Social activist and political graphic artist Fahmi Reza found himself barred from travelling overseas on the morning of his birthday and Hari Raya Aidiladha, after immigration officers at KLIA2 informed him that he was blacklisted from leaving the country.
Stopped by immigration officers at KLIA2
Fahmi shared the full chronology of the incident in a Facebook post on June 7, revealing how his plans to attend a punk gig in Singapore quickly turned into a confusing and frustrating experience.
He arrived at KLIA2 at around 7.30 am to board AirAsia flight AK707, which was scheduled to depart at 9.35 am.
Upon reaching the international departure checkpoint, he was stopped by immigration officers, who informed him that further checks were required by PDRM.
Chased by deadlines, then denied boarding
After being asked for documentation, including his boarding pass and flight ticket, Fahmi was told that printed versions were required, despite presenting valid electronic copies on his phone.
With less than 30 minutes left before the boarding gate was due to close, Fahmi rushed to find a place to print the documents.
Fortunately, an airport staff member helped him and he managed to print the required paperwork.
When he returned to the immigration office with the documents, he was told that the PDRM had denied permission for him to travel abroad.
The officer gave no further explanation, only telling him to contact Bukit Aman directly for clarification.
Fahmi was subsequently escorted out of the international departure area and prevented from boarding his flight.
The incident followed closely on the heels of another travel-related restriction involving Fahmi.
Just a week earlier, he claimed he was blacklisted from entering Sabah after releasing artwork criticising the appointment of former Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman as the new Yang di-Pertua Negeri.
This week I’m blacklisted from leaving the country,” Fahmi wrote.
“Last week I was blacklisted from entering Sabah. What’s my offence? Only Bukit Aman and the government can answer.”
He ended his post by sarcastically thanking the authorities for the “birthday present” he never expected, signing off with a “Selamat Hari Raya Aidiladha.”
PDRM: Travel ban issued due to ‘miscommunication’
In response to public uproar and media coverage, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) released a formal statement clarifying the situation.
They confirmed that there was no official travel restriction placed on Fahmi Reza, and acknowledged that the situation was the result of a miscommunication.
PDRM explained that Fahmi’s name had been included in an internal movement monitoring list due to an ongoing investigation.
However, they emphasised that this list was not equivalent to a formal travel ban.
According to PDRM, the confusion during the immigration screening at KLIA2 led to an incorrect enforcement of travel restrictions.
They admitted the error and announced that internal procedures would be reviewed to ensure more accurate implementation in future.
The situation is being looked into, and appropriate steps will be taken to strengthen existing protocols,” the statement said.
Anwar orders top police to review
Shortly after PDRM’s statement, Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim issued a public response.
He announced that he had instructed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police to investigate the matter and provide clarity over the enforcement error.
The Madani government respects individual freedoms as long as they do not threaten national security or violate existing laws,” the Prime Minister said.
He added that the Prime Minister’s Office would continue monitoring developments to ensure the issue is resolved fairly.
Fahmi Reza, known for his satirical graphics that often critique political figures and government decisions, has long been the subject of police scrutiny.
He has been investigated multiple times in recent years under laws related to sedition and communications offences.
