KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) is investigating licensed agents suspected of spreading false information regarding the My Second Home (MM2H) program, says Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing

He said all MM2H agents had been instructed to re-register and added that this action was taken after it was discovered that some agents were illegally leasing their licenses and operating without legitimate companies.

In the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Oct 17), he responded to Datuk Mas Ermieyati (Perikatan-Masjid Tanah), who had raised concerns over possible misuse of MM2H licenses, saying: “If there are such cases, please bring them to my attention.”

Tiong confirmed that 229 MM2H agent companies were officially recognized by the ministry as of October 16, demonstrating a lack of monopolization within the program.

He said the MM2H program aims to increase the nation’s revenue without compromising security.

As of October 14, 34 of 249 applications had been approved, covering both principal applicants and their dependents.

Motac, which operates as a one-stop center, supervises the application process and coordinates with the respective agencies for security checks before submission to the Immigration Department.

Tiong added that improvements to the MM2H program include mandatory certificates of good conduct and extensive security screening by the Royal Malaysian Police.

The department is also considering ways to shorten the current 30-day application review period.

“After discussions with the police and the Department of Immigration, we are looking to reduce the delays,” he said.

Under the updated MM2H program, applicants are categorized into three tiers: Platinum, Gold and Silver, each with different investment and fee requirements.

Platinum applicants must deposit US$1 million and pay a one-time fee of RM200,000, which allows them to work and invest in Malaysia.

Gold applicants need to deposit US$500,000 with a fee of RM3,000, and Silver applicants US$150,000 with a fee of RM1,000.

Working privileges are not extended to holders of gold and silver.

MM2H visas are valid for 20 years for Platinum, 15 years for Gold and 5 years for Silver, with subsequent renewals every five years.