Malaysia won’t allow cargo aiding Israel’s military, says Anwar

Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced today that the country will not permit the use of its territory for shipments supporting Israel's military activities. In a Facebook post, Anwar emphasized that Malaysia is steadfast in its commitment to preventing the nation from being exploited for military aggression or harm to innocent lives. He stressed that any shipment aiding Israel's military capabilities or contributing to the suffering of Palestinians and other innocents would not be tolerated.

Anwar's stance follows the seizure of three containers heading to Israel from Malaysia's Port of Tanjung Pelepas on August 19. These containers, reportedly carrying electric bicycle parts from a Chinese manufacturer, were bound for the Port of Ashdod, south of Tel Aviv. The contents of these containers are currently under investigation.

The seizure was also prompted by a similar incident on August 7, when authorities detained a container from the Philippines suspected of containing weapons destined for the Israeli defense technology company Elbit Systems Ltd. The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency inspected the goods to ascertain their nature, specifications, intended use, and classification, ensuring compliance with trade control laws.

Malaysia does not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel. The country's Strategic Trade Act 2010 governs the export of sensitive technology and materials, including provisions aimed at thwarting terrorism, nuclear proliferation, and the dissemination of weapons of mass destruction.