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Malaysia Approves Nearly 6,000 MM2H Applicants as Gov’t Announces Due Diligence Reforms

New security protocols require international background checks and intelligence screening for all MM2H applicants.

Ahmad Abbas

IMI
• Amman

Malaysia has granted long-term residency visas to 5,972 foreign nationals under its restructured Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program as of August 31, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing revealed in a parliamentary reply.

MM2H pass holders number 2,134, while their dependents account for 3,838.

Chinese nationals comprise the largest cohort at 3,414 participants. Taiwan follows with 611, then Hong Kong at 292, Singapore with 184, and the United States rounding out the top five at 174.

The program underwent comprehensive reforms following Cabinet approval in June 2024, introducing property investment requirements across three distinct tiers. This revamp has revitalized the program.

Concurrent with these approvals, the government has instituted stricter vetting procedures. Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah outlined enhanced security protocols during parliamentary proceedings, noting that only registered agents under ministry supervision can now process applications.

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Integration between the Tourism Ministry’s database and the Immigration Department’s MyIMMS system creates centralized oversight. Each applicant undergoes mandatory police screening and senior-level review before approval.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah

Background investigations now extend internationally. Letters of Good Conduct from home country enforcement agencies have become compulsory, while Malaysian intelligence services screen candidates for extremist ties or organized crime connections.

Residency validity remains capped at five years rather than conferring permanent status. Shamsul explained that renewals trigger fresh assessments where “doubts or security concerns” can result in rejection.

Tiong clarified that the program “does not grant citizenship to foreign nationals.” Those seeking Malaysian citizenship must navigate separate channels through the National Registration Department, adhering to Federal Constitution stipulations.

Special provisions exist for participants in designated economic and financial zones. These applicants benefit from reduced fixed deposit requirements of RM500,000 and exemption from the standard RM40,000 monthly offshore income threshold.

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Property transaction approvals and fixed deposit withdrawals face enhanced scrutiny under the revised framework. Immigration authorities retain discretionary power to revoke visas should holders violate conditions or pose security risks.

Enforcement mechanisms carry weight. Shamsul warned that violations, “including those involved in espionage or subversive activities, will face stern action” under the Immigration Act.

The reforms address vulnerabilities exposed by prior fraud cases, including prosecutions of immigration officials who falsified MM2H documentation. Database integration and agent registration represent structural attempts to prevent similar breaches while maintaining the program’s economic appeal.

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