Sahabat Alam Malaysia says Meenakshi Raman was given no prior notice or explanation for the restriction.
SAM honorary secretary Mageswari Sangaralingam said Meenakshi arrived on a 2.40pm flight, which landed at about 4.50pm, but she was stopped by immigration officers and refused entry.
She said Meenakshi’s identity card was taken and she was asked whether she was involved in any case.
“Approximately 15 minutes later, immigration officers informed her that a report had been lodged against her on May 21, 2025,” Mageswari said in a statement.
Mageswari said Meenakshi was asked whether she had received any letter from the Sarawak authorities, which she had not.
Mageswari said there was no prior notice, explanation or indication that she was barred from entering the state.
She described the incident as an unacceptable and deeply troubling exercise of state power, noting that Meenakshi was allowed to enter Sarawak as recently as 2024.
SAM is demanding that the Sarawak government and relevant immigration authorities state the reason for barring Meenakshi from entering the state and disclose the nature, source and basis for the restriction.
The group also wants the authorities to explain why Meenakshi was not notified in advance and to lift the restriction imposed against her immediately.
Mageswari warned that barring environmental and human rights defenders from parts of the country raised concerns over democratic accountability, civic space and the right to speak out on environmental destruction and affected communities’ rights.
“Activists must be able to undertake legitimate public interest work without any intimidation or harassment,” she said. - FMT
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