Malaysia Seizes Container Suspected of Being Bound for Israel at Johor Port

Authorities in Malaysia have seized a shipping container at Port of Tanjung Pelepas in Johor, after intelligence flagged it as potentially destined for Israel in breach of a national export ban.

The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency, known as AKPS, detained the container on August 7. Investigators suspect it violates Item 15 of the Second Schedule of the Customs (Prohibition of Exports) Order 2023, which bans the direct or indirect export of goods to Israel. Officials are also looking at whether the cargo qualifies as regulated goods under Malaysia's Strategic Trade Act.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim praised the seizure. He said Malaysia would not allow its ports to be used for trade that supports what he described as Israeli actions against Palestinians, and that the country will not become a transit route for Israel-bound shipments. Malaysia has barred Israeli-flagged vessels carrying cargo to Israel from using its ports since December 2023. Anwar noted the action also aligns with Malaysia's commitments under The Hague Group.

AKPS said it acted on intelligence before moving to detain the container at the Johor terminal for further inspection.