Another Israel-bound shipment seized at Tanjung Pelepas port

Authorities seized three Israel-bound containers at the Tanjung Pelepas port in Johor last month, according to Bloomberg.

The news agency quoted sources as saying the three containers, holding electric bike parts shipped from a Chinese manufacturer and bound for the Port of Ashdod south of Tel Aviv, were seized on Aug 19.

Authorities are still investigating their contents.

The seizure follows that of a container from the Philippines on Aug 7, suspected by the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) of containing weapons because it was intended for Israeli defence technology firm Elbit Systems Ltd.

AKPS said the goods were examined to verify their nature, specifications, intended use and classification, and to determine whether they were subject to trade control laws.

Malaysia does not have diplomatic ties with Israel. The Strategic Trade Act 2010 also regulates the export of sensitive technology and materials in order to combat terrorism, nuclear proliferation and the spread of weapons of mass destruction.