PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay to look into claims that activist and artist Fahmi Reza was recently barred from leaving the country, in a move that has sparked public concern over freedom of movement.
In a statement released by the Prime Minister's Office on Sunday, it reaffirmed the MADANI government's commitment to upholding civil liberties.
“The MADANI government upholds individual freedom as long as it does not compromise national security or violate existing laws. As such, the police must provide further clarification regarding this matter. The Prime Minister’s Office will continue to monitor the situation accordingly,” the statement read.
Fahmi Reza, known for his politically charged artwork, claimed in a Facebook post that he was prevented from boarding a flight to Singapore on 7 June. He alleged that immigration officers informed him he was blacklisted from international travel following instructions from Bukit Aman police headquarters.
The incident follows a similar episode the previous week, when Fahmi said he was barred from entering Sabah due to a controversial drawing criticising the appointment of Tun Musa Aman as the state's Yang di-Pertua Negeri.
No Official Travel Ban, says IGP
In response, there is no formal travel restriction in place against activist and graphic artist Mohd Fahmi Reza Mohd Zarin, according to Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, despite reports suggesting otherwise.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Razarudin confirmed that Fahmi’s name had been included in the Royal Malaysia Police’s (PDRM) internal movement monitoring list due to an ongoing investigation involving the activist.
“However, it must be emphasised that inclusion in this list does not constitute an official restriction. It is part of standard monitoring procedures regularly carried out by the authorities,” he explained.
He acknowledged that a miscommunication occurred during immigration clearance at the international departure gate on 7 June, which erroneously led to a travel ban being flagged.
“This confusion during the screening process resulted in an inaccurate movement restriction order being issued. The situation is currently under review and appropriate steps will be taken to streamline existing procedures,” he added.
Razarudin stressed that PDRM remains committed to upholding the constitutional right to freedom of movement for all Malaysian citizens.
“The individual concerned is free to leave and re-enter the country as normal, subject to any regulations enforced by the Immigration Department and applicable laws,” he said.
The clarification comes after Fahmi claimed on social media that he had been barred from travelling abroad after being blacklisted from entering Sabah earlier this month.
In a Facebook post, the activist said he was stopped by immigration officers at Kuala Lumpur International Airport while attempting to board a flight to Singapore. According to Fahmi, he was directed to the immigration office where officials informed him that police headquarters in Bukit Aman had denied him permission to travel.
The incident has drawn attention to the use of internal monitoring lists by law enforcement and has sparked public debate on the implications such measures may have on civil liberties. - June 8, 2025
