THE Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme is set to get a push from the Penang Govern-ment.

State Tourism Development and Culture Committee chairman Danny Law said a committee would be formed to promote the programme, adding that the state was hoping to get more foreigners to come to Malaysia, especially Penang.

?Penang is now one of the best places to live. We can see Japanese, Australians and Europeans enjoying their long stays here.

?When they like living here long-term, they will buy property in Penang,? he told a press conference in Komtar yesterday.

Law said they wanted to gather travel agents, developers, tourist guides and parties who were keen to promote the programme.

?There are already guidelines in the MM2H programme but they keeps changing.

?The committee will look into it and come out with a standard brochure.?

He added that the biggest tourist arrivals at the Penang International Airport last year came from Indonesia, followed by Singapore, China, Japan, the United States and Taiwan.

?Foreigners who come and buy property here can generate an economic spin-off, for example, on food, education and medical tourism,? he said.

?Developers, travel agents and hotel representatives are among those who will participate in the China (Guangdong) International Tourism Industry Expo 2011 in Guangzhou from Sept 1 to Sept 4 and they can promote MM2H and tourism in Penang.

?The population in Guangzhou is more than 10 million and Penang is an ideal place for them to come for education, investments and tourism,? he said.

Those who are interested to join the committee can contact Law?s office at 04-6505136/2619012.

He will chair a meeting with parties related to the MM2H programme today at his office in Komtar at 3pm.

SOURCE: The Star