[UPDATED] No travel ban on Fahmi Reza, says IGP

New Straits Times

4 hours ago

KUALA LUMPUR: No official travel restriction has been imposed on activist and graphic artist Fahmi Reza.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said there was a miscommunication during a check at the country's exit point yesterday (June 7), which led to a travel restriction directive being issued in error.
"This situation is currently being reviewed, and appropriate measures will be taken to improve the existing procedures," he said in a statement.
Razarudin, however, said Fahmi's name was placed on a movement monitoring list for internal police reference, as investigations involving him are still ongoing.
"It must be emphasised that this list does not amount to a restriction, but is part of standard monitoring procedures routinely carried out by the authorities.
"The police remain committed to protecting and respecting the right to freedom of movement for every Malaysian citizen, and the individual concerned is free to travel in and out of the country as usual, subject to any regulations set by the Immigration Department and other applicable laws," he said.
Meanwhile, in a statement, the Prime Minister's Office said the prime minister had earlier instructed the police to investigate Fahmi's claim.
"The Madani government upholds individual freedom as long as it does not compromise national security or violate existing laws.
"The Prime Minister's Office will continue to monitor developments accordingly," it said.
Yesterday, Fahmi claimed he was prevented from leaving the country after immigration officers at KLIA informed him that he had been blacklisted.
In a Facebook post, Fahmi said he arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) around 7.30am to catch a 9.35am flight and proceeded to the international immigration clearance counter, where he was directed to the immigration office.
He said the officer asked for his travel documents and destination, and requested printed copies of his boarding pass and flight ticket.
Despite showing digital versions on his phone, Fahmi claimed he was instructed to print physical copies himself, even though the office was equipped with a printer.
With just minutes left before boarding, an airport staff member assisted him by driving him to a nearby hotel to print the required documents.
Upon returning to the immigration office, Fahmi said he was informed that he had not been granted clearance to leave the country.
According to him, the officer said that Bukit Aman had not approved his departure, but did not provide any further explanation. He was then escorted out of the departure area.