Feedback from MM2H licence operators on the latest changes of MM2H requirements.
MY Chung, 2nd Home Intl (MM2H) Sdn Bhd executive director, Chung believes the MM2H programme has been growing from strength to strength over the years.
She said that with the recent policy liberalisation, the Government was taking the right measures to ensure a smoother delivery system so that Malaysia could attract more foreigners to retire or stay here.
“With these new and positive changes, we are encouraged by the authorities’ efforts to support the MM2H programme,” Chung said.
She added that the tangible benefits were obvious, as the foreigners under the programme were likely to spend about 10 times more that the average Malaysian.
She said it was a win-win situation for everyone to aggressively promote the programme as it would benefit all sectors of the economy.
These include the Government, industry players such as licence operators, property market, travel and tour sector, as well as services-related industries such as hotels and restaurants.
The move will also benefit the MM2H participants, who will be able to enjoy a quality lifestyle in Malaysia and, at the same time, “stretch their dollar” to last longer.
Borneo Vision (MM2H) Sdn Bhd managing director Andy Davison said, conceptually, MM2H was an excellent programme with massive potential for Malaysia to rake in huge earnings to strengthen its economy.
Davison said Malaysia had a lot to offer to the developed world in terms of lifestyle.
“There’s a lot going on for this country … the tropical weather, high standard of living, good healthcare and infrastructure, all at an affordable price,” he said, adding that MM2H was the perfect vehicle to market Malaysia to the world.
“I’m pleased with the Government’s new and relaxed ruling on MM2H but I do believe there is a need to separate foreigners who are here to retire (with a different status) from those who want to work here, especially high net-worth individuals.
“I believe they are a totally different group of individuals with different intent and if MM2H is bundled together into one category, it confuses everyone, including us (licence operators) and the programme could be prone to abuse,” he said.
Another MM2H licence operator, who declined to be identified, said MM2H was probably one of the best such programmes ever rolled out.
However, he said, there was a need by the authorities to have consistent and well-thought-over policies that did not contradict one another.
“There is a need to resolve issues quicker, including processing time, especially with wives and siblings.
“There is also a need to ensure all licence operators are adequately trained to service foreigners with the correct information and that their services are not sub-standard so as not to tarnish the MM2H image, which affects other license operators,” he said.
He also said the full potential of the programme had not been achieved, despite it being around for some time, because of poor marketing.
“Let’s not waste time in showing what Malaysia can truly offer to the foreigners,” he noted.
Source: theStar, 25 May 2009
