THE Sarawak Malaysia My Second Home (SMM2H) programme has generated an estimated RM5.60 billion in total economic impact during the period from 2007 to 2025.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the figure is based on a survey done by the ministry whereby the beneficiaries include property, education, healthcare, tourism, food and beverage, transportation, insurance, rental and entertainment sectors.
He said the programme has contributed significantly towards Sarawak’s revenue by generating RM605,000 from the processing fees with Fixed Deposit placements amounting to RM60.5 million.
“From January to April this year, we approved 121 applications comprising 217 participants. The highest number of applicants originate from China (48), followed by the United States (15), the United Kingdom (nine), Singapore (eight), and Taiwan (seven).
“Since my ministry manages the programme in 2020, we have recorded a significant increase in the number of approved applications. From 2020 until April 2026, we recorded a total of 2,191 approved applications and this achievement far exceeds the 1,240 applications approved between 2007 and 2019 before the programme was handed over the ministry’s administration,” he said.
He said this in his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today (May 19).
Abdul Karim pointed out that the authority to license SMM2H was placed under his ministry at the beginning of 2025.
He said this empowerment strengthens the licensing framework and enables his ministry to regulate the programme more effectively.
“From January 2025 to April this year, 23 licences have been approved so far,” he said.
Abdul Karim stressed that his ministry remains committed to strengthening the implementation of the SMM2H programme as part of the strategies to enhance visitor arrivals and generate greater economic value.
He said the programme enables Sarawak to position itself as a preferred destination for long-term residency, offering high quality of life, cultural diversity, and a welcoming environment.
“My ministry through Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) is strengthening the SMM2H programme promotional initiative globally.
“The programme is showcased at major international trade and travel exhibitions such as the ITB Berlin 2026 as well as several upcoming events such as ITB China, Seoul International Tourism Forum (SITF), World Travel Mart (WTM) London, and other business-to-business (B2B) engagements,” he added.
