Malaysia

Government negotiating safe release of two Malaysian ships - Anwar

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government is currently negotiating with Iran to ensure that both ships can continue their voyage safely.

Updated 3 months ago · Published on 24 Apr 2026 4:49PM

Government negotiating safe release of two Malaysian ships - Anwar
Negotiations will continue immediately after receiving cooperation from Iranian authorities - Bernamapix, April 24, 2026

TWO Malaysian ships carrying fuel face restrictions after leaving the Strait of Hormuz, Iran, following geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government is currently negotiating with Iran to ensure that both ships can continue their voyage safely.

“One ship has arrived in Pengerang, Johor, while the other is almost there and has entered Malaysian waters. However, the two ships that have left the Strait of Hormuz are still facing several restrictions.

“We are negotiating because approval has been given and we hope it can be resolved soon,” he said after performing Friday prayers at the Bandar Permas Jaya Mosque.

According to him, negotiations will continue immediately after receiving cooperation from Iranian authorities, including through the country's highest channels.

Previously, the media reported that five ships were still stranded in the Strait of Hormuz due to tensions in the region. The government was also informed about a Malaysian ship that was still stranded due to technical failures and was unable to depart from the port.

Baseless allegations

On a separate issue, Anwar stressed that he would not entertain baseless allegations that have gone viral on social media, allegedly involving the ownership of money abroad.

Commenting on the allegations linked to a viral video involving an individual known as Albert Tay, Anwar said that any accusation must be accompanied by solid evidence and cannot be used as slander.

“If there is evidence, bring it. No one is exempt. If there is no evidence, I will not entertain it,” he said at a separate press conference.

Earlier, Bersatu Information Chief, Datuk Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz, was reported to have urged the authorities to investigate a viral recording containing serious allegations by an individual known as Sofia Rini involving allegations of misconduct involving a former officer of the Prime Minister.

According to him, the video contained several major allegations, including that the money allegedly stolen by the former officer was taken to Africa for safekeeping as well as claims that the action was carried out on the Prime Minister's orders.

He added that Sofia also claimed that the Prime Minister would flee to Africa or Turkey if something happened in the country and claimed that the former officer had wealth reaching billions of ringgit.

Anwar, who is also the finance minister, also stressed that his party has a great responsibility in administering the country and cannot respond to every comment or allegation spread on social media without foundation.

"I have a lot of work. If you have evidence, bring it. Otherwise, it will just become a breeding ground for slander," he said. – April 24, 2026

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