Docking ban on Israeli vessels can lead to losses in trade, admits Anwar

 

Anwar Ibrahim expressed confidence yesterday that Putrajaya’s decision to ban Israeli vessels from docking at Malaysian ports will not adversely impact the country’s trade. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim acknowledged that Putrajaya’s move to ban vessels from the Israel-based shipping company, ZIM, from docking at any Malaysian port, could lead to losses in trade.

However, he said the impact of the decision on Malaysia in terms of trade would still be manageable.

“On our action to prohibit Israeli ships from entering the country, there may be risks in terms of trade,” he said during a dialogue with students at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (Upsi) in Tanjung Malim today.

He said he had discussed the matter with transport minister Loke Siew Fook and investment, trade and industry minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz, reported Utusan Malaysia.

“They told me that so far, it (losses in trade) is within control. Perhaps we might incur a small loss because the ships are not allowed to enter. However, the decision (to ban the vessels) was based on humanitarian principles,” he said.

Yesterday, Anwar expressed confidence that Putrajaya’s decision to impose an immediate ban on Israeli vessels from docking at Malaysian ports would not adversely affect the country’s trade activities.

Vessels heading for Israel are also prohibited from loading cargo at Malaysia’s ports.

In 2005, Anwar said the Cabinet at the time granted ZIM approval to make port calls in Malaysia.

However, Putrajaya has decided to annul all decisions made by former governments regarding this matter, he said.

This restriction is a response to Israel’s actions that disregard basic humanitarian principles and violate international law through continuous massacres and atrocities against Palestinian citizens,” said Anwar. - FMT