Malaysia Expresses Concern Over Houthi Militia Threats to Restrict Navigation at the Bab al-Mandab Strait
Kuala Lumpur, July 22 (KUNA) -- Malaysia expressed deep concern on Wednesday over recent threats by the Houthi militia regarding the possibility of restricting or closing navigation through the strategically vital Bab al-Mandab strait, warning of potential impacts on international trade and global economies.
In a statement, the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the Bab al-Mandab strait is an indispensable artery for international trade, as it connects Asia with Europe. It emphasized that any interference with transit through this maritime corridor would affect economies worldwide, and its repercussions would not be confined to the surrounding region.
The ministry explained that Malaysia’s economic vitality and national prosperity depend heavily on the openness, security, and smooth flow of international maritime trade. It noted that any disruption to vital global sea lanes constitutes a direct and unacceptable threat to the stability of international supply chains, energy security, and global economic recovery.
Malaysia called on all concerned parties to respect freedom of navigation and to maintain the security and safety of commercial sea lanes in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
It renewed its appeal to all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to refrain from taking provocative actions or issuing threats targeting maritime navigation. Malaysia affirmed that achieving lasting stability requires resorting to constructive dialogue and diplomacy, as well as strict adherence to the rules-based international order. It added that it would continue to closely monitor the security situation in the region through its diplomatic missions abroad.
The ministry urged all Malaysian-registered vessels and maritime shipping service operators to maintain a high level of vigilance and to comply with the latest guidelines issued regarding maritime security. (End)
