An unexpected hurdle has emerged in the pursuit of Sabah’s ambitions to introduce the Sabah-Malaysia My Second Home (Sabah-MM2H) programme. The Federal Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) threw a spanner in the works, disrupting the diligent preparations made by the Sabah State Government. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Christina Liew, expressed dismay over Motac’s abrupt actions that have effectively delayed the anticipated launch of the Sabah-MM2H programme.
Engagements between the State Government and key stakeholders, including the Immigration Department, police, and Home Affairs Office, had been meticulously orchestrated in anticipation of the programme’s official rollout on June 1. Enthusiastic applicants had eagerly awaited the opportunity to submit their requests, with the criteria for participation painstakingly finalized three months prior. However, the landscape shifted unexpectedly as Motac mandated the immediate suspension of all licensed agents responsible for processing new applications, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the programme’s commencement.
Liew conveyed her disappointment at this setback, emphasizing the significant impact on the State’s progression towards launching the Sabah-MM2H programme. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment promptly reached out to Motac to provide a detailed account of the readiness and preparations in place for the scheduled inauguration. Despite these efforts, Motac reiterated its directive, forbidding any processing of new Sabah-MM2H applications by licensed agents until further notice.
In response to this unforeseen turn of events, Minister Liew outlined the State’s alternative course of action. Should Motac persist in its suspension of licensed agents, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment stands prepared to appoint and empower state representatives to facilitate the processing of applications for the Sabah-MM2H programme. This proactive measure aims to mitigate the disruptive effects of Motac’s directive and ensure the continued progress towards realizing the benefits of the programme for prospective participants.
The dialogue between KePKAS and Motac underscores the complexities at play, with the stakes high for both the Sabah State Government and eager applicants awaiting the green light to engage with the Sabah-MM2H initiative. As uncertainties loom, the resolve to navigate these challenges and pave the way for a successful launch remains unwavering, driven by the shared vision of fostering a welcoming environment for individuals seeking to call Sabah their second home.
