Are Israeli shipping containers allowed to transit through Malaysian ports?

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Israeli Shipping Containers Are Permitted for Transit Through Malaysian Ports Under Specific Conditions

The Johor Customs Department has confirmed that containers bearing the logo of the Israel-based shipping company Zim, observed at the Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP), are transshipment cargo. This signifies that Malaysia is being utilised as a third-party transit port within a Free Trade Zone, a process authorised by the Ministry of Transport. Crucially, these containers are not involved in any import or export activities with Malaysia itself.
Transshipment Cargo Under Free Trade Zone Regulations

The container in question is classified as transshipment cargo, meaning it is temporarily moving through a third port en route from its original departure point to its ultimate destination in another country. Port authorities have verified that this movement was authorised, aligning with standard transshipment procedures. The Johor Customs Department has stated that there has been no actual trade movement into or out of Malaysia involving this specific shipping company's container.
Port of Tanjung Pelepas as a Key Transshipment Hub

The Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) functions as a significant cargo transfer and transshipment port in Malaysia and has been designated as a Free Trade Zone under the Free Zones Act 1990. While the Johor Customs Department is responsible for enforcing bans on containers from Israeli shipping companies as directed by the Transport Ministry, activities within the free zone are governed by the Free Zones Act and overseen by the zoning authority, Port Tanjung Pelepas Sdn Bhd.
Government Policy on Israeli Shipping

In December of the previous year, the Malaysian government announced a ban on ships flying the Israeli flag and prohibited vessels destined for Israel from loading cargo at Malaysian ports. This policy explicitly included vessels from Zim Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. Despite this ban on direct engagement, the current situation clarifies that transshipment operations, where containers merely pass through Malaysian ports without entering the domestic trade, are permitted under specific regulatory frameworks.

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Are Israeli shipping containers allowed to transit through Malaysian ports?

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