KUALA LUMPUR: The Transport Ministry has denied that ports in the country are being used to facilitate jet fuel supply to the Myanmar junta.
In a written parliamentary reply, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said although there was handling of jet fuel, categorised as dangerous goods, at the ports, it was intended for use in commercial aircraft.
"As such, claims that Malaysian ports facilitate jet fuel supply to Myanmar junta's bombers are inaccurate.
"Various efforts have been made to ensure the safety of the ports against smuggling risks," he said.
Loke was responding to a question from Wong Chen (PH-Subang), who asked about the government's response to claims that Malaysian ports were used in facilitating jet fuel to bomber planes of the Myanmar junta.
Loke said Malaysian ports had various levels of stringent screening processes under the supervision of the Customs Department, such as using forms for imported and exported goods, using the mega port initiatives scanning machine for transhipment activities, and physical inspections.
"Furthermore, the ports' import, export, and transhipment activities are subject to the Strategic Trade Act (STA) 2010.
"Should there be any trade under the STA 2010, that cargo will be categorised as 'high alert' and monitored by all relevant parties, including the Customs Department."
Loke added that federal ports in the country are under the responsibility of the Transport Ministry.
He said the ports are operated by port operators appointed through privatisation concession agreements and supervised by their respective port authorities, who act as facilitators.