Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, has revealed plans to promote the Sarawak-Malaysia My Second Home (S-MM2H) programme to foreigners hailing from countries with four distinct seasons. The initiative aims to attract individuals who seek refuge from cold winter climates and prefer the warm and inviting atmosphere of Sarawak.
Minister Abdul Karim highlighted that the programme has particularly resonated with the aging populations of countries such as the Netherlands and Nordic nations. These individuals are drawn to Malaysia’s pleasant climate and the prospect of escaping harsh winter conditions. Sarawak’s tropical weather, along with its unique lifestyle offerings, is expected to be a major attraction for prospective S-MM2H participants.
While the S-MM2H programme has seen increased participation from various countries, the surge in numbers is often attributed to residents from Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Minister Abdul Karim dismissed claims that the rise in participation was primarily due to Indonesians entering Malaysia.
The Minister shared these insights during a press conference held after inaugurating the Aramaz S-MM2H Service Centre in Kuching. Located at the Tun Jugah Complex, the service center serves as a hub for foreigners interested in the home ownership programme, positioning Sarawak as an attractive retirement destination within the region. The center provides essential information to promote Sarawak among targeted tourists visiting Southeast Asia.
Strategically situated in Kuching’s golden triangle, surrounded by prominent buildings, hotels, and the picturesque Kuching Waterfront, the Aramaz S-MM2H Service Centre is an ideal location to facilitate inquiries and provide assistance to potential participants.
Minister Abdul Karim, who also serves as the Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development, expressed confidence in Aramaz’s role as an effective information hub for promoting Sarawak’s ongoing tourism programs. He emphasized the Sarawak Government’s commitment to collaborating with the private sector to ensure the success of various tourism initiatives.
The My Second Home (MM2H) programme, introduced by the federal government, aims to position Malaysia as a competitive destination for targeted groups of international tourists. The initiative seeks to enhance Malaysia’s destination ranking and attractiveness, ultimately expanding the country’s appeal to a wider range of participants.
