Why are MM2H visa holders locked out of Malaysia?

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MM2H Visa Holders Blocked from Re-entering Malaysia Due to Covid-19 Border Controls

Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) visa holders have been prevented from returning to the country following the implementation of border closures around March 18th, coinciding with Malaysia's broader restrictions on non-Malaysian arrivals due to the Covid-19 outbreak. This decision has left many MM2H participants, who consider Malaysia their home, stranded abroad with significant personal and financial consequences.
Travel Disruptions and Failed Re-entry Attempts

The author and his wife, both MM2H holders, found themselves in Nepal on a holiday when news of the impending border closure surfaced. Their attempts to secure earlier flights back to Malaysia were severely hampered by poor communication in their remote location, busy phone lines, and fully booked flights. Even after cutting their trip short and reaching Kathmandu, they were unable to secure passage on any airline. Efforts to seek assistance from the Malaysian embassy in Kathmandu proved fruitless, as they were advised that the situation was entirely in the hands of the airlines. Subsequent plans to travel to Singapore were also thwarted when Singapore subsequently blocked foreign entry, leaving them with no alternative but to book a significantly more expensive flight to the United Kingdom.
Financial and Emotional Strain on MM2H Holders

The inability to return to Malaysia has imposed a considerable financial burden on MM2H holders. The author and his wife incurred substantial costs for their unexpected flights to the UK, estimated at RM13,000, and are now facing expenses for rented accommodation and a car in a country where they do not own property and are not eligible for national health protection. Beyond the financial strain, there is significant emotional distress stemming from the inability to manage their properties and assets in Malaysia, and for the author, a particular concern for his elderly mother-in-law who is now alone in their Malaysian home.
Perceived Unfairness and Potential Long-Term Impact

While acknowledging the necessity of border closures for short-term visitors and tourists during the pandemic, the author expresses strong disappointment and views the blanket ban on MM2H holders as unfair. These individuals have invested significantly in Malaysia, met stringent financial requirements such as RM150,000 fixed deposits, paid visa fees in advance, and established substantial financial and asset holdings, including property, bank accounts, and insurance policies. They are seen as contributors to the Malaysian economy rather than a burden.
Call for Policy Review and Future Implications

The author hopes that Malaysian authorities will review the current Movement Control Order (MCO) and consider allowing MM2H holders to return to their homes, drawing a parallel with Permanent Resident (PR) holders who have been permitted re-entry. There is a concern that the current policy may negatively impact future MM2H applications and, consequently, Malaysia's economy. The author believes that allowing MM2H holders to return would be mutually beneficial, restoring a "win-win" situation that has currently become a "lose-lose" scenario.

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Why are MM2H visa holders locked out of Malaysia?

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