THE 397 Sarawak–Malaysia My Second Home Programme (SMM2H) applications approved between January and November this year have generated RM128.4 million in fixed deposit placements and RM855,000 in processing fees, contributing significantly to the state coffers.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the approvals involve 618 participants from China, the United States, Singapore, the United Kingdom and Taiwan.
He said the strong inflow reflects the growing appeal of the updated SMM2H requirements, which came into effect on Jan 1 this year to make the programme more attractive and distinct from the federal MM2H programme.
“Since my ministry took over the programme in 2020, we have seen a remarkable increase in the number of participants.
“From 2020 to November 2025, Sarawak recorded 2,033 participants under the SMM2H programme — a notable jump from the 1,240 applications approved between 2007 and 2019 before the programme was placed under our ministry,” he said in his ministerial winding-up speech in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) today.
Abdul Karim said the SMM2H Panel Committee, which he chairs, meets monthly to evaluate and approve applications, ensuring consistency and efficiency in processing.
“Since 2025, licensing for SMM2H companies has also been placed under my ministry, enabling it to regulate and strengthen the licensing requirements for this programme.
“Between January and November this year, the ministry approved 18 licences for companies operating under the programme,” he said.
To further expand its global reach, Abdul Karim said the ministry has been aggressively promoting the SMM2H initiative through international platforms.
“At Expo 2025 in Osaka, held from Aug 4 to 10, three memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed between Sarawak SMM2H companies and Japanese companies aimed at promoting Sarawak as a preferred long-term stay destination for Japanese citizens,” he said.
He added that the programme was also featured at the Sarawak Mega Fair in Singapore from Oct 16 to 17, where SMM2H companies promoted the opportunities to Singaporeans and other foreign visitors.
In addition, he said the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) continues to promote the SMM2H programme at major tourism events during the ITB Berlin, World Travel Market (WTM) London, and business sessions in Balikpapan and Pontianak.
“My ministry is committed to implementing the SMM2H as part of our strategies to increase visitor arrivals and boost revenue from the tourism sector.
“Through the SMM2H programme, we are positioning Sarawak as a destination of choice for long-term residency,” said Abdul Karim.
