\u201cMalaysia\u2019s position is clear and unequivocal. We will not allow our country to be used as a route for the transfer of shipments that support or contribute to Israel\u2019s military capabilities and its atrocities against Palestinians and other innocent people,\u201d Ibrahim wrote.<\/p>\n
\u201cAny suspicious shipment will be subject to inspection and investigation in accordance with Malaysian law. If it is determined that a violation has occurred, decisive action will be taken,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Malaysia authorities detain containers intended for Ashdod<\/p>\n
According to the report, authorities detained three containers destined for the Port of Ashdod at the Malaysian port in mid-August, and they have yet to be released as officials examine their contents. Authorities stopped the containers on August 19, and they contained parts for electric bicycles shipped by Chinese<\/a> manufacturer Chongqing Mobimax Technology. Tracking data from shipping company Maersk shows that the shipments have remained at the port for nearly a month after being seized.<\/p>\n The detention of the three containers came about two weeks after Malaysian authorities stopped another shipment on August 7. That container had originally arrived from the Philippines and was intended for Elbit Systems<\/a>. The Malaysian Border Control Agency suspected it contained weapons. The container has not yet been released, and data from shipping company Hapag-Lloyd also shows it remains at Tanjung Pelepas.<\/p>\n Malaysia does not maintain diplomatic relations or trade ties with Israel, and its customs laws prohibit the import of goods from Israel or exports to it. However, the law excludes cargo passing through the country\u2019s ports en route between other countries.<\/p>\n Since the latest shipments passed through Malaysia as part of transit routes, their detention may indicate a stricter interpretation of the law and an expansion of enforcement to include transit cargo.<\/p>\n The Malaysian Border Control Agency said the matter remains under investigation and that it cannot provide additional details at this stage. The Royal Malaysian Customs Department declined to comment, while the Johor Port Authority said it was reviewing the issue. Elbit Systems, Maersk, and Hapag-Lloyd also declined to comment.<\/p>\n Malaysia leaning further pro-Palestinian since October 7<\/p>\n Malaysia\u2019s pro-Palestinian stance, in the Muslim-majority country, has strengthened since the outbreak of the war in Gaza in October 2023, leading to widespread protests and consumer boycotts. In December of that year, Ibrahim banned the Israeli shipping company ZIM from using Malaysian ports.<\/p>\nShipping containers sit stacked at Tanjung Pelepas Port in Gelang Patah, Malaysia, June 29, 2026. (credit: REUTERS\/Hasnoor Hussain)<\/p>\n