A statement from the PMO said certain conditions were imposed on the purchase of property by foreigners, irrespective of nationality, and that this information was publicly available.

“Purchase of properties, however, does not guarantee automatic residency in the country.”

The confirmation comes on the heels of a statement by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad that Malaysia would not allow foreigners to buy residential units in the US$100-billion (RM410 billion) Forest City project in Johor.

“One thing is certain, that city that is going to be built cannot be sold to foreigners. We are not going to give visas for people to come and live here. Our objection is because it was built for foreigners, not built for Malaysians. Most Malaysians are unable to buy those flats,” Mahathir said on Monday.

Today’s statement said: “For foreigners wishing to make Malaysia their permanent residence, there is a government programme called Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H). Conditions are clearly spelt out for those interested and information on this programme is also publicly available.”

It also said no restrictions were imposed on foreign tourists so long as they met all the necessary immigration requirements imposed by the Malaysian authorities.

“In the case of China, tourists are given a single-entry 30-day visa to the country. In 2017, Malaysia attracted some 2.3 million Chinese tourists and is looking to attract up to 10 million in the coming years.”

The PMO reiterated that the government also welcomed foreign direct investment that contributed to the transfer of technology, provided employment for locals and the setting up of industries.