CHINESE NATIONALS THE MOST SIGNED UP FOR MM2H

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 17 (Bernama) -- Chinese nationals comprised the most
number of 13,977 people from 107 countries signed up for the Malaysia My Second
Home (MM2H) programme since it was introduced seven years ago.

"The highest number of participants are from China followed by Bangladesh,
United Kingdom, Singapore, Taiwan, India, Iran and Indonesia," Tourism Minister
Dr Ng Yen Yen said in reply to a question in the Lower House of Parliament
Thursday.

Ng said MM2H was recognised by International Leaving magazine in its Annual
Global Retirement Index 2009 Survey where Malaysia was placed first country of
choice in Asia and 16th worldwide by senior citizens.

From 2004 until Nov this year, 811 houses costing RM846.79 million
(US$246.48 million) were bought by participants with most choosing to stay in
Kuala Lumpur, states of Selangor, Penang, Johor and Perak.

She said that under the programme, foreigners could only buy properties
costing RM500,000 (US$145,539) and above.

"Participants can't buy properties costing lower than that," she said.
-- BERNAMA