Sabah is on the brink of welcoming a new era for expatriates and retirees with the impending launch of the revamped Sabah-Malaysia My Second Home (Sabah-MM2H) programme, set to roll out next month. Datuk Christina Liew, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment, announced the final touches are being applied to the programme, promising a smooth application process for prospective residents.
Final Amendments and Implementation
During a recent Tourism Industry Players Engagement Session 2024, Minister Liew highlighted that the State Cabinet has approved necessary amendments, which are soon to be officially gazetted. “Once these are officially recorded, we will publish the updated terms and conditions on the programme’s website, making it accessible for potential applicants to start their journey towards calling Sabah home,” she stated.
The session, a platform for dialogue and feedback, saw active participation from key stakeholders, including Teo Chee Kim, president of the Sandakan Tourism Association. Teo raised concerns regarding the impact of AirAsia’s proposed flight schedule changes on tourism, specifically the challenges these might pose for travelers trying to connect through Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan.
Addressing Connectivity and Industry Concerns
Responding to the concerns, Julinus Jeffery Jimit, CEO of the Sabah Tourism Board (STB), emphasized the importance of regular stakeholder engagements. “Such discussions are vital for not only addressing immediate concerns like flight timings but also for steering the broader strategic direction of Sabah’s tourism sector under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development agenda,” Jimit explained.
These meetings are set to occur quarterly or semi-annually, fostering ongoing collaboration between the government and tourism industry leaders. This synergy is seen as essential for achieving the ambitious tourism growth targets set for 2024, under the minister’s leadership.
Looking Ahead
As Sabah prepares to roll out the Sabah-MM2H programme, the region anticipates a boost in its appeal as a prime destination for international residents and investors. With the commitment to a unified vision for tourism and the proactive steps taken by the government and industry stakeholders, Sabah is poised to enhance its position on the global map as a desirable location for living, investment, and travel.
