KUALA LUMPUR (July 22): Malaysia has expressed concern over threats by the Houthis to restrict or close passage through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, saying such disruption could affect supply chains and energy security.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Foreign Ministry said the strait is an indispensable artery for international trade connecting Asia and Europe, and any interference with transit through this corridor could affect economies worldwide, far beyond the immediate region.
“As a trading nation whose economic vitality and national prosperity rely heavily on open, safe and unhindered international maritime commerce, Malaysia reiterates that any disruption to vital global shipping chokepoints poses a direct and unacceptable threat to the stability of international supply chains, energy security and global economic recovery,” the ministry said.
Wisma Putra called on all parties to uphold the freedom of navigation and maintain the security of commercial sea lanes stipulated under international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
At a time of heightened regional tensions in West Asia, Malaysia also urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from provocative actions or threats targeting maritime transit, saying lasting stability can only be achieved through constructive dialogue, diplomacy and adherence to the rules-based international order.
The ministry said it will continue to closely monitor the security situation in the region through Malaysia’s diplomatic missions abroad and advised Malaysian-registered vessels and shipping operators to remain vigilant and follow the latest maritime security advisories.
The statement follows an announcement by Yemen’s Houthi movement on Monday that it was imposing a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia.
Reuters reported that a full closure of the strait would reduce global oil supply by 7% as it would leave most of Saudi oil exports unable to leave the region. The disruption would add to the huge cut to oil flows from the war in the Gulf, which has already reduced shipments by 10% of global supply, the newswire said.