KUCHING, June 1: Sarawak-Malaysia My Second Home (S-MM2H) application is available online effective June 1, 2023, to ensure a more efficient and faster application process via digitalisation.
“This is definitely an encouraging development where applications could be handled more efficiently.
“We expect faster approvals with the digitalisation of the application process, as Sarawak plans to promote the Sarawak-Malaysia My Second Home (S-MM2H) programme in China this year,” said Sarawak’s Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Deputy Minister, Datuk Sebastian Ting.
Ting pointed out promotional efforts for the S-MM2H programme are being intensified to cater for the China market that has a population of 1.4 billion, an avenue that the state is eager to venture into.
He further disclosed that the highest number of applicants of the SMM2H programme in 2022 came from Hong Kong, China with 69 people out of the 411 approved applications, followed by the United States (59 people), then the United Kingdom (50), Singapore (42), Japan (35), China (25), South Korea (20), Australia (17), Canada (12), and France (12).
“While in 2023, we have approved a total of 231 applications. 111 of which was just approved yesterday,” he said.
As such, the planned charter flight services will also bring mutual economic benefits that will complement the Sarawak’s tourism industry.
“The success of the S-MM2H program and the charter flight plan is what we eagerly anticipate.
“Through collaboration and cooperation, we hope to foster more cultural exchanges and generate more efficient economic benefits between the two regions,” said Ting whose text speech was read by Deputy State Secretary Datu Hii Chang Kee, at the welcoming dinner for Chinese Investors, hosted by YAST Group, here, on Wednesday.
Ting is optimistic about the prospects of the S-MM2H, which holds an excellent potential growth.
He said Sarawak does not only have favorable living conditions in terms of geographical environment, and cultural qualities but its vast land with a sparse population and harmonious ethnic relations make it an ideal place to live.
“The proximity in terms of geographical location, culinary culture, and a shared language is also a selling point, especially for the descendants of the dragon – the Chinese.
“Compared to Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak enjoys relatively more political stability and sound public safety. Another point is that international school fees here are much more affordable than in Peninsular Malaysia,” he noted.
Among those present were Founder and Chairlady of YAST Group, Esther Law, Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching, Raden Sigit Witjaksono and delegates from Chinese Enterprises. – TVS
