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Malaysia bars Israeli owned vessels and ships headed to the country’s ports

Photo: ZIM Line Side view of ZIM vessel in port
Malaysia has banned Israeli owned ships and vessels bound for the country’s ports in response to the war in Gaza.

Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said on Tuesday it had imposed a ban on any vessels from ZIM calling at the country’s ports with immediate effect.

“At the same time, the government has also decided not to accept any ships flying the Israeli flag to dock in the country,” he said.

Local press reported that a ZIM vessel due to call at Port Klang on 26 December would be prohibited from doing so.

The ban also extends to vessels calling Malaysia that plan to later call at Israeli ports.

"Additionally, a ban has been imposed on any ships en route to Israel from loading cargo at Malaysian ports. Both of these restrictions take immediate effect," PM Anwar said.

A majority Muslim country Malaysia has no formal diplomatic relations with Israel. Malaysian citizens are barred from visiting Israel, while Israelis wanting to visit Malaysia require approval from Malaysia’s Ministry of Home Affairs.