Malaysia seizes container suspected of carrying goods for Israel

Malaysian authorities have seized a container at the Port of Tanjung Pelepas in Johor suspected of carrying goods intended for export to Israel, the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) said.

The seizure followed intelligence-led inspections, with preliminary checks indicating that the shipment may have violated Malaysia's Customs (Prohibition on Export) Order 2023, which prohibits direct and indirect exports to Israel, says the Middle East Eye.

Authorities are also investigating whether the cargo contains "strategic goods" regulated under Malaysia's Strategic Trade Act.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim praised the seizure, saying it reinforced Malaysia's "firm stance" that the country would never serve as a conduit for trade that supports the Israeli regime's actions against the Palestinian people.

Malaysia has maintained restrictions on trade with Israel as part of its broader policy over the conflict involving Israel and the Palestinians.

The seizure also comes in line with Malaysia's obligations as a founding member of The Hague Group, a coalition focused on preventing the transfer of arms, military equipment and dual-use items to Israel.

The group said the seizure gives "practical effect" to international law obligations regarding the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

Malaysia's latest action follows a decision in December 2023 to bar Israeli-owned and Israeli-flagged vessels from docking at its ports, a measure that specifically affected the Israeli shipping company Zim.

The latest seizure suggests Malaysian authorities are applying export restrictions to individual cargo shipments suspected of being destined for Israel, regardless of the flag or ownership of the vessel carrying them.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the contents of the container or identified the exporter or intended recipient. The investigation is continuing.