PUTRAJAYA - More than 17,000 foreigners are living in the country under the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Programme since its inception in 1996, the Tourism Ministry said yesterday.
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said the response to MM2H was very promising.
"There has been a big number of participation from countries like Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore.
"The number of participants of this programme has gone up and we have seen an increase in revenue stemming from it."
There has been a marked increase of Japanese with 331 participants compared with 195 last year, China has 301 participants compared with 154 last year, and there are 238 Iranians against 227 last year.
"Our strategy is not just about focusing on the quantity of tourists, but also on the investments that might be had from their presence in Malaysia.
"We should not just rely on the usual way of attracting visitors as we must expand our outlook to ensure that the country's tourism industry prospers," she said.
MM2H is promoted by the government to encourage foreigners to reside in Malaysia on multiple entry social visit passes.
She said the homestay programme endorsed by the Tourism Ministry had been a success. "This programme is well received by tourists as they would be able to get a first hand experience of the culture and lives of Malaysians."
The homestay programme is for tourists who would want to experience the lifestyle of Malaysians by staying with them for a period of time.
Dr Ng was speaking at a press conference in connection with the Malaysian Tourism Award 2010/2011 ceremony which will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on Dec 20.
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Haminah Hamidun will be present at the function.
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said the response to MM2H was very promising.
"There has been a big number of participation from countries like Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore."The number of participants of this programme has gone up and we have seen an increase in revenue stemming from it."
There has been a marked increase of Japanese with 331 participants compared with 195 last year, China has 301 participants compared with 154 last year, and there are 238 Iranians against 227 last year.
"Our strategy is not just about focusing on the quantity of tourists, but also on the investments that might be had from their presence in Malaysia.
"We should not just rely on the usual way of attracting visitors as we must expand our outlook to ensure that the country's tourism industry prospers," she said.
MM2H is promoted by the government to encourage foreigners to reside in Malaysia on multiple entry social visit passes.
She said the homestay programme endorsed by the Tourism Ministry had been a success. "This programme is well received by tourists as they would be able to get a first hand experience of the culture and lives of Malaysians."
The homestay programme is for tourists who would want to experience the lifestyle of Malaysians by staying with them for a period of time.
Dr Ng was speaking at a press conference in connection with the Malaysian Tourism Award 2010/2011 ceremony which will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on Dec 20.
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Haminah Hamidun will be present at the function.
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