210

A very big development in SMM2H rules, meriting its own topic:

/forum/viewtopic.php?id=1014693

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