Ah Meng and Karin's MM2H Plan for a Luxurious Life in JB

Ah Meng and Karin, a couple in their late 40s from Tiong Bahru, have recently started planning for their future. Whilst both enjoy successful careers in media and the service industry, Singapore's rising cost of living has prompted them to explore alternative lifestyles. With a paid-off shophouse in Tiong Bahru and decent savings in the bank, they've realised that the Malaysia My Second Home visa could be their ticket to a more affordable yet luxurious life at just an hour away from Singapore.

One of the things that excites Ah Meng and Karin about the MM2H visa is the privilege to purchase property in JB at a lower minimum price threshold than those not on MM2H. After all, this means the couple can finally own the kind of spacious landed home they've always dreamed of, but, for obvious reasons, could never afford in Singapore. JB's property market is still very affordable compared to Singapore. Better still, with infrastructure improving every year, it may well be the perfect time to invest in this vibrant part of Malaysia. With MM22H, the couple gets to enjoy the numerous benefits of living in Malaysia, whilst simultaneously participating in JB's exciting future.

Be that as it may, before committing to buying a property, the couple plans to rent in JB first, probably for a couple of months at least. In so doing, they get to explore the different JB residential areas, which will enable them to experience the JB lifestyle firsthand. It's a prudent approach, so they can informed decisions about where exactly they eventually want to settle.

Another key advantage of the MM2H visa is the tax exemption on money transferred from Singapore to Malaysia. The couple's savings, along with any future earnings they wire to their JB bank, will not be taxed. This means that in practical terms, they can make the most of their financial assets, given that there won't be tax deductions once transferred to Malaysia.

This financial freedom, coupled with the strong Sing Dollar against the Ringgit, makes living in Malaysia even more attractive. As a matter of fact, with their disposable income multiplied by at least a factor of three in Malaysia, they'll be able to stretch their cash much further. Indeed, according to their estimates, they may well be able to join the ranks of the expats in Malaysia already enjoying a financially independent lifestyle. That's the kind of prospect that's not easy to pass up.

Journey Unhurried
It's no secret that Malaysia's low cost of living is one of the more appealing draws for the many Singaporeans who cross the Causeway, be it for a day trip, a longer leisure stay, or for retirement. So, too, for Ah Meng and Karin. Combined with their sprawling landed abode and JB's wide open spaces, their lives across the Straits will provide the couple the kind of freedom and quality of life they've been longing for.

Another comfort is that English is widely spoken in JB. Additionally, there's already a growing community of Singaporeans who rebased from Singapore to JB. This will undoubtedly make the transition much smoother for Ah Meng and Karin, who can easily integrate into the local expat scene while still feeling close to home.

The upcoming RTS line, which will reduce travel times between Singapore and JB, was another major factor in their decision to apply for MM2H. With quicker, more convenient access to Singapore, they can visit friends and family as often as before. This connectivity gives them the flexibility to maintain close ties to Singapore while enjoying the benefits of the good life in JB. A kind of win-win situation that's actually applicable to all Singaporeans keen to live a little luxuriously in JB, earning SGD and spending MYR. How so? Well, because living in JB means you still have Singapore at arm's length, all the more so once the RTS is up and running. For Singaporeans, this unique lifestyle arbitrage opportunity is truly the best of both worlds.

Healthcare
Healthcare is another area where Malaysia shines for MM2H holders. Private healthcare in Malaysia is top-tier and much more affordable than in Singapore, that much is true. As they always keep an eye on their future, Ah Meng and Karin are reassured by the availability of high-quality medical care without the steep costs they're used to. In fact, with several of the JB medical centres owned and run by Singaporean medical groups, including Gleneagles Medini and Regency Specialist Hospital, each CPF/Medisave-recognised, they feel that their healthcare bases are more than adequately covered.

Rebasing to JB is an idea that's been gaining a lot of traction in Singapore lately. The reasons are straightforward: not only is it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but all Singapore homeowners who want to go back are able to, given that their home will still be there upon their return. And this applies to Ah Meng and Karin too. If they ever decide to return to Singapore, their paid-off shophouse in Tiong Bahru will always be there for them. The ultimate flexibility.

Interesting in reading more about retiring in JB? Full details can be found on the MM2H.com.sg portal.