Chua Soon Ping
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (SHAREDA) stands ready to support Sabah in launching the Sabah-Malaysia My Second Home (S-MM2H) programme.
Its President Datuk Chua Soon Ping said the association is prepared to assume the role of agents, ensuring that applicants meet the prerequisite of purchasing property valued above RM 600,000.
“By connecting with our network of agents overseas, we aim to bridge any gaps and offer sustainable solutions until a permanent resolution is achieved. Alternatively, a potential avenue that smoothens out the application process is an online application,” he said in a statement today.
Expressing deep concern and disappointment over the Federal Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry’s (MOTAC) decision to suspend the licenses of all MM2H agents which affected the launch of S-MM2H, SHAREDA urged the Federal Government to recognise the importance of the S-MM2H programme for Sabah’s economic future and to facilitate its seamless launch and operation.
Chua said without MM2H agents, there is no one to market the programme effectively.
According to him, SHAREDA proposed the S-MM2H programme to the State Government more than two years ago as a vital catalyst to stimulate the market and generate significant economic benefits.
“Our proposal was based on comprehensive studies of successful second home schemes in neighbouring states and countries. After rigorous evaluation, the initiative received consideration from the Tourism Ministry and was subsequently approved by the Sabah State Cabinet, despite changes in leadership with two ministers and two permanent secretaries overseeing the process.
“The abrupt suspension by MOTAC communicated just days before the planned launch on June 1, 2024, is both unexpected and unexplained. This decision undermines the efforts of licensed agents, particularly those in Sabah, who have been preparing to facilitate the influx of potential applicants under the newly-introduced Sabah-MM2H programme.”
Chua said Sabah has long been marginalised in terms of receiving its fair share of revenue, despite clear constitutional provisions.
He said the economic potential of the S-MM2H programme represents a significant opportunity to rectify this imbalance, generating additional revenue that could greatly enhance the state’s infrastructure, including water, electricity, roads and drainage system.
“The new Sabah-MM2H policy is designed to act as a powerful economic catalyst, leveraging our status as a premier tourism destination to strengthen our economy. We firmly believe that the programme will make Sabah more competitive with our neighbouring countries and significantly boost our local economy through increased foreign investment and tourism.
“Therefore, we earnestly appeal to the Federal Government to reconsider its decision and ensure the smooth implementation of the S-MM2H programme. The rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the Immigration Act 151 must be upheld, which grant the Chief Minister special authority over foreign residency policies within the state,” he said.
He said the licensing of agents by MOTAC is meant to ensure professionalism and quality service, crucial elements in promoting tourism-a top revenue earner for Sabah.
The economic contributions from foreign visitors are indispensable, providing vital market stimulation and economic spin-offs, he said, adding in the absence of connections through MOTAC agents, Sabah can use alternative paths by accepting online applications and drawing from a new pool of local agents through the state’s own network, rather than relying heavily on Federal agents
