MALAYSIAN authorities have detained three more containers bound for Israel at the Port of Tanjung Pelepas, according to people familiar with the matter, with the shipments still held almost a month after they were seized as authorities investigate their contents.
The three containers were reportedly detained on Aug 19 while bound for Ashdod Port, south of Tel Aviv, the people said, asking not to be identified because they were not authorised to speak publicly.
Shipping manifests seen by Bloomberg News showed the containers contained electric-bike parts shipped from Chinese manufacturer Chongqing Mobimax Technology Co.
Tracking data from A.P. Moller-Maersk, the carrier handling the cargo, showed the containers remained at Tanjung Pelepas.
The detentions followed the seizure on Aug 7 of another container that originated in the Philippines and was suspected by the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency of containing weapons because it was destined for Elbit Systems Ltd, an Israeli defence technology company.
Tracking data from Hapag-Lloyd AG showed that container also remained at Tanjung Pelepas.
A spokesperson for the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency said the matter was under investigation and the agency was unable to comment further.
The Royal Malaysian Customs Department, whose legislation the agency uses for enforcement at ports, declined to comment, while the Johor Port Authority said the matter was under review.
Malaysia’s Transport Ministry also did not respond to requests for comment.
Representatives for Elbit Systems declined to comment, while Mobimax Technology did not respond. Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk also declined to comment.
Malaysia does not have diplomatic or trade relations with Israel and generally prohibits imports from and exports to Israel under its customs legislation, although transit goods are excluded.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, commenting on the Aug 7 seizure, said Malaysia would not allow the country to become a conduit for trade flows that can support or contribute to “the cruelty of the Israeli regime.”
Malaysia’s longstanding pro-Palestinian position has intensified since the Gaza war began in October 2023, prompting protests and consumer boycotts. In December that year, Anwar’s administration banned Israeli shipping company ZIM Integrated Shipping Services from using Malaysian ports.
The latest detentions come as Malaysia maintains heightened scrutiny of activities linked to Israel. In July, authorities shut down the Johor-based Network School following an investigation triggered by claims that Israeli students were studying at the technology commune in breach of Malaysian immigration rules.
Malaysia also bars Israeli passport holders from entering the country without permission.
Tanjung Pelepas, located near the Strait of Melaka, is Malaysia’s second-largest port and its biggest transshipment hub, with transshipment accounting for about 90 per cent of the cargo it handles. - September 14, 2026
