Latest / IMI Podcasts / Foreign Residents Pump RM84.2 Billion Into Malaysia’s Economy Amid MM2H Fraud Case

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Foreign Residents Pump RM84.2 Billion Into Malaysia’s Economy Amid MM2H Fraud Case · IMI Podcasts

• 0:00
  SPEAKER_00: Foreign residents contribute more than 84.2 billion ringgit annually to Malaysia's economy, housing and local government minister Nga Kor Ming said Saturday, citing a new analysis.
• 0:12
  SPEAKER_00: Even as the government highlights long-term residency as a pillar of its tourism and investment strategy, the MM2H program made headlines this week after a court convicted an immigration officer of preparing a fraudulent visa.
• 0:26
  SPEAKER_00: Malaysia's MM2H program currently serves over 58,000 active visa holders.
• 0:33
  SPEAKER_00: The program launched in 2002 to attract long-term foreign residents through residency visas tied to financial requirements and property investment.
• 0:42
  SPEAKER_00: Nga Kor Ming's statement comes as Malaysia's tourism industry generated 291.9 billion ringgit in 2024, contributing 15.1% to the national economy.
• 0:55
  SPEAKER_00: Inbound tourism surged 41.1% to 107 billion ringgit, while domestic tourism expanded 25.1% to 98.4 billion ringgit.
• 1:07
  SPEAKER_00: The minister described Malaysia's approach as creating a competitive advantage.
• 1:12
  SPEAKER_00: The quote, country's openness stands in sharp contrast to restrictive policies in certain countries, which has now become Malaysia's competitive advantage, end quote, he said.
• 1:22
  SPEAKER_00: Nyakor Ming said Malaysia's tourism success demonstrates that the country is on the right track.
• 1:29
  SPEAKER_00: He added that the nation is not only revitalizing our tourism sector, but also positioning the country as a global hub for education, investment, and sustainable living.
• 1:39
  SPEAKER_00: He said the ministry will continue promoting, quote, livable cities, affordable housing, green public spaces, and climate-resilient infrastructure that supports both domestic and international communities who see Malaysia as their home, end quote.
• 1:55
  SPEAKER_00: The Kuala Lumpur High Court sentenced immigration officer Shamsuddin Eshak to eight years' imprisonment and a 150,000 ringgit fine on Friday for preparing a fraudulent MM2H pass.
• 2:08
  SPEAKER_00: The court convicted the 51-year-old assistant enforcement officer of forging travel documents for Li Xingqiang from Vanuatu in June 2022.
• 2:17
  SPEAKER_00: Justice Ajar Abdul Hamid ruled that Samsudin, quote, had failed to raise reasonable doubt, and the prosecution had successfully proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, end quote.
• 2:28
  SPEAKER_00: The case represents the first investigation and trial under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act.
• 2:35
  SPEAKER_00: Deputy Public Prosecutor Norhaslinda Chase Simon told the court that Samsudin, quote, had abused his position of trust and tarnished the immigration department's image, end quote.
• 2:46
  SPEAKER_00: The court granted a stay of execution pending appeal and allowed Samsudin bail of 30,000 ringgit with one surety.
• 2:53
  SPEAKER_00: Defense counsel Harpal Singh requested a lighter sentence, noting that Samsudin had served 27 years with the Immigration Department without prior criminal record.
• 3:03
  SPEAKER_00: Sham Sudan, currently suspended from work, faces an additional 12 months in jail if he fails to pay the fine.
• 3:10
  SPEAKER_00: Sabah launched its MM2H1 stop center at Sutara Avenue, Kota Kinabalu, on Thursday.
• 3:18
  SPEAKER_00: State Tourism, Culture and Environment.
• 3:20
  SPEAKER_00: Minister Christina Liu said the center will make Sabah more accessible and attractive for international residents.
• 3:26
  SPEAKER_00: The facility consolidates services from the state government, immigration department, Royal Malaysia Police, and Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
• 3:36
  SPEAKER_00: Liu, who chairs the Sabah MM2H Committee, said the center will streamline services, reduce bureaucracy, and provide greater transparency.
• 3:45
  SPEAKER_00: Malaysia designed the MM2H program to quote, attract foreign residents who have the potential to bring in long-term investments, spend locally, and contribute positively to Sabah's economy and society.
• 3:58
  SPEAKER_00: End quote, Liu explained.
• 4:00
  SPEAKER_00: She anticipates positive impacts across the board, from real estate, tourism, healthcare, and education to local businesses.
• 4:09
  SPEAKER_00: This episode first appeared as an article by Ahmad Abbas on imidaily.com.
• 4:16
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