KUALA LUMPUR — Two Malaysian-linked vessels have begun their journey back from the Strait of Hormuz, with one expected to arrive this Friday, and another slated to return next week.
Communications Minister and government spokesperson Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said five other vessels remain in the strait, as tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt maritime movement along one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes.
“Currently, there are two ships on their way. One is expected to arrive on April 17, whereas the other is expected to arrive the following week. There are five other ships that remain in the Strait of Hormuz,” he said at a post-Cabinet press conference today.
The update comes amid heightened uncertainty in the region, with the strait, a key chokepoint for global energy supplies, seeing disruptions following escalating geopolitical tensions and security measures affecting vessel passage.
Earlier, on April 10, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim confirmed that six of the seven Malaysian-linked vessels in the area had been granted clearance to sail, after initial delays raised concerns over the country’s energy security.
The first of the vessels began its return journey on April 7, marking a gradual easing of the immediate bottleneck.
Despite the disruptions, the government has maintained that Malaysia’s oil supply remains stable, with sufficient inventory and contingency measures in place to meet domestic demand for April and May.
The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly a quarter of the world’s seaborne oil trade, making any disruption a significant concern for energy-importing nations such as Malaysia. — April 15, 2026