27/04/2026

MONDAY | APR 27, 2026

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Increased focus on Strait of Malacca amid global stress KUALA LUMPUR: The commitment by the four littoral states of Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand to resist any attempt to weaponise the Strait of Malacca is increasingly critical, as maritime law faces strain and free navigation risks disruption, similar to developments in the Strait of Hormuz. Any disruption to the Strait of Malacca – a strategic maritime chokepoint handling around 30% of global trade – could significantly raise shipping costs, depress international commerce and weigh on global economies. Its importance is further underscored by military tensions in West Asia, which have already disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The 900km Strait of Malacca, bordering the four Asean countries, links the Indian and Pacific Oceans and serves as the shortest sea route between East Asia and markets in West Asia and Europe. It is among the world’s busiest shipping lanes, handling about 94,000 vessel transits annually, or roughly 257 vessels daily, and carrying around 30% of global seaborne trade by value as well as a quarter of global oil shipments. Tankers account for 29.4% of transits in the Strait of Malacca, followed by container ships at 24.1%, bulk carriers at 19.7%, and the remaining 26.8% comprising general cargo vessels, vehicle carriers, liquefied natural gas tankers and other ship types. The waterway’s strategic weight also raises broader legal and systemic concerns, particularly under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, as sustained disruption could test established norms governing freedom of navigation and maritime trade. A shipping industry commentator and maritime scholar, Nazery Khalid, said the Strait of Hormuz’s continued closure would trigger cascading effects across global supply chains. “As ships denied passage through the Strait of Hormuz continue to pile up in the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, there will be a domino effect on other global ports connected to the ports in the two gulfs. “These include ports along the Strait of Malacca such as Port Klang and Singapore, which have extensive connectivity with ports in the two gulfs,” he said. Nazery added that disruptions in shipping flows would lead to cargo backlogs and bottlenecks across interconnected supply chains, reflecting the highly integrated nature of global maritime trade. “The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is already disrupting global energy supplies significantly, and much of the global oil and gas shipments pass through the Strait of Malacca en route to East Asia,” he said, adding that the strait is already experiencing secondary impacts from Gulf instability. He also said increased naval activity, including interceptions of vessels linked to Iran, has further heightened uncertainty over routes through the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, adding pressure on global logistics networks. Meanwhile, Federation of Malaysian Freight Forwarders president Datuk Dr Tony H.T. Chia said instability in West Asia, including escalation risks in the Red Sea, poses a broader structural threat to global shipping, Bernama reported. “When vessels avoid the Red Sea and reroute via the Cape of Good Hope, transit times increase by 10 to 15 days. This reduces effective capacity and drives up freight and insurance costs,” he said. He added that simultaneous instability across multiple maritime corridors is creating a “dual chokepoint pressure” on global logistics. The situation has also revived attention on the so-called “Malacca Dilemma”, a term coined by Chinese officials in 2003 referring to China’s reliance on the Strait of Malacca for trade and energy flows. China, the world’s second-largest economy by nominal GDP and largest exporter, has been Malaysia’s top trading partner for 17 consecutive years, with bilateral trade reaching about US$191.66 billion (RM759.84 billion) in 2025. Key cargo through the Strait of Malacca includes electronics, machinery and petroleum products, making it vital to regional supply chains, including China’s manufacturing and automotive sectors.

‘Adopt strategic stance amid shifting regional security’

o M’sia must move beyond passive neutrality following US-Indonesia deal, especially on maritime defence: Analyst

increased US military engagement could place pressure on Malaysia’s traditional neutral stance, but would not necessarily force a policy shift. “Yes, increased US military engagement in Southeast Asia can put pressure on Malaysia’s traditional non-aligned posture, but it does not force Malaysia to abandon it. “The bigger challenge is that neutrality now has to be more active and strategic,” he said. Mohd Yazid said Malaysia must continue engaging with the US where beneficial, while avoiding perceptions of aligning against China and maintaining reliance on Asean-led mechanisms. “The real issue is not whether Malaysia can stay non-aligned, but whether it can do so without becoming strategically passive,” he added. On maritime security, he said Asean continues to shape diplomatic norms, even as external powers exert stronger influence operationally. He added that deeper US-Indonesia cooperation could have wider implications beyond the South China Sea, extending into surrounding maritime and airspace domains. “Malaysia should read growing US-Indonesia defence cooperation as affecting not only the broader South China Sea but also the wider maritime and air-access environment around the Strait of Malacca. “The most significant long-term effect may not be more ships in disputed waters but the quiet normalisation of operational patterns and access networks around Indonesia, which could shift the regional balance without dramatic public announcements.” For Malaysia, this means paying closer attention not just to naval developments, but also to evolving patterns in access, logistics and airspace use across Southeast Asia, he added.

