Kuala Lumpur, August 9, 2026 – The Europe Today: Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has commended the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) for swiftly seizing a container suspected of carrying strategic goods intended for export to Israel at the Port of Tanjung Pelepas in Johor.
In a Facebook post, Anwar said the action demonstrated Malaysia’s firm commitment to preventing its territory and ports from being used as transit routes for trade that could support or contribute to what he described as atrocities against the Palestinian people.
He said the action was also consistent with Malaysia’s commitments under The Hague Group, as well as a ban introduced in December 2023 prohibiting Israeli ships and vessels carrying cargo to Israel from using Malaysian ports.
“Malaysia will continue to uphold the principles of humanity, justice and international law in defending the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people,” Anwar said.
Earlier, AKPS said it had detained and inspected a container at the Port of Tanjung Pelepas on Friday following suspicions that it contained goods destined for Israel.
According to the agency, the shipment was suspected of violating Item No. 15 of the Second Schedule of the Customs (Prohibition of Exports) Order 2023, which prohibits the direct or indirect export of goods to Israel in accordance with Malaysian government policies and directives.
The seizure underscores Malaysia’s continued enforcement of its trade and port restrictions concerning Israel and its stated policy of preventing Malaysian territory from being used to facilitate trade that could contravene national regulations or government directives.
