Malaysia has detained three more containers bound for Israel at one of the country’s largest ports, according to people familiar with the matter, cited by Bloomberg on Monday, signaling increased scrutiny of Israel-bound shipments.
The three containers were detained at the Port of Tanjung Pelepas on August 19 and remained at the port as authorities investigated their contents, the sources said.
The containers carried electric bicycle parts from Chinese manufacturer Chongqing Mobimax Technology Co. and were destined for Ashdod Port near Tel Aviv, according to shipping documents reviewed by Bloomberg.
Seizures follow earlier Israel-bound shipment
The latest detentions came less than two weeks after Malaysian authorities detained another container at Tanjung Pelepas on August 7 over suspected exports to Israel.
The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) said at the time that the shipment was suspected of violating a customs order banning the direct or indirect export of goods to Israel.
Authorities said they would investigate whether the cargo constituted strategic goods subject to controls under Malaysia’s Strategic Trade Act.
Bloomberg reported that the earlier shipment originated in the Philippines and was suspected of containing weapons because it was addressed to Elbit Systems, an Israeli defence technology company. Shipping data showed the container remained at Tanjung Pelepas.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim praised the initial seizure, saying Malaysia would not allow its territory to become a transit route for trade that could support Israel.
Malaysia has prohibited Israeli ships and vessels carrying cargo to Israel from using its ports since December 2023, according to Anwar.
Malaysia tightens oversight of Israel-bound trade
The latest detentions point to broader scrutiny of cargo moving through Tanjung Pelepas, a major regional transshipment hub.
Bloomberg reported that shipping-tracking data showed the three containers carrying the electric bicycle parts were still at the port nearly a month after their detention.
Malaysia does not have diplomatic relations with Israel and has repeatedly tightened restrictions on trade and shipping involving the country.
The government has said attempts to export goods directly or indirectly to Israel in violation of Malaysian law and policy will face firm action.
The new detentions also come as Malaysian civil society groups push for stronger enforcement.
BDS Malaysia said it had alerted authorities to dozens of Israel-bound containers at Tanjung Pelepas, although the figures provided by the advocacy group have not been independently confirmed.
