Economy
Bangladeshi Expatriates Embrace Malaysia as Second Home Destination
Bangladeshis rank fifth in establishing a second home in Malaysia, according to Malaysian Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing’s recent statement to the country’s parliament, as reported by the Malay Mail.
As of January 31 this year, 3,604 Bangladeshis have established their second home in Malaysia. Minister Datuk Seri Tiong’s written speech in parliament revealed that there were a total of 56,066 active “second home” pass holders in Malaysia as of January 31, 2024. These include both participant pass holders and dependent pass holders.
On March 11, Minister Datuk Seri Tiong informed the parliament that China has the highest number of active “Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H)” pass holders, with 24,765. They are followed by Australia (9,265), South Korea (4,940), Japan (4,733), Bangladesh (3,604), and the United Kingdom (2,234), as reported by the Malay Mail.
The report also stated that Taiwan, the United States, Singapore, and India each have over 1,000 active MM2H pass holders.
In December 2023, the ministry revamped the MM2H programme by introducing a three-tiered system.
According to Tiong, under the new system, applicants will be classified into different groups based on their eligibility.
The three-tiered system aims to accommodate diverse financial situations. Under the Platinum tier, participants must have a fixed deposit of RM5 million, the Gold tier RM2 million, and Silver RM500,000.
Expatriate Bangladeshis sent approximately US$ 2.11 billion in remittances during the first 28 days of September in the fiscal year 2024-25, according to data released by Bangladesh Bank on 29 September.
Of this total, state-owned and specialised banks handled $679.10 million, while private banks received $1.43 billion in remittances.
Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has vowed to expedite reforms and hold elections swiftly. Yunus, who recently assumed the role after the collapse of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year administration, expressed his commitment during an interview with Tokyo-based news outlet NHK WORLD in New York on Sunday. He was attending the United Nations General Assembly at the time.
Following mass student-led protests that ended Hasina’s long-standing rule in August, Yunus stepped in as the leader of the caretaker government. Known for founding Grameen Bank, an institution providing microloans to the underprivileged, Yunus, along with the bank, earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his efforts in poverty alleviation.
During the interview, Yunus emphasized that the interim government’s primary mission is to implement reforms promptly and ensure elections are held as soon as the groundwork is complete. He underscored the importance of success, stating, “Failure is not something that we can accept.”
Addressing the pivotal role of students in the ousting of the Hasina administration, Yunus acknowledged the sacrifices made by young people, referring to their involvement as part of a “revolution.” He highlighted his intention to engage the younger generation in shaping policy.
Furthermore, Yunus called for continued support from Japan, Bangladesh’s largest donor, during this crucial transition period. He stressed that Japan’s assistance is vital to stabilizing Bangladesh’s economy and fostering a democratic foundation in the nation.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Adviser for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, announced today that steps will be taken to restrict the use of polythene shopping bags to safeguard future generations.
Starting from October 1, polythene bags will be banned in shopping malls, followed by a ban in kitchen markets from November 1.
“Everyone must take responsibility and stop using polythene voluntarily. Action against polythene producers will begin from November 1,” Rizwana Hasan stated during a seminar.
The Department of Environment (DoE) organized the seminar to raise public awareness about alternatives to banned polythene bags.
Rizwana Hasan highlighted that the restriction on polythene will be executed in phases according to legal provisions, and discussions with shopping centers and store owners are ongoing to ensure a smooth transition.
She also announced plans to make the government secretariat a plastic-free zone by December.
Other speakers at the seminar included Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed, DoE Director General Dr. Abdul Hamid, Director Rajinara Begum, President of the Shop Owners Association Muhammad Helal Uddin, and Md. Arifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at BUP. They discussed the harmful effects of polythene and the need for alternative products.
Earlier, Rizwana Hasan inaugurated a fair showcasing eco-friendly alternatives to polythene bags and visited 24 stalls. The fair featured products from government and private entrepreneurs, including reusable bags, jute bags, paper bags, and items made from bamboo and cane.
