9 hours ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Travel ban on Fahmi Reza incorrectly issued, says IGP
Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said a 'misunderstanding' during a border check yesterday prevented graphic artist and activist Fahmi Reza from flying to Singapore to attend a concert.
PETALING JAYA : Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said the police have not imposed any travel restrictions on graphic artist and activist Fahmi Reza.
Razarudin said a 'misunderstanding' occurred during a border check yesterday which led to a travel ban being 'incorrectly issued' against Fahmi, who was looking to fly to Singapore.
In a Facebook post yesterday, Fahmi said he was stopped at KLIA Terminal 2 while attempting to board a flight to Singapore to attend a punk rock concert.
He claimed that an immigration officer told him that Bukit Aman said he did not have clearance to travel abroad.
In a statement this morning, Razarudin said Fahmi is free to travel in and out of the country, subject to regulations set by the immigration department, and other laws.
'The police wish to clarify that we have not imposed any official travel restrictions on Fahmi at this time,' he said.
'However, the police have placed his name on a list of people to monitor for internal reference purposes due to an ongoing investigation involving him.
'It must be emphasised that being on this list does not constitute a travel ban, but is instead a standard monitoring procedure implemented by law enforcement authorities.'
Razarudin said police are reviewing the matter, and appropriate action will be taken to streamline the existing procedures.
Anwar instructs police to look into Fahmi's 'travel ban'
In a separate statement, the Prime Minister's Office said Anwar Ibrahim has instructed the police to review the 'travel ban' imposed on Fahmi.
'The Madani government upholds individual freedoms, so long as they do not compromise national security or violate existing laws,' the office said.
'Therefore, the police must provide further clarification on this matter.'
The PMO said it will continue to monitor the situation accordingly.
