KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has asked the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to clarify the travel ban imposed on activist and graphic artist Fahmi Reza.
In a statement today, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said Anwar had instructed the deputy inspector-general of police to review the issue, stressing that the government upholds individual freedoms so long as they do not threaten national security or violate existing laws.
“The Royal Malaysia Police must provide further explanation on this matter,” the statement read, adding that the PMO will continue monitoring developments.
Yesterday, Fahmi was stopped from leaving the country and going to Singapore, where he had planned to attend a concert.
Immigration officers told him a travel control order had been issued by Bukit Aman, and he was barred from travelling abroad. He said he was escorted out of the international departure area and told to direct any queries to the federal police.
The incident came less than two weeks after he was denied entry into Sabah on May 29 and deported upon arrival at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport. The entry ban, according to a notice shared by Fahmi, was issued by the Sabah Chief Minister’s Office.
In late December, he was reportedly detained upon attempting to land in Kota Kinabalu, believed to be over his satirical illustration of Sabah Governor Tun Musa Aman, which he painted as a mural and also went viral online. He was subsequently deported in early January.
Fahmi described yesterday’s incident as an “unforgettable birthday present”. – June 8, 2025