JOHOR BAHRU — A container suspected of carrying goods for export to Israel was detained by the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) at the Port of Tanjung Pelepas yesterday.
AKPS said the shipment was suspected of violating Item No. 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 accordance with the Malaysian government’s policies and directives.
“AKPS will conduct further investigations together with the relevant authorities and agencies to verify the nature, specifications, intended use and classification of the goods concerned.
“This includes determining whether the goods are strategic goods subject to control under the Strategic Trade Act 2010 [Act 708] and related subsidiary legislation,” the agency said in a statement said.
It did not specify what kind of goods were in the container.
AKPS stressed that Malaysia would not compromise on any actions that violate the country’s policies, restrictions and laws concerning Israel.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed his appreciation to AKPS for its swift action in seizing the container.
In a post on Facebook today, he said the action demonstrated Malaysia’s firmness in ensuring that the country does not become a transit route for trade that could support or contribute to the Israeli regime’s atrocities against the Palestinian people.
“It is also in line with Malaysia’s commitment under The Hague Group, as well as the ban that has been in effect since December 2023 prohibiting Israeli ships and vessels carrying cargo to Israel from using the country’s ports,” he said.
Anwar said Malaysia would continue to uphold the principles of humanity, justice and international law in defending the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people. – August 8, 2026