Furore Over Malacca Strait Toll Proposal: Malaysia's Response

Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan has responded to circulating reports regarding tolls on ships passing through the Malacca Strait. He emphasised that no country can unilaterally determine access to the 900-kilometre strait.

Datuk Seri Mohamad stated that Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand share a strong understanding of the strait’s status. “Whatever is to be done in the Malacca Strait must involve cooperation among the four countries. That is our understanding. It cannot be done unilaterally,” he said some time ago, as reported by The Straits Times on Saturday (25/4/2026).

He added that when the joint agreement on patrols and security in the Malacca Strait was established, the fundamental principle was no unilateral decisions.

Previously, Indonesian Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa floated the idea of potential tolls on ships using the Malacca Strait route. However, he later clarified reports suggesting he had proposed imposing tax fees in the area.

“That was not in a serious context. We have never planned to impose (taxes),” Purbaya told reporters in Jakarta on Friday (24/4/2026). Purbaya assured that he understands the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Foreign Minister Sugiono expressed a similar view. According to him, Indonesia will not impose tolls on ships crossing the Malacca Strait, as it is deemed contrary to international law.

Sugiono stated that such a policy would not align with UNCLOS, which recognises Indonesia’s status as an archipelagic state and guarantees the right of passage through sea lanes without hindrance. Responding to reporters’ questions in Jakarta, Sugiono emphasised that Indonesia remains committed to upholding freedom of navigation and ensuring smooth and open maritime traffic through one of the world’s busiest waterways.

“We also hope for freedom of passage, and I believe this is a shared commitment among many countries to create an open, neutral, and mutually supportive shipping route,” he said.