By Elffian Rahim
June Chang, Managing Director, MM2H Sdn Bhd.
Introduced back in 2002, the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) initiative was set up by the Malaysian government to allow eligible foreign nationals to live in Malaysia for an extended period. This is primarily made possible by a renewable multiple-entry social visit pass, enabling individuals from other countries to effectively make Malaysia their second place of residence.
To date, the programme has attracted over 57,000 successful applicants from all over the world.
With the programme’s recent revamp, newly established Second Home Plan Sdn Bhd—a company providing end-to-end relocation services for successful applicants—believes the initiative now offers greater credibility and long-term appeal to foreigners seeking a home away from home, especially as regional competitors like Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam strengthen their own long-stay visa offerings.
Malaysia’s Appeal
More than anything else, the company’s Managing Director, June Chang Suh Chie, is convinced that the Malaysian lifestyle is increasingly attractive to potential expatriate families worldwide.
“Of course, one of the first things people from other countries notice about Malaysia is that it’s a very safe place to be. There are no natural disasters like earthquakes or volcanic activity, there’s a high level of public safety in place, and no armed conflicts happening within the country or in neighbouring regions,” explains Chang.
“While the Golden Visa is primarily a residency-by-investment programme—where you essentially buy the right to live, work, or access public services—MM2H is more about choosing to live here and enjoy the Malaysian way of life.” – JUNE CHANG
She also notes that the widespread use of English in Malaysia makes the country especially appealing.
“Many other countries with similar programmes require at least a basic understanding of the local language for everyday commercial or social interaction. In Malaysia, that’s rarely an issue for international residents.”
Another advantage, she adds, is the popular use of Mandarin. “Many of us were exposed to Mandarin in school, and it’s a widely spoken dialect across the country. This is a real convenience for visitors from China and Taiwan, who make up a significant portion of those considering more permanent residency here.”
The country’s large Muslim population is also a key draw for applicants from Islamic nations.
“The easy availability of halal products and services is an important factor for those coming from countries like Iran and Bangladesh, who together represent a sizeable segment of MM2H participants over the years,” she says.
Chang acknowledges that the MM2H programme is often compared to “Golden Visa” schemes offered in countries like Portugal, Greece, Spain, and the UAE.
“They’re similar in spirit, yes. But while the Golden Visa is primarily a residency-by-investment programme—where you essentially buy the right to live, work, or access public services—MM2H is more about choosing to live here and enjoy the Malaysian way of life.”
A Matter Of Connection
While home ownership is encouraged, the emphasis isn’t on high-value investment.
“If you want to stay somewhere long-term, then owning a home just makes sense. It’s the natural thing to do,” she adds. Feedback gathered by Second Home Plan—particularly from Chinese MM2H participants—suggests that the programme is delivering the right experience.
“From our research, we’ve found that MM2H participants now feel far more connected to the Malaysian lifestyle. Their day-to-day life here isn’t just about investment value or spending power. Many describe the experience as being on a long-term holiday, which is exactly what we hoped to achieve,” elaborates Chang.
“This initiative is not just about residency. It’s also, more importantly, about offering great education, cultural integration, and a high quality of life for every individual or family who chooses to make Malaysia their second home.”
