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Sarawak MM2H

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cinnamonape
  2/14/2018 22:04 EST

For those considering the Malaysia My Second Home Program one should realize that the States of Sarawak and Sabah have more autonomous Immigration systems. That means they have some control over the requirements and benefits of the MM2H.
Sabah has elected to follow the program on the Peninsula of Malaysia run out of Kuala Lumpur. Still all your paperwork needs to be submitted to the Immigration Department in Kota Kinabalu, not KL.

The Sarawak System is different. If you are actually over 50 and can find a local sponsor...it's much faster (usually 2 months), cheaper, and with fewer/lower income requirements and paperwork than the peninsular version.

Rumors are that the Peninsular MM2H are considering eliminating the "pension income option" and increasing their "proof of liquid assets" up from RM350K (for those over 50) to RM1 million [US$250K)! They also are talking about making everyone have a fixed deposit (retired or not) of RM500K (US$125K). IMHO that would essentially kill the peninsular program...but the option would be Sarawak.

Sarawak has no "proof of liquid assets" requirement AT ALL. You have two options:
1) Demonstrate that you have a government or other guaranteed monthly pension of RM7000 (@ US$1800) for single applicants (RM10K ~ US$2600 couples).
2) Deposit a Fixed Deposit in a Sarawak bank of RM100K (US$26K) for a single applicant or RM150K (US$39K) for a couple. The fixed deposit can be partially withdrawn for healthcare, property purchase, or childs education. One must maintain at least RM60K (~US$ 15,400 for the term of your stay). You can withdraw interest and the current rates range b/w 3.5-4.5%/annum.

Besides a local sponsor, like the MM2H one must have a health checkup with a doctor (including blood test, urine test and chest X-ray). The main concern is that one have no untreated communicable disease. They are not concerned about issues with chronic or age-related conditions. In fact, they encourage health tourism.

Some perks of the program.
~You get a 5 year-renewable Long Stay Unlimited Multi-Entry visa. ~You can buy property in Sarawak, but are not required to.
~There is no minimum price for renting.
~You are not taxed on foreign income.
~You may ship household articles in duty free. After 2 years you can sell items if you wish.
~You cannot work without government permission...but you can invest in a local business and supervise the operations.
~ For those over 60 proof of health insurance is not required, but health care is inexpensive and fairly high standard both technically and with Western-trained doctors.
~ Crime is famously low in Sarawak. It's like Mayberry, RFD.
~English is widely spoken.
~ Sarawak is the most multi-racial state in Malaysia...perhaps in Asia. There is cross-culture and inter-ethnic friendships and social groups at all levels.
~All religious faiths practice in Sarawak. No ethnic group or religious faith is recognized as the majority. Although Iban (Dayak) constitute the plurality of the population, other ethnic groups come in demographically quite close.
~ Several National parks are within an hour of Kuching and other major cities.

cinnamonape
  2/14/2018 22:25 EST

Downsides (I believe in transparency):
1) The Sarawak program requires finding a sponsor. Some (recently approved) agents do exist that will accept to act as such. I don't know their fees...best to shop around.
2) The Visa is only for FIVE Years. One the Peninsula it's for TEN. Assurances are given that reapplication is only a "formality" to establish continuity of pension income and maintenence of the minimum fixed account. And a new health check for untreated contagious diseases.

3) Prices for some imported items are a little higher in the super markets due to a "cabotage" requirement when goods must first be shipped via the peninsula for customs check. Local meals (even in restaurants) are generally quite cheap.

4) Afficianados of high arts (theater, concerts, opera) may find Sarawak a bit drab. While they do have several big music festivals, top name pop artists rarely make their way here to perform. Singapore and KL often have these... depending on the date air tickets can be had for about US$40RT.

5) For Americans moving abroad (and others) one may lose your Medicare or other gov't retirement health care unless you maintain premium payments. You can't use the insurance locally though. There are some Blue Cross programs (and possibly others) that do have a GeoBlue program that may allow one to be recompensed for payments to local hospitals and doctors. In any case, health care is inexpensive (a full knee replacement cost a friend US$3000...hospital, imaging, surgery, rehab, etc. all covered).

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cinnamonape
  1/20/2020 14:26 EST

Correction...although the Peninsular Federal Program is licensing MM2H agents for Sarawak...Sarawak Immigration does not approve of these agents. They are technically illegal and cannot act as middlemen between applicants and potential sponsors.

Stefano9
  1/26/2020 03:28 EST

Can anyone please tell me how to find a sponsor for the Sarawak M2H? Thanks!

GlobalCitizen57
  2/14/2020 08:58 EST

This sounds like the perfect place to live and the process is much more attractive. How does one go about finding a sponsor?

cinnamonape
  2/16/2020 10:15 EST

There is no easy way to get a sponsor. They must be a Sarawakian, resident in Sarawak (preferably in Kuching for the interview)...and unaffiliated with the Ministries of Tourism, Health or Immigration.

I'd suggest speaking with prospective landlords, your hotel/hostel staff, guides, or if you are a member of a church or want to join a local organization a fellow member.

The sponsor requirement is the main reason that Sarawak MM2H has largely been unsuccessful. There has been discussion of making revisions of that requirement, but those that are familiar with how slow changes occur in Sarawak law suggest that no one hold their breath. As well, the revisions may include some provisions that are MORE difficult.

Because the sponsor does assume some financial risk (they may be responsible for paying the security deposit if you violate the terms of the visa) you may want to offer them some, or all, off the value of the security bond, plus any other costs that may occur as result of the interview, time off from their work for meetings with the notary/public lawyer, etc.

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