KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah-Malaysia My Second Home (Sabah-MM2H) programme that was supposed to be launched by June 1 has been postponed.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew said that the state government, through the ministry, had engaged with the relevant departments and agencies, such as the Immigration Department, police, and Home Affairs Office, on coordinating all the workflow to make sure applications for participation in the Sabah-MM2H programme can be processed as smoothly as possible.
"We were all ready to roll out the Sabah-MM2H programme on June 1, and many were actually looking forward to submitting their applications. In fact, we had already finalised the criteria for the programme three months ago.
"We were surprised when the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) suspended the operations of all licensed agents in processing new applications, with immediate effect.
"This unfavourable move has adversely affected our progress and the intended launching of the programme as planned," she said in a statement.
A circular dated May 27, 2024, by Motac has been issued to all licensed agents handling the MM2H applications, including those in Sabah and Sarawak, to stop their operations.
"In view of this, the state ministry wrote to Motac on May 28 to explain all our preparations for inaugurating the Sabah-MM2H programme by June 1.
"At the same time, we requested a review of Motac's decision to suspend the operations of licensed agents, especially the Sabah agents, some of whom still hold valid licences approved and issued by Motac.
"Failing which, my ministry will appoint and authorise state representatives to process the applications of potential applicants for the Sabah-MM2H programme."
