The Immigration Department has cancelled the passport of Jho Low, with the cancellation effective from June 15.
“The cancellation was requested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC),” said Immigration director-general Datuk Mustafar Ali.
He confirmed that the cancellation followed provisions under the Immigration Act to bar the embattled businessman’s movements as he is required to present himself in Malaysia for questioning by the authorities.
“His passport is cancelled, so whatever action will be taken overseas as he no longer has a Malaysian passport,” Mustafar told reporters.
“If he wishes to travel, action can be taken against him by the authorities there,” he added.
June 15 was also the date that Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had turned down an offer by Jho Low to meet in Dubai and assist in the investigations in return for immunity from prosecution over the 1MDB scandal.
The cancellation also comes after MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Mohd Shukri Abdull said Low must return to Malaysia.
Mohd Shukri said the MACC and enforcement agencies from other countries were still hunting for Low, who has been on the run for three years.
On the revelation that Datuk Seri Najib Razak had two passports following news of the court order to impound the documents, Mustafar said that there was nothing unique about the former prime minister having a diplomatic one besides his regular passport.
“It doesn’t matter if he has two passports because he is still under our travel blacklist,” Mustafar added.