PETALING JAYA: Controversial graphic artist and designer Fahmi Reza has been allowed to renew his passport by the Immigration Department after initially facing a hiccup earlier this month.

       Fahmi said he renewed his passport at the Putrajaya Immigration Department on Monday (May 9) and he was given the green light.

       "Finally, with the assistance of staff and officers from the Putrajaya Immigration Department's Passport and Safety Department, I have successfully renewed my passport.

       "The Immigration Department officer even told me, 'I like what you are doing. Continue your craft'," said Fahmi in a Facebook post on Monday (May 9).

       On April 23, Fahmi revealed that he was blacklisted by the Immigration Department and banned from leaving the country.

       Fahmi had said previously that he was trying to get a clearance from the police as he needed to travel to Europe in May for a theatre performance.

       Fahmi was called up by the police on April 22 for questioning, but no reason was given.

       On April 14, Fahmi was arrested over his drawing of a chimpanzee cartoon character dressed in what appeared similar to a royal attire.