Ships from an Israeli shipping company and those carrying the country’s flag will be prohibited from docking at Malaysian ports, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated. This decision is effective immediately, the Prime Minister announced on Dec 20.
Zim Integrated Shipping Services Ltd, which is an Israel-based shipping company, will be restricted from docking in any Malaysian port, he said. The Cabinet had previously allowed ships from this company to dock in Malaysia starting in 2002. In 2005, that decision was reaffirmed by the Cabinet, he added.
The Prime Minister also mentioned that the current government has decided to overturn the decisions of the previous administration. As a result, the Transport Ministry will impose a permanent ban on Zim Integrated Shipping Services Ltd, with immediate effect. Furthermore, any ships hoisting the Israeli flag will also be prohibited from docking in Malaysia.
“In addition to that, Malaysia will also bar any ships heading to Israel from unloading cargo at Malaysian ports. Both bans come into effect immediately,” Anwar said. He explained that this decision was made in response to Israel’s actions, which he described as violating international laws and humanitarian principles through its continuous mistreatment of Palestinians.
He expressed confidence that this move would not have an impact on Malaysian trade.
