Malaysian-owned vessels can navigate the Strait of Hormuz safely without paying tolls, said Iranian Ambassador to Malaysia Valiollah Mohammadi Nasrabadi.
He confirmed that Tehran has been informed of seven Malaysian-owned ships intending to transit the strait amid rising regional tensions.
“We received information from Malaysia’s foreign minister that several Malaysian ships are in the Persian Gulf and want to pass through.
“We have considered this, and Insya-Allah they will pass. It is no problem as Malaysia is a friendly country, and friendly countries can use the strait,” he told the New Straits Times.
When asked whether the vessels would be charged a toll, Valiollah said they would be allowed to pass freely.
“Of course (Malaysian ships are free to pass). We will not charge,” he added.
Tehran sets up ‘toll booth’
Multiple international media reports since last week have indicated that Iran’s military has set up a “toll booth” at the Strait of Hormuz and is charging up to US$2 million (RM7.9 million) for passage.
According to Bloomberg, the payments are ad hoc, and the method of payment and exact currency used are unclear.
PKR MP Wong Chen asked Putrajaya to disclose whether Malaysia is also paying toll fees, for the sake of transparency.
“If the government has to pay the toll, then it has to disclose this publicly as taxpayers’ money is involved.
“For me, paying and getting clearance to sail is better than having our ships and Malaysian crew stranded, but we have to be transparent and accountable,” he said.
Vessels awaiting clearance
On Saturday, Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said that seven Malaysian-owned tankers are awaiting clearance to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
The fleet includes three vessels owned by Petronas, two by MISC Bhd, and one each by Sapura Energy and Shapadu Corporation Sdn Bhd.
He clarified that the ships are not being held, but are waiting for a safe passage window and official authorisation to proceed. Reports indicate that four of the tankers are carrying crude oil.
Valiollah said the Strait of Hormuz remains open to international shipping, framing its selective restrictions as a lawful response to recent attacks and dismissing claims of a full closure.
He explained that access to the strategic waterway is being limited only for countries involved in, or supporting, attacks against Iran.
The ambassador noted that Iran continues to allow passage for friendly nations, subject to coordination with its authorities.
"I want to emphasise: the Strait of Hormuz is not closed. It is restricted for some, not all. If you attack Iran, you cannot use this strait. But we did not close it,” he added. - Mkini
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