The pandemic has opened up a new way for people to work. No longer does one have to be stuck in a jam and work in an office every day. Working remotely is 100% possible as long as you are connected to the Internet, and you have all the necessary equipment for you to do your work. This is why the government is trying to promote this way of working by launching a new initiative.
The Star reported that in an aim to make Malaysia a preferred destination for digital nomads and to encourage mobility among professionals, Penang, Langkawi, Kedah, and Kuala Lumpur have been selected as pioneer locations for the DE Rantau program’s first phase.
The initiative, one of Malaysia’s Digital Catalytic Programs (Pemangkin), is intended to create an economic cascade and is projected to add RM4.8 billion to the national economy by 2025, according to Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa.
Even though there is stiff competition from neighbouring countries, Malaysia has the right mix, stable infrastructure, affordable living costs, a multicultural society, a multiracial population and great cuisine, all plus points that strengthen our position.
Communications and Multimedia Minister, Tan Sri Annuar Musa.
He said that the programme would be led by his ministry through MDEC, which would also oversee the creation of ecosystems and hubs tailored to the needs of digital nomads.
Under this programme, a DE Rantau Nomad Pass will be introduced, allowing foreign digital nomads who meet the requirements to remain in Malaysia for 12 months with the option to renew for another 12. The privileges granted to digital nomads would also apply to their wives and kids.
The applications will be accepted starting on 1 October through the Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), and the approval process will take no longer than a month.
