KUALA LUMPUR – The Magistrate’s Court in Langkawi has postponed the charge against activist Tamim Dahri Abdul Razak until May 15 after he was reportedly detected in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Magistrate Hemy Annerina Haja Mydin set the new date following a request from Kedah Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Khairul Anuar Abdul Halim, who sought at least two months to ensure the 34-year-old could be brought before the court.
During proceedings, it was revealed that Tamim Dahri, scheduled to face charges on Tuesday, had left Malaysia via Bukit Kayu Hitam for Thailand on 9 March and was subsequently traced to Saudi Arabia through Bangkok International Airport.
“The accused did not appear today to be charged under Section 295 of the Penal Code, so we are requesting a new date for the mention of the case on May 17,” Khairul was quoted as saying.
The prosecution informed the court that it has yet to confirm whether Tamim had entered Saudi Arabia using a tourist visa or an Umrah visa.
Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail confirmed that Tamim’s case is linked to the alleged defilement of a soolam, a sacred Hindu symbol, at the former site of the Sri Maha Muniswarar Temple in Langkawi, Kedah.
“He is expected to be charged under Section 295 of the Penal Code, which pertains to damaging or desecrating objects held sacred by any religious group with the intent to insult religion,” he said.
Also scheduled for prosecution in connection with the alleged religious provocation are Zamri Vinoth, Arun Doraisamy, and P Mahendra Boopathy, with proceedings to take place separately. – March 17, 2026