“They have been approved. If possible, we will announce them today,” he told reporters at the Tourism Malaysia overseas office marketing action plan enhancement session here today.

Tiong said with the new regulations, companies or agents in the MM2H programme should provide the best service to uphold the country’s good name.

The programme was introduced in 2002, allowing foreigners to buy property and live in Malaysia for an extended period.

It was temporarily frozen in August 2020 to allow for a comprehensive review and reassessment by the home ministry and tourism, arts and culture ministry.

The immigration department has handled all new MM2H applications since October 2021.

Meanwhile, Tiong said his ministry would hold meetings with the finance ministry and transport ministry together with tour bus companies in July to find the best solution to the problems they face.

He said the meetings would also be part of preparations for the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 programme.