{
  "id": 1244231,
  "title": "Defend Malaysia’s ports, but identify firms abusing transshipment, says maritime expert",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/defend-malaysias-ports-but-identify-firms-abusing-transshipment-says",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-16T09:23:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/08/16/defend-malaysias-ports-but-identify-firms-abusing-transshipment-says-maritime-expert/231597"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Malaysia must balance defending its reputation as a trusted trading hub while addressing concerns over firms potentially abusing its ports to evade US tariffs, according to maritime expert Datuk Seri Jeyenderan Ramasamy. He urged authorities not to dismiss US concerns or allow broad allegations to tarnish the entire maritime and logistics sector. Instead, they should demand evidence, conduct thorough investigations, and identify specific companies and cargoes involved in suspicious activity.\n\nRamasamy emphasized that Malaysia's hard work establishing itself as a reliable shipping and trading hub could be undermined if international partners question the credibility of Malaysian certificates of origin or cargo controls. However, he stressed that transshipment, which involves moving cargo through a port, is not illegal. The challenge lies in distinguishing between legitimate transshipment and attempts to conceal the true origin of goods through minimal processing or repackaging in Malaysia.\n\nHe called for investigators to scrutinize discrepancies between bills of lading, customs declarations, certificates of origin, commercial invoices, and actual cargo movement. Particular attention should be given to shipments involving Chinese-origin goods that may be repackaged and declared as Malaysian-origin upon exiting Malaysia. Authorities should investigate whether genuine manufacturing or substantial transformation occurred in Malaysia.\n\nRather than inspecting every container, Ramasamy suggested using data analytics and risk-based screening techniques to target high-risk companies and shipments. Authorities should leverage information-sharing among customs, port operators, shipping lines, enforcement agencies, and relevant ministries to create a digital audit trail documenting the origin, ownership, handling, processing, and final destination of high-risk cargo.\n\nWhile post-clearance audits are crucial, Ramasamy cautioned against excessive enforcement measures that could harm legitimate Malaysian manufacturers, exporters, and logistics companies. He urged a balanced approach that promotes transparency, company-level accountability, and evidence-based enforcement to protect Malaysia's reputation as a trusted trading nation.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 16 — Malaysia should firmly defend its reputation as a trusted trading and shipping hub while co...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Defend Malaysia’s ports, but identify firms abusing transshipment, says maritime expert",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/defend-malaysias-ports-but-identify-firms-abusing-transshipment-says-1245472",
        "published": "2026-08-16T09:23:39.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}