Malaysian Ships to Pass Through Strait of Hormuz Toll-Free

Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke stated that his country’s tanker ships have been permitted to cross the Strait of Hormuz. These ships will be exempt from toll fees, which Tehran will soon implement.

“No, this is not the case at all… The Iranian Ambassador (to Malaysia) has mentioned this; no tolls will be imposed on Malaysian ships,” Loke told reporters, as reported by AFP and quoted by detikNews on Tuesday (31/3/2026).

“We are friendly parties. We have good diplomatic relations with the Iranian government,” he emphasised.

Iranian state media reported that a key parliamentary commission, the National Security Commission, has agreed to impose import duties or toll fees on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

This strait is a vital access route for global oil and gas transportation, which has been closed since early March due to the escalating war raging in the Middle East. However, full approval from the Iranian parliament through a vote is still required to implement the toll fees.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan stated on Saturday (28/3) that Malaysian tanker ships—owned by oil giant Petronas, Sapura Energy, and maritime company MISC—are awaiting permission to sail safely through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has indicated that it will allow ships from countries considered friendly to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

Loke said it will take time for Malaysian tanker ships to cross the Strait of Hormuz because “there are many ships stranded and anchored there”.

“But I think the Iranian government has given their commitment, and we believe our ships will be able to pass through,” he said.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in an announcement broadcast on television last week, thanked Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian for paving the way for Malaysia and “releasing the oil tanker ships and the involved workers so they can continue their journey home”.