Planning future move to Ipoh

The only visa available is the Malaysia My Second Home. It requires proof of liquid assets, monthly income and the placement of a Fixed Deposit. http://mm2h.gov.my/index.php/en/

Medical coverage thru Malaysian policies just covers hospitalization. It is possible to select the level of financial coverage required so costs are up to the individual to control. This link gives at least the names of the local providers. https://www.imoney.my/medical-insurance

Apparently the MM2H qualifications are going up in about one months time to RM600,000 liquid assets and RM500,000 FD. https://www.imoney.my/fixed-deposit

The expat retirement community is mainly based in Penang

So fixed deposits will require approx $128,000?

There is a General Election on 9th May and most matters of state are in abeyance pending the outcome.

There is also an MM2H programme run by Sarawak State which allows participants to live on peninsular Malaysia - https://www.sarawak.gov.my/web/home/art … w/221/279/

It is possible to apply for the MM2H visa and get it endorsed but not use it until ready, i.e. there are no rules about minimum time spent in Malaysia.

There are other threads on this forum about MM2H (both schemes).

Outside of MM2H what other legal avenues are open for expats to live full time in Malaysia?

None for retirement purposes.

So unless you meet the financial requirements, you cannot legally retire to Malaysia?

Basically yes - but check out the Sarawak MM2H link provided earlier.

If the new financial requirements do  come into force as planned the over 60's dont have to show income of RM10k per month at time of application, which they currently do.

So the Sarawak program is more flexible.  I'm hoping to retire to Ipoh.  Getting a roommate there will enable me to retire on my SS income from the USA, which is considerably less than 10K RM per month.

Although as a single man, the requirement is currently 7000 RM if I am over 50yrs old, which I would be by retirement age.

Since I am a current US citizen/resident, how does one obtain sponsorship from a Sarawak resident?

The people I know who have the Sarawak MM2H have had some connection with the State through employment. Check the other thread discussion about the system.