The first of seven Malaysian-owned commercial vessels that were previously stranded in the Strait of Hormuz due to tensions in the Middle East has successfully transited the waterway and is now heading towards its destination.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the development on Tuesday (April 7), saying it followed high-level diplomatic engagement between leaders and foreign ministers of both countries in March.
While the ministry did not disclose the vessel’s final destination, Reuters reported, citing LSEG and Kpler data, that the ship is an oil tanker carrying Iraqi crude under charter by a unit of Malaysia’s national oil company, Petronas. It is expected to discharge its cargo in Pengerang, Johor, in mid-April.
The announcement came a day after the Iranian Embassy in Malaysia posted on social media platform X, stating that “the Islamic Republic of Iran does not forget its friends.”
The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, has faced heightened tensions following military strikes involving the United States and Israel. The waterway is a crucial global shipping route, handling around 25 per cent of the world’s seaborne oil trade and nearly 19 per cent of global liquefied natural gas flows, according to the International Energy Agency.
In its statement, Malaysia’s foreign ministry reiterated the country’s commitment to freedom of navigation and the safety and security of maritime passage in accordance with international law.
It also emphasised the importance of continued dialogue and diplomatic engagement to ensure regional stability and peace.
The status of the remaining six Malaysian-linked vessels has not yet been disclosed, with CNA reportedly seeking clarification from the ministry.
Around 70 per cent of Malaysia’s crude oil imports come from the Gulf region, and roughly 40 per cent of the country’s total oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim previously revealed that Iran had agreed to allow Malaysian vessels safe passage following discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on March 26.
He also defended Malaysia’s diplomatic efforts, saying the country had taken a firm stance in opposing attacks on Iran while working to secure maritime access for its ships.
Reports also indicate that several other international tankers, including those from Thailand, France, Oman and Panama, have successfully passed through the strait amid easing tensions.
