A truck carrying a ZIM container was ordered to turn back by Malaysian customs, showing that the Southeast Asian country is taking a hardened stance against the Israeli carrier.
Last December, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim imposed an entry ban on ZIM ships and Israel-flagged vessels, in response to the Gaza War.
Malaysian customs said today that in the 2 June incident at the checkpoint on Padang Besar, a border town located in the northern part of the state of Perlis, the truck, carrying a container from “a neighbouring country”, was stopped.
The customs declaration form stated that the container was carrying frozen chicken. While the country of origin was not disclosed, a photo of the truck shows Thai words on the vehicle.
On inspection, customs officials found the ZIM livery boldly printed on the container, and when it was verified that the Israeli line owns the container, the truck driver was ordered to turn back.
The customs officers’ rejection of the ZIM container, shows that the ban extends even to containers transported on land.
Malaysia has been a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause and has no diplomatic relations with Israel.
Martina Li
Asia Correspondent
