SAHABAT Alam Malaysia (SAM) president Meenakshi Raman has been barred from entering Sarawak, with the environmental group demanding an explanation from the state government and immigration authorities over the restriction.
Meenakshi, who was travelling from Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 to attend a meeting in Miri, was stopped by immigration officers upon arriving at Miri International Airport on Tuesday.
She has since returned to Penang and said she remained perplexed by the decision, as she had received no prior notice or explanation from the authorities.
SAM honorary secretary Mageswari Sangaralingam said Meenakshi arrived on a 2.40pm flight, which landed at about 4.50pm, before immigration officers stopped her and refused her entry.
She said Meenakshi’s identity card was taken and she was asked whether she was involved in any case.
“Approximately 15 minutes later, immigration officers informed her that a report had been lodged against her on May 21, 2025,” Mageswari said.
According to Mageswari, Meenakshi was also asked whether she had received any letter from the Sarawak authorities, to which she replied that she had not.
SAM said there had been no prior notice, explanation or indication that Meenakshi was subject to any restriction preventing her from entering Sarawak.
Meenakshi said she hoped the authorities would provide clarity on the matter.
Attempts were being made to obtain a response from the immigration authorities regarding the case.
SAM described the incident as an unacceptable and troubling exercise of state power, noting that Meenakshi had been allowed to enter Sarawak as recently as last year.
The group is demanding that the Sarawak government and relevant immigration authorities explain why Meenakshi was barred from entering the state and disclose the nature, source and basis of the restriction.
SAM also wants the authorities to explain why she was not notified in advance and to lift the restriction immediately.
The group has previously been involved in civil society campaigns concerning logging and environmental issues in Sarawak, while Miri is regarded as a hub for logging activities in the state. - September 30, 2026
