THE Government has intensified both diplomatic engagement and domestic coordination after communications were lost with the majority of vessels in a humanitarian flotilla intercepted by Israeli forces, raising fresh alarm over the safety of Malaysian activists onboard.
The Foreign Ministry said it is working around the clock to verify the condition and whereabouts of Malaysians involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 (GSF 2.0) following its interception in international waters on April 29.
Initial reports indicated that 36 Malaysians representing various non-governmental organisations were participating in the mission, although separate updates confirmed that at least 10 Malaysians were among those directly affected across multiple vessels.
“These individuals are understood to be at different locations within the humanitarian fleet. The ministry regards the safety and well-being of its citizens as its utmost priority and is addressing this matter with urgency,” the ministry said.
With no diplomatic ties to Israel, Malaysia has mobilised its missions in neighbouring countries to urgently engage foreign governments and relevant international agencies to obtain official confirmation and establish the precise situation on the ground.
“Given the evolving nature of this situation, the ministry is working around the clock to gather verified intelligence from the ground,” it added.
In a parallel development, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil revealed that only one vessel from the 22-ship flotilla had been successfully contacted as of 7pm on Thursday.
The vessel, identified as “TamTam”, had earlier lost communication for more than 10 hours after its communication systems and engine were allegedly sabotaged.
“The government strongly condemns the violations committed by the Zionist regime in international waters, especially as this incident involves 10 Malaysian citizens,” he said in a Facebook post after receiving a detailed briefing from the Sumud Nusantara Command Centre.
He added that the Communications Ministry would continue monitoring media coverage to ensure that information disseminated to the public remains accurate and verified.
“The public is urged to obtain information from official sources, particularly through the SNCC, government agencies and mainstream media, to avoid confusion and the spread of false information,” he said.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had earlier condemned the interception as unlawful and provocative, describing it as a clear violation of international maritime and humanitarian law, and called for an immediate halt to any interference with the humanitarian mission.
“Malaysia asserts that the GSF is a peaceful humanitarian initiative aimed at delivering essential medical supplies and food to help stabilise a devastated healthcare system, as well as to provide assistance to populations facing genocide and starvation in Gaza,” the ministry said.
Putrajaya also urged the United Nations Security Council and the broader international community to take firm action to hold Israel accountable for alleged ongoing violations of international law.
According to the Sumud Nusantara Command Centre, six of the 22 vessels intercepted and boarded by Israeli forces involved Malaysian nationals.
Those identified include Zainal Rashid Ahmad aboard Arkham III; Osman Zolkifli and Dr Jihan Alya Mohd Nordin on Eros 1; Hazwan Hazim Dermawan, Mohd Hanafi Mohd Salim, Ahmad Musa Al-Nuwayri Kamaruzaman and Norhelmi Ab Ghani on Bianca BCN; Mohd Redzal Amzah on Freia; Muhamad Muhsin Zaidi on Marea; and Mohd Shamsir Mohd Isa on Esplai II.
Earlier reports also indicated that 175 activists, including 10 Malaysians described as having been abducted, were taken to Israel after the flotilla was intercepted while en route to Gaza, underscoring mounting international concern over the incident. - May 1, 2026
