Legal Framework For Investment In Sabah

Sabah, better known as "The Land Below The Wind" is strategically located on the island of Borneo with its top-tier tourist destinations and attractions lying below the typhoon belt of East Asia. Given its serenity and richness of natural resources, the Chief Minister of Sabah has initiated a long-stay multiple-entry visa program called Sabah My Second Home ("SMM2H") in June 2022.¹ This proposal targets foreigners who wish to live in Sabah while promoting them to acquire and invest in Sabah's real estate.

Following the discussion above, it is pertinent for any local or foreign investors to be well-equipped with the guidelines before embarking on their investment journey in Sabah. The Sabah Economic Development and Investment Agency ("SEDIA") has set up the SEDIA Investment Promotion Unit to promote the investment sector in Sabah and facilitate the licensing and incentives for interested investors.² Primarily, four (4) key steps are crafted to assist investors and