Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (MCBA/AKPS) seized a container at the Port of Tanjung Pelepas, Johor, on August 7, 2026, after suspecting it contained goods destined for export to Israel [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. The seizure followed intelligence reports and an inspection by the agency [1, 5].
The shipment is believed to violate Item No. 15 of the Second Schedule of the Customs (Prohibition of Exports) Order 2023, which forbids direct or indirect exports of goods to Israel [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Malaysia has enforced a ban since December 2023 prohibiting Israeli ships and vessels carrying cargo to Israel from using Malaysian ports [2, 3, 4, 5].
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim praised the swift action by the MCBA and underlined Malaysia's position on not allowing its ports to facilitate trade benefiting Israel. He said the move was "in line with Malaysia's commitment under The Hague Group, as well as the ban that has been in effect since December 2023 prohibiting Israeli ships and vessels carrying cargo to Israel from using the country's ports" [2].
He added, "This action demonstrates Malaysia’s firm resolve to ensure that our country never becomes a conduit for trade that could support or contribute to the atrocities committed by the Israeli regime against the Palestinian people" [5].
The agency will continue investigations to verify the nature, specifications, intended use, and classification of the goods, including whether they fall under strategic items regulated by the Strategic Trade Act 2010 [1]. Malaysia reaffirmed its commitment to uphold humanity, justice, and international law in defending Palestinian rights [2, 3, 4, 5].
The seizure illustrates Malaysia's enforcement of export restrictions to Israel in line with government policy and international commitments such as The Hague Group [2, 3, 5].
