Although the Malaysia My Second Home Programme is gaining popularity among Japanese retirees, with the number of participants increasing every year, the actual numbers does not reflect Malaysia as the top choice.
It is said that about 1,500 Japanese retirees had opted for the programme. The number is expected to rise to 10 per cent this year, the real numbers cannot be confirmed as some are already here working for Japanese corporation and not likely to return to Japanese upon completion of their working contract.
The programme also offered attractive options to the Japanese for making Malaysia not only their second home but for retirement as well.
This programme, promoted by the Tourism Ministry, allows foreigners who fulfill certain criteria, to stay in Malaysia for as long as possible on a multiple-entry social visit pass. The pass is initially for 10 years, and is renewable.
Despite all the promotions and marketing eforts undertaken by Tourism Mlaysia only about 400,000 Japanese have come to Malaysia last year, where 40 per cent were tourists.
Among the places the Japanese tourists found attractive were Langkawi, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Kota Kinabalu and the East Coast.
The climate, culture, food, friendly people and a stable country as well as a wide range of holiday activities that Malaysia has to offer, from beach resorts to highlands, flora and fauna, metropolitan shopping areas to relaxing kampung homestays are most liked by the Japanese.
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