I am a retired UK National considering moving to Malaysia to be with friends

Have been looking at the MM2H program. My Pensions plus UK house let income is more than sufficient but my investment capital is lacking. However my Pension alone is just not quite enough to meet the MM2H criteria.

Is it possible to stay in Malaysia by any other option without MM2H status?

I have lived in the Philippines and there it was possible to pay visa extensions for over one year. After that it was necessary to leave the country for a short vacation before returning to start the entire process over again. Many expats were using this method to continue their stay in the country.

Have spent too long looking at the Malaysian Immigration rules without any success - Please help.