Malaysia seizes three containers bound for Israel, investigation underway
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Malaysian authorities have seized three containers bound for Israel at the Port of Tanjung Pelepas and are investigating whether the shipments violate the country’s export restrictions.
The containers, which were seized last month, contained electric-bike parts from a Chinese manufacturer and were destined for Ashdod Port in Israel. They remain in Malaysian custody while authorities examine their contents, according to people familiar with the matter cited by Bloomberg.
The latest seizure is separate from an earlier action at the same port on August 7, when the Malaysia Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) detained a container suspected of carrying goods for export to Israel.
The August shipment was investigated under Item 15 of the Second Schedule of the Customs (Prohibition of Exports) Order 2023, which prohibits the direct or indirect export of goods to Israel in line with Malaysian government policy.
AKPS said it was working with relevant authorities to determine the nature, specifications and classification of the goods and whether they constituted strategic goods regulated under the Strategic Trade Act 2010.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim welcomed the August seizure, saying it demonstrated Malaysia’s determination to prevent its territory from becoming a transit route for trade that could support Israeli actions against Palestinians.
Malaysia does not have diplomatic relations with Israel and has long supported the Palestinian cause. The country also banned Israeli ships and vessels carrying cargo to Israel from using its ports in December 2023.