Agents no longer required!

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I heard a brief news report on the local radio yesterday that the govt is going to remove the mandatory requirement to use an agent for MM2H applications.

Anyone else catch this?

regards,

John

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Hi John,

I read in Expat magazine that Andy Davison (who seems to formulate policy for MM2H) was suggesting this to the Ministry. Maybe they have taken on a new bunch of recruits and want to give them something to do. I think the 150 or so agents might take a dim view of this.

Wouldnt it be good if we as MM2Hers could communicate our views to the ministry rather than let the agents decide what is best for the program. Maybe I'll drop a line to Cindy Lim and ask for a suggestion box 

Bob

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Right on Bob.  I made this very same suggestion back on July 4 on this site.  Screw the agents.  I am more than willing to be part of a group of MM2Hers and meet with MOT to advocate the "do it alone option".  I'm in the US part of the year but when in KL will do my part if called upon.  Suggest strongly we get the leader of this site (Scott, of course) on board.  He is articulate and won't take any BS from the agents or MOT.  Fizzy would give em' hell too...jr6020, USA

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It would certainly be a move forward in the right direction if they would meet us. Scott are you listening

Regards

Bob

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hi,

Listening, yes. This is good news. We need to check it out with MoTour, and check the MM2H tourism site.

However, my first thought is : why?

regards, Scott

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However, my first thought is : why?

Good question Scott....but doubt if we will ever know the answer.

Thanks 'jr6020'.....I am happy to be counted in and will do my bit if required

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hi,

I contacted Yvonne of Joy-Stay and asked about this. She has always been up-to-date, and she is regularly in touch with MoTour. She says that it is the first she has heard of this, and that, in fact, MoTour is asking agents for extra documentation.

I read in Expat magazine that Andy Davison (who seems to formulate policy for MM2H)

Personally, I wouldn't swear on the Expat Magazine. Swear about it yes, on it, no. I have read several of the missives from Davison on his site, and he certainly doesn't hide his light under a durian tree. Any positive improvements to MM2H have always been the result of Davison's midnight toil. Any regressions to policy a result of bureaucrats turning a deaf ear to Davison's pleading.

As he runs an agency offering MM2H application services, I can't see that ending this restrictive monopoly would be to his benefit. Why would he be suggesting a hit to his rice bowl? 

Unless he's got other fish to fry.   

regards, Scott

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Maybe he is suggesting these amendments because he just has our interests at heart.   I think he at least warrants being elevated to Dato.

On a more serious note does anyone have any contacts at motour, maybe we could arrange an informal chat.

Bob

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hi,

I don't have any contacts in the "let's meet up and chat about things" context.

When I last contacted MoTour (months ago) Cindy Lim was the best for answering general queries. However, she's a knowledgable staffer, rather than a policy setter.

regards, Scott

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Cindy might know how they deal with feedback. Is it ignored totally or fed through to the policy makers. If it is fed through then maybe if we hammer the feedback channel we may get some responses.

I'm an optimist though, may be different in the real world.

Regards

Bob

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hi,

Davison et al set up the Agents Association that provides feedback to MoTour. No doubt MoTour is happy to deal with this association as they don't have the MM2H staff to get feedback in more balanced ways.

Feedback from us end-users needs to reach MoTour in a way that is easily handled, that means pre-packed and to absorb (like the Agents Association). Without this all end-user feedback will always be "one-off" and easy to dismiss.

ERGO, an end-users association is needed. And who wants to commit to this when we could all be loafing on the sun lounger, next to the barbie, and the beer table.

regards, Scott

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Unfortunately if we dont try using the channels we will never know if they have any impact. One of these days a policy maker is going to ask the question " do we have any feedback" if the answer is "no" they will all go back to sleep again and leave it to King Andy.

I'll keep on firing off the feedback, it would be better if I wasn't a lone voice but I'll do it anyway.

Bob

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Received this email today from Lai Shevren of MOT regarding the no agents option and the identity cards (I added the CAPS for emphasis):

With regard to your enquiry on direct application for participation in MM2H programme, please be informed that we are currently reviewing the procedure for submission of applications and A RECOMMENDATION HAS BEEN MADE TO THE AUTHORITIES FOR DIRECT APPLICATIONS TO BE ACCEPTED.  However, this is still at the discussion stage and no decision has been reached yet.  Should there be any change of ruling, this will be duly advised to all MM2H agents and will be posted on the announcement page of our website http://www.mm2h.gov.my accordingly.

On the question of the MM2H ID cards, our Immigration authorities are still in the process of issuing similar cards to foreign students and workers in the country.  The next stage of the process will be the issuance of such cards to other categories of foreigners in Malaysia, including MM2Hers.  Again, such information will be updated on our "Announcement" page and advised to MM2H agents when dates have been finalised.

We need to keep the pressure on.  I suggest each of you email MOT and make your case for the no agent option.  Miss Shevren seems to be a reasonable person and I believe she will listen to us...Jim (jr6020)

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Thanks Jim, Interesting feedback from the MOT. The radio report I heard definitely quoted the Minister of Tourism saying that the 'no agents' decision was already a done deal. But everyone knows you shouldn't believe what you hear on the news, especially here!

regards,

John

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I see at the very top of the MM2H Govt website they now post the last time the website was updated and the number of visitors to the site.
The updated info was something I requested about 3 years ago. Don't no when it was modified but good to see it is there.
There are few things worse than a 'dead website'!