THE warm hospitality, lower cost of living and affordable healthcare are the main reasons Malaysia My Second Homers choose Penang. And a close fourth reason is the delectable food.

Former sea captain Teddy Grippeling from the Netherlands said he fell in love with Penang at first sight in 1946. The 84-year old visited at least 15 times in the ensuing years to maintain his friendship with several Malaysians

In 2005, he was stricken with prostate cancer. A childless divorcee he began to think of Malaysia, where his friends were and where he could get good, reasonably priced medical care.

So in 2007, he applied for the MM2H programme and last year he arrived. After treatment here his health has improved and he has decided not to go back to the damp cold of the Dutch winters.

"My social life is exciting, and it's wonderful being surrounded by caring Malaysians," he said at his rented condominium in Tanjong Tokong that faces the sea.

Japanese husband and wife Hiromi Toida, 63, and 60-year-old Harumi Toida lived and worked in Kuala Lumpur from 1996 to 1999. On Hiromi's retirement, they decided to apply for MM2H and move to Penang for its calmer pace of life.

"There are so many leisure activities here. We play a lot of golf and tennis," said the couple.

They said they appreciate the flexibility of the multiple entry MM2H visa so they can travel back to Tokyo twice a year to visit family and friends.