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Kota Kinabalu: Sabah received almost a thousand inquiries within four days of launching its own Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme, said State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew.

"The response has been tremendous. We got inquiries from all over the world and especially Southeast Asia. Some were Americans who want to stay here,” she said.

“But not every application will be approved, they must meet the conditions,” she said, adding she was grateful to the Federal Minister of the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) for assistance.

Previously, Motac disavowed any involvement in Sabah’s MM2H, adding the state launched it unilaterally.

It hoped any further decisions by Sabah on its MM2H should adhere to rules and regulations under the Tourism Industry Act 1992 (Act 482).

Liew, however, said Sabah would go ahead with its own foreign residency programme regardless of Motac’s involvement or approval.

Liew also said the rising tourism mishaps would be addressed.  “Although there are regulations for every kind of sport, many illegal operators still exist. 

“One possible reason for this is that their charges are lower and many customers book online without realising they are engaging illegal operators. 

“We need to hold a meeting that includes all department heads to understand why these accidents are happening and develop strategies to minimise them.” 

She said this meeting would focus on creating a proper SOP (Standard Operating Procedure).