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

that this is not only about US-China rivalry. It is also about Indonesia becoming even more important in shaping Southeast Asia’s security agenda. “Malaysia should therefore avoid being overly passive, especially on maritime security, the Strait of Malacca and the South China Sea,” he said. His remarks come amid debate triggered by a proposal from Indonesia’s finance minister to impose fees on vessels transiting the Strait of Malacca, raising questions over control of one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. Malaysia has since reaffirmed that any decision concerning the strategic waterway must be made collectively by littoral states, firmly rejecting unilateral or external control. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan warned that any move to introduce transit fees could disrupt global trade flows and strain international relations. “As an Asean member and given that the Strait of Malacca is shared by several countries, any decision must be handled collectively to avoid undermining bilateral or multilateral ties,” he said. The Indonesian minister later back-pedalled on the suggestion, clarifying that any such move would require the agreement of Malaysia and Singapore. Mohd Yazid stressed that Malaysia should respond with measured caution rather than overreacting. “Malaysia should not overreact, but should quietly strengthen its own capabilities, preserve diplomatic flexibility and ensure Asean remains relevant,” he said. On the broader regional outlook, he said

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia must move beyond passive neutrality and adopt a more deliberate, strategic posture as regional security dynamics grow increasingly fluid following the latest United States–Indonesia defence partnership, said an analyst. The agreement underscores a shifting security landscape in Southeast Asia but should not be interpreted as Jakarta aligning fully with Washington, said International Islamic University Malaysia international relations expert Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Yazid Zul Kepli. “Malaysia should read the US–Indonesia defence partnership as a sign that regional security is becoming more fluid, not as proof that Indonesia has fully chosen the US side. “Indonesia is deepening defence ties with Washington but it remains cautious about anything that could be seen as a loss of strategic autonomy.” Mohd Yazid said the development carries a crucial lesson for Malaysia, which has long upheld a non-aligned foreign policy. “For Malaysia, the main lesson is that balance now requires active strategy, not just neutrality. “Malaysia should maintain workable ties with both the US and China, while continuing to defend Asean-led frameworks as the main platform for regional order,” he said. He added that the issue extends beyond great power rivalry, pointing instead to Indonesia’s growing influence in shaping regional security dynamics. “An important point many people miss is PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for continued support from the public, community and private sector for the Seri Puteri Symphonic Winds Orchestra (SPWinds), as the school ensemble prepares to represent Malaysia at the World Music Contest 2026 in the Netherlands this July. In a Facebook post yesterday, Anwar said the orchestra’s success reflected how a strong education system, supported by parents and the community, can help students compete internationally. He cited a recent SPWinds concert from Sekolah Seri Puteri in Cyberjaya, featuring singer Amir Masdi, as an example of holistic education producing students who can excel locally and abroad. “SPWinds’ success in gaining international recognition, including the Gold Award in Vienna, reflects how the country’s education ecosystem, supported by teachers, parents and the community, is able to nurture talent and build strong character,” he said. He added that collaborations with artistes such as Amir help broaden the exposure and confidence of students. “I call for this noble effort to continue receiving support from all parties, including the private sector and society, to ensure the journey of these children to the world stage, such as the World Music Contest 2026, can be Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PM lobbies for support of award-winning school orchestra

Anwar with the SPWinds ensemble at the concert in Putrajaya. – PIC COURTESY OF ANWAR IBRAHIM FACEBOOK PAGE

Aminuddin Hassim. The concert, attended by over 500 guests, was part of SPWinds’ preparation for the Netherlands competition and also served as a fundraising effort for its overseas participation. SPWinds previously won a Gold Award at the 11th World Orchestra Festival in Vienna, Austria, held from July 23 to 26 last year.

realised,” he said. Anwar also stressed that such initiatives are not merely about music, but about building confident young Malaysians. Last Saturday, he attended the “Winds of Glory: AM:PM Amir Masdi dan SP Winds in Concert” at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre, joined by Education Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr