Malaysia Successfully Lobbies Iran, Allowing Its Tankers to Pass Through the Strait of Hormuz
Malaysia Successfully Lobbies Iran, Allowing Its Tankers to Pass Through the Strait of Hormuz
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Intensive diplomatic efforts amid escalating Middle East conflict tensions have borne fruit for Malaysia. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim revealed that Malaysian ships are now permitted to cross the Strait of Hormuz following a series of discussions with regional leaders, including Iran.
Anwar stated on Thursday (26/3/2026) that he had spoken with leaders from Iran, Egypt, Turkey, and other regional countries, and Malaysian ships are now allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
In a speech broadcast on television, Anwar also expressed thanks to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian for permitting Malaysian ships to pass. He added that the process of repatriating Malaysian oil tankers is underway.
“We are now in the process of releasing the Malaysian oil tankers and the involved workers so they can continue their journey home,” said Anwar.
Although Malaysia is an oil-producing nation, its dependence on global energy routes remains high. Approximately 50% of the country’s oil supply is transported through the Strait of Hormuz. This situation means that closure of the route directly impacts the domestic economy.
“For us now, we are forced to manage the situation because the impact from the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, the war, and the halt in oil and gas supplies all affect us,” Anwar stated.
Since Iranian forces effectively blocked this vital trade route in retaliation for attacks by the United States and Israel, only a few cargo ships and tankers have managed to pass. Most of the ships that got through belong to Iran, but some are from Thailand and China.
Earlier this week, a Thai oil tanker successfully passed through the strait following diplomatic coordination between Thailand and Iran. A Thai official and the ship owner said on Wednesday that the vessel was not required to pay a fee to pass the blockade.
The tanker owned by Bangchak Corporation crossed the strategic route on Monday after talks between Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow and the Iranian ambassador to Thailand.
Additionally, at least two Chinese LPG carriers were reported to have successfully passed through the strait. A Chinese container ship, Newvoyager, also crossed the route after making a payment to Iranian authorities, according to a Lloyd’s List report.