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MALAYSIA is closely monitoring six of its vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz as regional tensions linked to Iran continue to disrupt maritime movement, while simultaneously seeking a review of its peacekeeping commitments in Lebanon amid worsening security conditions.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said only one Malaysian vessel has so far managed to exit safely into international waters, with others still unable to proceed despite having received prior clearance.
“Currently, our ships cannot pass because the Strait of Hormuz is completely closed, even though approval had already been granted for them to do so.
“So far, only one vessel has managed to exit safely and is now heading towards the oil refinery in Pengerang, Johor… six others remain stranded. We will monitor the situation and see how it develops,” he told reporters in Rembau late Thursday.
He added that the remaining ships are expected to be allowed passage in stages by the Iranian authorities as the situation evolves.
A Malaysian-linked tanker carrying approximately one million barrels of Basrah Heavy crude reportedly exited the strategic waterway on March 2 and is expected to dock in Pengerang, Johor, later this month for unloading. The vessel was chartered by a unit of Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas).
Responding to criticism from certain parties over Malaysia’s engagement with Iran to secure safe passage, Mohamad stressed that sovereign nations must act in accordance with their own strategic interests.
“I do not wish to comment at length on that — comment on your own country, not on other countries.
“We have our own foreign policy, and every independent and sovereign nation has its own foreign policy,” he said.
In a separate development, Malaysia will request the United Nations to reassess the mandate of peacekeeping missions, including the Malaysian Battalion (MALBATT) 850-13 currently deployed in Lebanon, as conditions on the ground deteriorate.
Mohamad said the situation in Lebanon no longer reflects that of a peacekeeping mission, as active conflict is now taking place, exposing more than 500 Malaysian personnel to heightened risks.
“The situation in Lebanon is no longer that of a peacekeeping mission, as war has broken out there… discussions have been held with the Ministry of Defence on this matter because peacekeeping duties involve not only Malaysia but also other countries.
“I have instructed Malaysia’s permanent representative to the United Nations to engage with the UN Secretary-General and coordinate with other countries involved in the mission to negotiate and prepare a memorandum so that the peacekeeping mission does not have to wait until its mandate expires, given the critical situation in the country.
“We are requesting the UN Security Council to review the terms and duration because we do not want Malaysian peacekeepers and those from other countries to be exposed to injury or death,” he said.
He noted that although the Malaysian peacekeeping mission is scheduled to conclude at the end of the year, any withdrawal cannot be undertaken unilaterally as it falls under UN authority.
The minister said the matter has been raised at Cabinet level, with coordination also sought from Defence Minister Mohamad Khalid Nordin to limit troop movements.
Malaysian personnel have been instructed to remain within their bases and suspend patrols in operational areas for safety reasons.
“We do not want our security personnel to be exposed or become targets of those who disregard the law or the consequences of their actions in the attacks taking place,” he said.
He added that all Malaysian peacekeepers are currently safe and have been ordered not to leave their designated compounds.
“We hope the United Nations will allow the withdrawal of our peacekeepers and those from other countries from the crisis area for their safety,” he said. - April 10, 2026
