Tourism Ministry, Bank Of China Tie Up To Promote MM2H

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 9 (Bernama) -- The Tourism Ministry has linked up with the Bank of China (BoC) in an effort to woo more Chinese nationals to opt for the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme. Its minister Dr Ng Yen Yen said the move would also help boost the Malaysian economy. "We're having this cooperation to attract more Chinese visitors to our shores as the Bank of China has some 300,000 high-profile clients with savings of up to US$1 million. "I believe the bank will be able to attract more Chinese citizens to take part in the MM2H programme," she said after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the ministry and BoC (above). Since its introduction in 2002, MM2H has attracted 19,488 participants, of whom 3,332 are Chinese nationals, the largest number from any country. Dr Ng said the ministry had trained eight BoC officers to promote the MM2H programme among the bank's clients. She said the MM2H was not a programme to provide permanent resident status to the participants but, among others, to give them an opportunity to enjoy the Malaysian way of life and to acquire certain property, which would help boost the economy. "This cooperation will benefit Malaysia as we still have a lot of land but a small population, while our way of life is more relaxing and with less pressure compared to that in China," she added. Meanwhile, China's ambassador to Malaysia, Chai Xi described Malaysia as a beautiful country with political and economic stability which could attract the international community to experience this. At another function, Dr Ng launched the book, "Enchanting Malaysia", written by Australian-born David Bowden. "This new book will greatly help the ministry's effort of encouraging more people to visit Malaysia as it is full of visually exciting and interesting photographs that portray this country as a wonderful tourist destination," she said. Bowden said he was awestruck by Malaysia which was endowed with numerous places of beauty and interest. "No matter how many times you retrace your footsteps through previously travelled parts of Malaysia, there is always something new to see and learn," said the writer of the 80-page book which retails at RM39.90 (US$13). -- BERNAMA