KUALA LUMPUR, April 15, 2026 – Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) Chairman Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz has emphasized that the Strait of Malacca holds far greater strategic importance than the Strait of Hormuz in global trade.
In a video recording shared on the X platform last night, Tengku Zafrul described the Strait of Malacca as “no ordinary passage” that handles approximately 94,000 vessels annually, with a trade value of US$3.5 trillion. He added that nearly 45 percent of the world’s seaborne oil passes through this route.
“If Hormuz is closed, about 6 percent of global maritime trade is affected. But if it’s the Strait of Malacca, it’s 24 percent – four times bigger,” he said.
He explained that although the world is currently focused on tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, any disruption in the Strait of Malacca would have a far wider impact on the global economy, including shipping delays, higher costs, and massive disruptions to international trade.
Tengku Zafrul also highlighted Malaysia’s central position along this vital global trade route. Port Klang is currently ranked among the world’s 12 busiest container ports, handling nearly 15 million containers per year, while Tanjung Pelepas and Penang ports are undergoing massive expansion.
“As part of our development efforts, we have invested more than US$8 billion to double capacity. All of this is located along this strategic route,” he stated.
He added that although China has invested billions of dollars in alternative routes such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and pipelines through Myanmar, none of them can fully replace the capacity of the Strait of Malacca.
“Malaysia is not just located on this route – we are fully capitalising on this position to become an international trade hub,” Tengku Zafrul stressed.
The statement was shared with the caption: “Many of you are confident you already know the answer. But is it really true?” along with the hashtags #SelatMelaka #MADANIBekerja #EkonomiRakyat #TZA.
The video has received a warm response from netizens who recognise Malaysia’s strategic position in Southeast Asia and the enormous economic potential the country can harness.
Government supporters view the statement as proof that the MADANI policy is elevating Malaysia to a higher level in the global economy, while critics are calling for the benefits of this strategic position to be fully utilised to strengthen national defence and the welfare of the people.
Tengku Zafrul, who is also President of the Badminton Association of Malaysia, remains active in sharing his views on economic issues and the country’s geopolitical position through social media platforms.
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