Banning Israeli ships sends a clear message of Malaysia's stand, says Fahmi

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia’s decision to restrict ships from an Israel shipping cargo company sends a clear message of its stand not to recognise Israel as a country, says Fahmi Fadzil.

The Communications Minister said the move also showed that Malaysia did not want to assist or play any role in terms of the economy that involved Israel.

"The government’s policy is consistent as far as Israel is concerned. This latest decision is in line with our policy," he told reporters after an event at the ministry on Tuesday (Dec 20).

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To a question, Fahmi said he did not foresee that the government’s latest stand would have an effect on Malaysia's shipping and use of its ports.

"I don’t have specifics on shipping companies docked at our ports that are destined for Israel.

"But I believe the numbers are not too big," he added.

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Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had announced that ships from an Israeli shipping cargo company as well as those en route to the country or those hoisting the country’s flag would be restricted from docking at Malaysian ports with immediate effect.

"The Malaysian government has decided to bar and restrict Zim Integrated Shipping Services Ltd, which is a shipping company based in Israel, from docking in any Malaysian port," the Prime Minister said in a statement Wednesday (Dec 20).

Zim was a publicly-held Israeli international cargo shipping corporation and the Cabinet had allowed ships from this company to dock in Malaysia from 2002 onwards.