By Nurul Halawati Azhari
SHANGHAI, Nov 27 (Bernama) -- Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr
Ng Yen Yen recently hosted some 1,000 distinguished guests from various parts
of China during a campaign in Shanghai to introduce well-heeled Chinese to the
Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme.
Ng noted that those being sought for the MM2H programme were
no ordinary people. Only those who qualify, those who really have financial
resources, can make Malaysia their second home.
In turn, Malaysia offers a multicultural and dynamic
environment, natural resources, a stable political climate and a robust economy
for the Chinese to grow their wealth.
"MM2H is meant to attract more investors to Malaysia.
They not only come to live in Malaysia, but also to invest," Ng told
Bernama, adding that about 1,000 mainland Chinese were expected to participate
in MM2H in 2013.
GOING ON OVERDRIVE
Under the programme, foreigners who fulfill the requirements
are allowed to reside in Malaysia as long as they choose and are provided
multiple-entry visas.
They are also offered access to education, allowed to invest
in properties, and their income from offshore activities are exempted from
taxes.
The programme was introduced in 2002 and by August 2011
about 20,000 people from 120 countries have made Malaysia their second home,
with 3,000 of them being Chinese nationals.
Admittedly luring the Chinese is no easy task. Hence, the
ministry is now going on overdrive to woo them, with the help of five Malaysian
tour operators who have signed an agreement with the Bank Of China.
The tour operators are Complete Point (MM2H) Sdn Bhd, CK-Ten
(MM2H) Sdn Bhd, Synergy Home (MM2H) Sdn Bhd, Sweet Home Garden (MM2H) Sdn Bhd
dan CLS (MM2H) Sdn Bhd.
These five tour operators will promote the second home
programme to those bank customers who qualify, while the bank will open six
branches in Malaysia to serve as a one-stop service centre to cater to its
customers taking part in the programme.
"Most importantly, the bank has 300,000 high net-worth
customers, with no less than USD2 million in their accounts.
"These people want to procure assets, open businesses
and invest. So they are not only coming to stay in Malaysia, but also to invest
in Malaysia," explained Ng.
Nevertheless, from January to August 2012 475 Chinese
nationals joined the programme, a increase of 25.7 per cent compared with the
same period in 2011.
STAY LONGER IN MALAYSIA
"Through MM2H, they will stay longer in the country and
contribute to our country's economy," she pointed out.
Apart from participating in MM2H, the ministry also
encourages tour agents to promote Malaysia's eco-tourism, as this is a sector
that is increasingly attractive to younger Chinese.
Among the locations preferred by these Chinese are Sabah and
Sarawak, known for their rich and unique flora and fauna.
This is also in line with Visit Malaysia Year 2013.
-- BERNAMA
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