Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar stated that, among the seven domestic oil tankers transporting fuel, one has successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz and arrived in Malaysia, while another has temporarily docked at a local port due to a malfunction.
Anwar said: "One of the oil tankers has already arrived (in Pengerang), another will soon reach Malaysian waters, so there are two (ships). The other five ships, although they have also been cleared by Iran (to pass through the Strait of Hormuz), we are still closely monitoring their whereabouts."
He revealed that the government will closely monitor the other five oil tankers that have not yet left the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, there is also one tanker that has malfunctioned and is temporarily unable to leave the local port.
"Due to the latest developments, we are facing some minor issues with our (shipping) plans."
Anwar made these remarks on Friday (the 17th) afternoon after attending the Friday prayers at the Cyberjaya Fire and Rescue Station Mosque.
On the other hand, he also reiterated that the country’s current fuel supply will prioritize the Malaysian market. Only if there is surplus supply will Malaysia consider supplying Australia.
He said that this consensus was reached following discussions with the visiting Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday (the 16th), where both countries addressed their own fuel supply issues.
He stressed that, although Albanese requested Malaysia’s assistance in providing diesel, Malaysia clearly stated that it is currently unable to meet this demand.
"We are facing various rumors. In fact, we have not sold oil (to foreign countries); we even need their (Australia’s) oil. This is something everyone should understand."
"We need their (Australia's) phosphate, they need our urea, and they also want diesel. But we can't provide it, because Malaysia must prioritize the needs of its own people."
However, Anwar also said: "If we have surplus (oil) stock, we will consider it (providing to Australia)."