SHAH ALAM, March 31 - No tolls will be imposed on Malaysian vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, after Iran assured Putrajaya the ships would be granted safe passage amid tensions in the region, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook.
“As far as we are concerned, (we) have gotten clearance and support from the Iranian government to ensure the safe passage of our ships,” he said at a press conference after attending a fundraiser for SMJK Chan Wa at Courtyard by Marriott here today.
“The Iranian government has given its commitment and we believe our vessels will be able to pass.”
He said this in dismissal of claims online that Malaysian vessels would be required to pay tolls of up to US$2 million (around RM7.9 million) to transit the strait.
Loke said the assurance was conveyed by Iranian Ambassador to Malaysia Valiollah Mohammadi Nasrabadi, as Malaysia maintains good diplomatic relations with Tehran.
New Straits Times earlier reported that Malaysian-owned vessels can navigate the Strait of Hormuz safely without paying tolls, with Iranian authorities granting clearance for safe passage amid regional tensions.
Meanwhile, Loke acknowledged the logistics and transport sectors are under strain due to rising global energy costs, although there has not been major disruptions.
He also said the aviation industry is grappling with surging fuel prices, forcing airlines to adjust operations, with some carriers reviewing routes and frequencies.
“Jet fuel costs are increasing, and there may be some (merged flights) to ensure greater efficiency.”
He added that similar pressures are being felt in the shipping industry, warning that operators may pass increased costs on to customers through surcharges.
Loke asserted that the government is looking to ensure such charges are systematic and standardised, noting that industry players recently raised the issue with the National Economic Action Council (MTEN), calling for better governance of surcharges amid the volatile environment.
