Malaysia backs detention of Israel-bound cargo at Tg Pelepas

Malaysia has officially endorsed the detention of cargo heading to Israel at Tanjung Pelepas Port, a decisive stance against supplying military aid to the nation, according to Senator Dr Zulkifli Hasan, a key advisor to the Prime Minister. The minister's department backs the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (MCBA) in their efforts to inspect and detain cargo suspected of ties to Israel, citing religious obligations and principles of Maqasid Syariah (Hifz an-Nafs), which prioritize protecting lives and preserving the nation's sovereignty from exploitation.

This stance follows a series of recent detentions at PTPer, including three containers on August 19, 2023, reportedly bound for Ashdod Port, Israel, containing electric-bike parts from Chinese manufacturer Chongqing Mobimax Technology Co. The shipping data shows these containers stayed at PTPer for nearly a month after their detention.

The earlier detention on August 7, 2023, involved a container from the Philippines heading to Elbit Systems Ltd, an Israeli defense technology company. The MCBA stated the earlier shipment likely violated Item 15 of the Customs (Prohibition of Exports) Order 2023, which targets goods destined for Israel. Authorities are investigating the nature, intended use, and classification of these goods, including whether they fall under strategic goods.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim vowed Malaysia would not become a transit route for trade supporting Israel's military capabilities. Any suspicious shipments would face inspection and legal investigation under Malaysian law. The Customs (Prohibition of Exports) Order 2023 prohibits the export of certain goods to Israel, and its 2024 amendment broadens this to all goods destined for the country.

However, the investigation into the August 19 containers is still ongoing, and it remains unclear whether they contain military goods or if their detention constitutes a breach of Malaysian law.