Activist Fahmi Reza claims banned from entering Sabah
Fahmi Reza showing the notice from the Sabah Immigration Department. — Pictures from Instagram/kuasasiswa
KOTA KINABALU (May 29): Graphic artist and activist Fahmi Reza claimed he was deported back to Kuala Lumpur after being denied entry into Sabah upon arrival at Kota Kinabalu International Airport today.
Fahmi, known for his satirical political artworks, shared a notice on Instagram that appeared to be from the Sabah Immigration Department. The notice cited Section 65(1)(a) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, which grants Sabah authorities discretionary power to bar entry.
Dated May 29, 2025 and addressed to him personally, it read: 'The State Authority has directed that no pass be issued to you to enter the State of Sabah.' The notice was timestamped 11.30am.
Earlier this year, Fahmi faced investigations under the Sedition Act, the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA), and the Penal Code after sharing an illustration on Sabah Governor Tun Musa Aman.
The Native Court of Keningau also announced plans to summon Fahmi over the caricature, which it deemed an insult to Musa and the Kadazan Dusun Murut (KDM) community.
The artwork had been widely shared online and painted on public buildings in Kota Kinabalu.
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