Malaysia has said that its ships stranded in the Persian Gulf are now being allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz after talks with Iran.
The update came on Thursday when Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim addressed the nation and confirmed that Iranian authorities had granted clearance for Malaysian vessels to continue their journey.
He said Malaysia is in the process of releasing its oil tankers and crew so they can return home. He also thanked Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian for allowing the ships to pass.
The government did not say how many vessels were involved or what conditions were attached to the clearance.
The strait has been heavily restricted for nearly a month following strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran.
The situation has disrupted global shipping and energy markets, as this route normally handles about 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
Before the conflict, around 120 vessels used the route daily, but recent tracking data shows only about four to five ships passing through each day.
Malaysia is an oil and gas producer, but it depends on imports for a large part of its crude supply. Around 70% of its crude oil comes from the Gulf region, and about half of that passes through Hormuz.
The disruption has affected fuel supply, and the government has said it may reduce subsidised petrol quotas and introduce work-from-home measures for some public sector workers. Officials have also…
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