The Malaysian government, led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has implemented a permanent ban on vessels from Israel-based shipping company ZIM from docking at any Malaysian port.
The decision, effective immediately, is in response to Israel’s actions that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim described as disregarding basic humanitarian principles and violating international law, particularly in the context of the ongoing Gaza war.
Anwar Ibrahim stated, “This restriction is a response to Israel’s actions that disregard basic humanitarian principles and violate international law through continuous massacres and atrocities against Palestinian citizens.”
The Prime Minister revealed that the Cabinet had previously permitted ZIM-owned ships to dock in Malaysia, starting in 2002, with approval granted in 2005. However, the current government has decided to annul all decisions made by previous administrations regarding this matter.
In addition to the ban on ZIM vessels, the Malaysian government has also prohibited ships displaying Israel’s flag from docking at the country’s ports.
Furthermore, vessels bound for Israel are now prohibited from loading cargo at Malaysia’s ports. Anwar Ibrahim emphasised that both prohibitions take immediate effect.
“Malaysia is confident that these decisions will not adversely affect the country’s trade activities,” Anwar reassured.
