REFORMS INTRODUCED TO ENSURE MM2H REMAINS SAFE - SHAMSUL ANUAR

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27 (Bernama) -- The government has introduced several reforms to the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Programme to ensure that national security remains safeguarded, said Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah.

He said the reforms include the integration of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) database with the Immigration Department’s system to strengthen data management, ensuring integrity and compliance with national security standards.

“Through this initiative, all participant information, including that of principals and dependents, is recorded in the MOTAC database. Only agents registered with MOTAC are permitted to handle applications and manage the programme.

“The details of these registered agents are also stored in the system for monitoring purposes and to ensure that every management is carried out legally and transparently,” he told the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was responding to a supplementary question from Mohd Hasnizan Harun (PN-Hulu Selangor)  on whether the ministry has an integrated database to track MM2H participants.

Mohd Hasnizan also wanted to know the latest measures by the government to prevent participants in the programme from misusing their passes or visas.

According to Shamsul Anuar, the government also requires every MM2H applicant to undergo a security screening by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) before approval is granted.

In addition, strict controls are imposed on the withdrawal of fixed deposits for property purchases under the programme, he added.

In response to Mohd Hasnizan's original question, Shamsul Anuar said the government also conducts cross-screening with security and health agencies to detect any involvement of MM2H participants in strategic threats such as extremism or international organised crime.

"Applicants are also required to submit a Letter of Good Conduct from an enforcement agency in their respective countries of origin to prove that they have no criminal record and are of good character.

“In addition, the validity period of the MM2H pass is limited to a maximum of five years, not for life,” he said.

During the renewal process, he said, the authorities will reassess participants’ eligibility, with national security remaining the top priority.

“If there are doubts, negative records or security risks detected, we will reject the pass application,” he said.

Mohd Hasnizan had asked about the monitoring and enforcement measures implemented to ensure that foreigners holding long-term visas or participating in the MM2H programme comply with the country's laws and are not involved in activities that threaten public security

-- BERNAMA