In a notable development, the Israeli shipping company ZIM, recently prohibited from accessing Malaysian ports, now faces a logistical conundrum with 4,000 containers stranded in Port Klang. The Malaysian Transport Minister, Anthony Loke, underscored the company’s responsibility for expeditiously removing these transit containers, primarily concentrated at Westport.
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Minister’s Directive
Minister Loke emphasized that ZIM is obligated to liaise with other shipping entities promptly. Their task is to facilitate the swift removal of these 4,000 transshipment containers, ensuring their seamless transition to the next designated destination. This directive was articulated during a press conference convened subsequent to the signing of a lease agreement between MRT Corp and the Federal Land Commissioner for the MRT Kajang and Putrajaya lines.
Ban Unveiled by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim
The ban on ZIM, declared by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, stands as a direct rebuke to Israel’s actions. These actions have been condemned for violating fundamental humanitarian principles and international law, particularly in light of continuous atrocities against the Palestinian people. Effective immediately, the ban disrupted ZIM’s scheduled docking in Westport, Port Klang, set for December 26.
Company’s Responsibility Post-Ban
Minister Loke, when queried about ZIM’s post-ban obligations regarding container management, asserted the company’s accountability. Acknowledging the intricacies of the situation, he stated, “In the near future, they need to undertake the removal of these containers. However, we recognize the logistical complexity, with these 4,000 containers bound for various destinations. Thus, we are allowing a reasonable timeframe for their systematic resolution.”
This development unfolds against the backdrop of heightened international scrutiny and geopolitical tensions, further complicating the already intricate landscape of global trade and diplomatic relations.