[UPDATED] Israeli-based shipping company ZIM banned from Malaysian ports: Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR – Putrajaya has decided that it will no longer allow ZIM, a shipping company based in Israel, to anchor in Malaysia, announced Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. 

In a statement today, Anwar said that the Transport Ministry will be taking immediate action to impose a permanent ban, to take effect immediately, on the company.

Also effective immediately, the prime minister said that ships displaying the Israeli flag or those heading to Israel are banned from docking or loading cargo at Malaysian ports.

He also assured that the move will not affect Malaysia’s trade activities.

“These restrictions are a response to Israel’s actions that have ignored basic humanitarian principles and violated international laws through its continuous massacres and atrocities against the Palestinians,” Anwar said.

He added that the cabinet in 2002 had first allowed Israeli-owned ships to dock in Malaysia, with the move upheld by the cabinet in 2005.

“However, the government today has decided to cancel these decisions made by the previous cabinets.”

First established in 1945 as a government agency, ZIM’s privatisation process was completed in 2004 after the Israel Corporation acquired shares held by the government. 

After large-scale financial restructuring measures were implemented in 2014 followed by the appointment of ZIM president and chief executive officer Eli Glickman, the company was listed in the New York Stock Exchange in 2021. 

With reportedly around 4,000 employees, ZIM also has regional headquarters in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and Hong Kong. 

The company is also said to have offices and representatives in more than 100 countries worldwide. 

At least 19,667 Palestinians have been killed from the war, which remains ongoing since October 7. The death toll from Hamas’ attack on Israel stands at nearly 1,140. – December 20, 2023