7 Msian tankers awaiting cue to pass Strait of Hormuz, says Tok Mat

Iran has virtually closed the vital strait since the US-Israeli strikes that started the war on Feb 28, causing global energy prices to spike.

He said three of the tankers are owned by Petronas, two by MISC, one by Sapura, and one by Sepadu.

“Instructions from Tehran sometimes do not reach the (Strait of) Hormuz as communications tend to be difficult during wartime,” he told reporters at an Aidilfitri open house in Rembau, his parliamentary constituency.

“Iran has asked us to wait for the right window for our ships to pass. We could get the cue today.”

Iran has virtually closed the vital strait since the US-Israeli strikes that started the war on Feb 28, causing global energy prices to spike.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed his gratitude to Iran for allowing a Malaysian oil tanker and its crew to continue their journey home.

Malaysia to submit diplomatic note to the Phillippines

On a separate matter, Mohamad, also known as Tok Mat, confirmed that Wisma Putra will submit a diplomatic note to the Philippines rejecting a call by Filipino senator Robin Padilla for the Philippines to revive its claim over Sabah.

Mohamad said he was confident Padilla’s remark would not strain bilateral ties between Malaysia and the Philippines since the statement was made by a lone senator.

“This has been their (Filipino lawmakers’) game for decades, where they will raise this issue to divert their citizens’ attention away from domestic issues. I think the Filipinos themselves understand this,” he added.

Yesterday, PKR Youth urged the government to summon the Philippine ambassador to Malaysia for an explanation over the “irresponsible and provocative” remarks made by the senator on Sabah.

In a report in Philippine news outlet GMA News Online, Padilla called for Manila to send emissaries to Malaysia to negotiate territorial claims over Sabah.

“Mr President, now is the time to revive our rightful claim to Sabah. We must act now and send our emissaries. North Borneo is already rich in oil resources,” he was quoted as saying.