SAM president denied entry into Sarawak, group demands answers

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) president Meenakshi Raman was barred from entering Sarawak after landing at Miri Airport on May 21, 2025, according to the environmental group. The incident has prompted SAM to demand answers from both the state government and immigration authorities. Meenakshi, who had arrived on a 2.40pm flight, was stopped by immigration officers around 4.50pm and refused entry, with her identity card taken away.

She was questioned regarding her involvement in a case, though she had not received any prior notification or explanation for the restriction. SAM has called for a clear reason behind the ban on Meenakshi, as well as an explanation of the source and basis for the restriction. The group also wants the authorities to clarify why Meenakshi was not notified in advance and to immediately lift the imposed restriction.

SAM warns that barring environmental and human rights defenders from certain parts of the country raises concerns about democratic accountability, civic space, and the right to speak out on environmental destruction and affected communities' rights, emphasizing the need for activists to be able to work without any intimidation or harassment.