Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim thanked Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian for allowing Malaysian vessels “early clearance” through the strategic waterway, which has effectively been closed by Iran
Iran has granted Malaysian ships permission to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, Malaysia’s prime minister said, as a global energy crisis intensifies due to the United States and Israel’s conflict with Tehran.
In a televised address on Thursday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim thanked Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian for allowing Malaysian vessels “early clearance” through the strategic waterway, which has effectively been closed by Iran.
“We are in the process of securing the release of Malaysian oil tankers and their crews so they can continue their journey home,” Anwar said.
He did not specify how many vessels had been cleared or under what conditions they were allowed safe passage through the strait, which typically handles about one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments.
The Malaysian government, known for its non-aligned foreign policy, did not immediately provide further details.
Anwar noted that while Malaysia has been affected by disruptions to global energy supplies, the country remains in a relatively stronger position due to the capacity of its state-owned oil and gas company, Petronas.
Although Malaysia is one of the world’s leading LNG exporters, it still imports nearly 70 percent of its crude oil from the Gulf region.
To manage the impact, Anwar said the government will introduce fuel-saving measures, including reducing monthly subsidised petrol quotas and gradually implementing work-from-home arrangements for civil servants.
“Food supplies are affected; prices will certainly rise. Fertiliser too, and of course oil and gas,” he said.
“So there are steps we must take. Some countries are facing far worse impacts, but that does not mean we are unaffected.”
Iran has said the strait remains open to ships not aligned with the United States or Israel, while asserting its authority over the waterway.
Tehran has also acknowledged responsibility for at least two of around 20 reported attacks on commercial vessels in the region.
Iran’s parliament is considering legislation to introduce tolls for ships using the strait, amid reports that some vessels have been asked to pay up to $2 million for safe passage.
According to maritime intelligence firm Windward, five ships were tracked passing through the strait on Wednesday, up from four the previous day.
Before the conflict, about 120 vessels used the route daily.
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