KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysian law enforcement agencies have initiated an international search by applying for an Interpol Red Notice to locate and detain fugitive activist Tamim Dahri Abdul Razak.
The activist left the country shortly before he was due to face criminal charges in court earlier this year. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail confirmed that the authorities are actively tracing the suspect, who is currently believed to be residing outside Malaysia.
The Legal Action and Flight from Prosecution
Tamim was scheduled to appear in the Langkawi Magistrate’s Court on March 17, 2026. He faced a charge under Section 295 of the Penal Code, which addresses the deliberate defiling of a sacred object with the intention of insulting a religion.
But the suspect failed to appear. Investigators established that he had crossed into Thailand via land before flying from Bangkok to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Due to his absence, prosecutors secured a postponement to arrange for his return. Following this, the Langkawi Magistrate issued an arrest warrant on May 17, 2026. The Home Ministry immediately blacklisted Tamim, requested the official revocation of his passport, and submitted the Interpol Red Notice application on June 8.
The Investigations following Public Backlash
The state prosecution follows an intense public response, with citizens lodging 192 police reports across the nation. The reports were filed after a video circulated online showing Tamim allegedly desecrating a trishul, which is a sacred Hindu religious object.
Tamim has been a prominent figure in local campaigns calling for the removal of unregistered Hindu temples. In his defence, the activist claimed he did not know the item was a religious symbol, stating he believed it was simply a rusty piece of metal.
Saifuddin provided these updates in a written parliamentary response to Jelutong MP RSN Rayer. The government maintains that it will use all available international legal channels to ensure the suspect faces the charges in a Malaysian court.
