Malaysia bans Israel-flagged vessels from docking, singles out shipping firm ZIM 

Malaysia has barred and restricted Israel-based shipping firm ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd from docking in Malaysian ports, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Wednesday (20 December).

Anwar said the Ministry of Transport will take immediate action by imposing a permanent ban on the company effective immediately. 

“These sanctions are in response to Israel’s actions that disregard basic principles of humanity and violate international laws through continued genocide and cruelty against Palestinians,” he said in a statement. 

He said the Cabinet had allowed ZIM ships to dock in Malaysia from 2002 onwards. However, the government decided to rescind the decisions from the former Cabinet.

Anwar said Israel-flagged vessels are also barred and ships en route to Israel are not allowed to load cargo in Malaysian ports. 

“Malaysia is confident that the decision will not affect Malaysia’s trading activities,” he added. 

Founded in Israel in 1945, ZIM is a global container liner shipping company with established operations in more than 90 countries serving approximately 34,000 customers in over 200 ports worldwide.

Photo credit: ZIM Integrated Shipping Services
Published: 21 December, 2023