PUTRAJAYA April 19, 2026 – Malaysia’s Defence Minister, Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, has issued a strong assurance that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz does not apply to the Strait of Malacca, emphasising the distinct geopolitical realities of the two strategic waterways.
In two official statements released today via the Ministry of Defence and shared on his official X account, the minister stressed that Malaysia remains committed to maintaining stability in the Strait of Malacca, one of the world’s busiest and most critical shipping routes.
“The situation in Hormuz does not occur in other strategic lanes. The geopolitical reality and regional challenges here differ from the situation involving Iran. Malaysia will ensure that the Strait of Malacca remains stable,” said Khaled Nordin.
In a separate statement, he highlighted the commitment of the littoral states bordering the Strait of Malacca — Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore — to upholding international law.
“The littoral states of the Strait of Malacca uphold the principles of the United Nations and are committed to regional stability, maritime security, as well as the smooth flow of international trade and navigation,” he added.
The remarks were made in conjunction with the Defence Services Asia (DSA) & National Security Asia 2026 exhibition currently taking place in Kuala Lumpur. The minister delivered the statements during a press conference following a walkabout at the event.
The Strait of Malacca serves as a vital global chokepoint, handling a massive volume of international trade, including energy supplies between Asia, the Middle East and Europe. The minister’s clarification comes amid heightened global attention on maritime security issues, particularly tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
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