Malaysia proposes WTO platform to tackle maritime trade disruptions

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has proposed setting up a dedicated platform under the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to help countries respond to disruptions along international maritime routes, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni said the platform would facilitate information-sharing and consultations among affected member countries, while coordinating appropriate trade facilitation measures.

The proposal was raised as Lukanisman expressed concern over military actions and incursions, including those by Israel, which threatened maritime security and freedom of navigation along critical international shipping routes.

"At the WTO level, Malaysia has proposed establishing a dedicated platform to expedite information-sharing and consultations among member countries affected by disruptions to maritime routes, as well as coordinate appropriate trade facilitation measures," he said in response to a question from Ahmad Tarmizi Sulaiman (PN-Sik) on Malaysia's diplomatic efforts concerning Palestine.

Lukanisman said Malaysia also supported efforts by a task force led by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) to establish mechanisms for verification, monitoring and deconfliction.

"This mechanism is important to facilitate the movement of vessels carrying critical supplies, including food and fertiliser," he said.

He said Malaysia had consistently emphasised the importance of safeguarding maritime security and freedom of navigation in accordance with international law.

Lukanisman added that Malaysia continued to call for the full restoration of the WTO's dispute settlement system, including the resumption of operations of its Appellate Body.

He said Malaysia also urged all WTO members to fully implement the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), citing Malaysia's own full implementation of the agreement.