MM2H Malaysia vs other ‘better’ choices?
I am a firm believer that when it comes to foreigners thinking of a great place to spend their time post-retirement, Malaysia is an amazing choice. I am not an employee of any MM2H agency and there are also no links within this article to any MM2H agency too. Reason for writing is because there are too many ‘amazing’ people out there who kept saying other countries’ MM2H equivalent is better. Dear Sir / Madam, if they are better, you just go there loh… The only reason why you are still shouting is simply because it’s comparable but you want it to be so easy so that you can sell MM2H easier.
MM2H requirements too high? Really?
As a Malaysian, I do NOT need some foreigners who wants the requirements so low so that they can qualify. They can go elsewhere lah, so many other cheaper and better choices right? I prefer foreigners who love Malaysia and wants to be here to add to the cultural diversity and be a proud resident of Malaysia. Plus they love supper and mamak sessions too.
MM2H does not have the best terms and conditions and people kept comparing us to some countries which I just laugh it off. If the foreigners chose those countries, then all the best lah. We have nothing to lose lah. Focus on those who are objective enough and could see the value.
Value is not price and price is not value
Value wise, we offer the best lah. How many countries can boast better medical care than us in comparison to countries offering similar programs to MM2H? How many countries can boast a diverse society where the favorite food is not just ONE type of food but it’s Malay, Chinese, Indian and many more? Ayam Masak Merah… Rendang… Char Koay Teow… Chee Cheung Fun…Mamak Rojak… Tandoori Chicken… oh no, I am hungry already! Haha. You want to say there is ONE country where the diversity is so diverse like Malaysia?
Real diversity? Remember Malaysia Truly Asia?
How many countries can boast a diversity of culture such as ours where they could learn so many cultures within just one country? How many countries can boast a population who could generally speak English? I could go on but there are no such countries in the world with the advantage similar to ours. Most of the time, the country has just ONE general culture, ONE general language, ONE general food choice a medical care which is definitely not as good as ours. Do you even know how many people travel to Malaysia just for medical care, recover and then go home and still spend less than their home country? The number is 1.08 million ONLY in 2022. (Stats by Statista)
Here’s one latest article about MM2H too.
Article in thestar.com.my. KUALA LUMPUR: The revamped rules of the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) residency visa scheme has increased the interest of foreigners in owning properties in Malaysia, says Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
“We have received reports that developers are getting enquiries from abroad about how to purchase houses that align with the prices we have set under the programme.”
“The Platinum category requires a fixed deposit of US$1mil; the Gold category requires US$500,000; and the Silver category requires US$150,000.
“Visa holders are allowed to withdraw 50% for property, medical, education or tourism expenses in Malaysia after one year.
“Other countries’ versions are different from ours. If MM2H is an unpopular policy, why are neighbouring countries introducing similar policies to attract foreigners to invest and live there?” he asked. Article in thestar.com.my.
There’s also this comparison of property ownership
Buying a property and holding it for 10 years is a BAD requirement? Really? Is this not showing the seriousness of the applicant in choosing Malaysia as their top choice? If they are not so sure yet, feel free to go to countries where property ownership is not a requirement yeah. Else, can always stay here for a few months, stay there for a few months etc. It’s actually not hard to visit Malaysia yeah. Generally we are an open country and welcomes all.
I am very sure there are countries where they are extremely flexible and willing to do anything and everything to attract everyone. Just google for ‘best retirement countries’ on google maybe?
MM2H is a great program. I welcome you as a Malaysian!
I was the District Director for Toastmasters International District 51 (Kuala Lumpur, Cyberjaya, Perak, Penang, Kedah and Perlis) last term (2023 – 2024). I love the diversity of our members and we have many amazing non-Malaysian members who are positively adding to the learning journey of all members. I am very sure foreigners who chose Malaysia’s MM2H will enjoy their time and hey, they can also join Toastmasters too! However, if you (the foreigner) forces us to lower the requirements until every Tom, Dick and Harry can easily come to Malaysia, then I apologize. Happy searching for other countries yeah.
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4 responses
Not many would argue that Malaysia isn’t a fantastic option for living. BUT– as a retiree, there are a few reservations I have about plunking down a tidy sum of money in real estate for ten years. No one has sufficiently explained what would happen if you had to abandon the country for various reasons (health, family problems etc.). And what if, heaven forbid, one should die, then having the heirs settle the estate from thousands of kilometers away is a situation that may be in the back of the minds of those facing their own mortality.
Since you work in real estate, obviously you have a vested interest in the success of the “new, improved” mm2h as it will improve your own sales prospects. To many, it appears to be nothing but a money grab in order to sell sell thousands of empty units. You’ll profit from the Chinese, who will have no problem with mm2h in order to escape their own situation. Many close-to-home Singaporeans will take the plunge to live in JB. But I’m afraid the program has lost a majority of westerners, which may matter little in the scheme of things. Time will tell.
Yes, I can afford to buy a nice home in KL, a city I love. But I’m not sure if I want to be held hostage by the government with home ownership. As I’ve said, I love Malaysia. But as happens with many marriages, there often comes a time for divorce even after a few years when you discover you’ve fallen out of love. But now you have the albatross of a home hanging around your neck that you can’t sell for ten years. I think westerners, at least, will balk at this new program.
Thank you Pete for sharing from another POV. Perhaps you may be right about the focus of the new policy. I am not sure. It’s okay. Since coming into Malaysia is easy, perhaps can also make Malaysia as just one of the stops as you travel around the region and explore everything on offer. Wishing you an amazing adventure ahead.
One important fact the article omits to mention is that Sarawak has different rules and English is widely spoken here – even parking tickets are in English. The State Government has expressed its support for MM2H visa holders.
Yea. Sarawak’s MM2H offers more flexibility.