KUALA LUMPUR — The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) have stepped up efforts to bring back activist Tamim Dahri Abdul Razak by applying for an Interpol Red Notice as authorities intensify the hunt for the suspect wanted in connection with a religious provocation case.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said PDRM submitted the request to Interpol on June 8 after moving to cancel Tamim Dahri’s passport as part of broader efforts to trace his whereabouts.
According to immigration records reviewed by investigators, Tamim Dahri is believed to still be overseas.
“For the purpose of locating and repatriating the suspect, PDRM first applied for the cancellation of his passport and subsequently submitted an application for a Red Notice to Interpol on June 8,” Saifuddin said in a written parliamentary reply in the Dewan Rakyat.
“The police are working closely with the relevant agencies, including the Immigration Department and international counterparts, to ensure all available avenues are utilised in tracing the suspect and facilitating the necessary legal and administrative processes for his return,” he added.
He was responding to a question from RSN Rayer (PH–Jelutong) on the status of police efforts to locate the activist.
On March 18, the Langkawi Magistrates’ Court postponed proceedings against Tamim Dahri after being informed that he had been traced to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
During the hearing, prosecutors told the court that the suspect was believed to have left Malaysia through Bukit Kayu Hitam into Thailand on March 9 before travelling to Saudi Arabia via Bangkok’s international airport.
However, the prosecution said it had yet to verify whether he entered Saudi Arabia on a tourist or umrah visa.
On May 17, the court issued a warrant for his arrest.
Tamim Dahri is charged under Section 295 of the Penal Code for allegedly damaging a soolam, a sacred symbol revered by Hindus, at the former site of a temple in Langkawi. – July 15, 2026