Transport Minister Anthony Loke has issued a stern warning to a port operator who “mistakenly” released a container bearing the logo of Israel-based shipping company Zim Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. This warning came after a video showing a lorry carrying such a container went viral on social media.
Loke revealed that the ministry received a report stating that a port operator mistakenly let one of the company’s containers leave the port. He emphasized the importance of preventing any more containers from the company from leaving the port.
“Whatever containers are left behind must be sent out of the country as soon as possible. The mistake made by the port operator will not be overlooked, and we will issue a stern warning,” said Loke during a press conference in Sepang.
The minister did not disclose the name of the port operator involved in this incident. He mentioned that following the government’s decision in December to deny docking rights to the company, some of its containers were left behind, with only a few remaining in the country.
“The company’s ships have been banned from docking in Malaysia, and we cannot hide this fact as international groups are able to monitor their movements. Despite operating in Malaysia previously, the company still has containers that need to be removed from the country,” Loke explained.
All containers bearing the company’s name are now prohibited from leaving the ports and must be returned to their country of origin, according to the minister.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced on December 20 that local ports would no longer accept ships flying the Israeli flag to dock in Malaysia. Additionally, ships en route to Israel are not allowed to load cargo at Malaysian ports, effective immediately.
This decision was made in response to Israel’s violations of international laws and disregard for humanitarian principles, particularly in their treatment of Palestinians. The government aims to take a firm stance against such actions through these measures.
