The latest on applying for Sarawak Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H), Malaysia

British High Commission Estate Planning and MM2H update with Datin Sharifah Ikhlas, Director of MM2H

While the Malaysia My Second Home Programme for Peninsular Malaysia has been put on hold, raising questions MM2H applicants and even MM2H agents can’t answer, the Sabah and Sarawak MM2H programmes are ongoing. (see: https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/sarawak-continue-smm2h-despite-federal-govts-suspension-programme) The Sarawak immigration has distinguished itself as the standard bearer in terms of clarity, ease of use and efficiency for MM2H applicants and peace of mind for Sarawakian MM2H agents depending on MM2H as their rice bowl. Kudos to Sarawak! In light of this, I wanted to quickly do a short introduction to the Sarawak MM2H and show how it compares with the Peninsular Malaysia MM2H.

Malaysia is a federation of 13 states and the two Borneo states of Sabah and Sarawak also known as East Malaysia retain a degree of autonomy under this system. One of these areas of autonomy includes the right to regulate the immigration of their respective states, which is why Sabah and Sarawak have their own version of the popular long stay visa, known as Malaysia My Second Home.

The Sarawak MM2H was put on hold for a week (ONE WHOLE WEEK! LOL) for some revisions to be made which was concluded Friday, 4th September, 2020. Notwithstanding the revisions, the Sarawak MM2H still remains a viable alternative (from a faster processing timing and lower financial threshold perspective) for foreigners already in Malaysia wishing to remain to consider while the Peninsular MM2H is suspended ostensibly till end of the year for ‘revision’. MM2H applicants who are currently outside Malaysia face the problem of coming into Malaysia for the submission of their application and endorsement of their MM2H visas. Foreigners who are in Malaysia and want to remain long term in Malaysia can explore this option.

Here are the main differences/similarities between the current West Malaysia MM2H (subject, of course, to any revisions the powers that be may in their wisdom dictate) and the Sarawak MM2H:

Peninsular or West Malaysia MM2H	Sarawak MM2H
Separate categories for applicants above or below 50 years.50 years and above: show cash of RM350,000/- and monthly income of RM10,000/- anywhere in the world prior to the approval and place a fixed deposit of RM150,000/- in a Malaysian bank after approval. 50 years and below: show cash of RM500,000/- and monthly income of RM10,000/- anywhere in the world prior to the approval and place a fixed deposit of RM300,000/- in a Malaysian bank after approval.	Separate categories for applicants above or below 50 years.50 year and above (married couple): must show either a monthly income of RM10,000/- anywhere in the world OR place a fixed deposit of RM300,000/- in a bank in Sarawak upon application. 50 year and above (single): must show either a monthly income of RM7,000/- anywhere in the world OR place a fixed deposit of RM150,000/- in a bank upon application. 40 to 50 years: can be considered if they have children attending school in Sarawak or are themselves undergoing long term medical treatment in Sarawak or invest in a residential property of at least RM600,000/- 30 to 40 years: can be considered if they have children attending school in Sarawak or are themselves undergoing long term medical treatment
Letter of Good Conduct & Health Insurance	Letter of Good Conduct & Health Insurance
Sponsor or security bond	Sarawakian sponsor required
10 year visa (renewable).	5 year visa (renewable provided the applicant stays a minimum of 15 days per annum in Sarawak).
No need to be present at the immigration office on application.Both spouses need to be present in the country upon approval for endorsement of the visa on to their respective passports.	Both spouses must be present on submission of the application.Both spouses must be present on the approval to endorse the visa on their respective passports.
No possibility of PR but currently renewable for a further 10 years.	No possibility of PR but currently renewable for a further 5 years.
Part time work is permissible, on application, if the applicant possesses special skills.	Not permitted to work
Parents over 60 years and children under 21 years can come in as dependents.	Parents above 60 years and children 21yrs and below
Typically, 8-12 month approval period after submission of the application. Currently suspended	Approximately 2 months after submission of the application.