Malaysia says Malacca Strait decisions must be consensus-based, rejects unilateral action by any country

Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan has stated that no country can act alone in matters concerning the Malacca Strait, emphasising that regional consensus remains fundamental to maritime governance.

Speaking at a forum on 22 April 2026, Mohamad said decisions involving the strategic waterway must involve Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand.

“Whatever is to be done in the Strait of Malacca must involve the cooperation of all four countries. That is our understanding - it cannot be done unilaterally,” he said.

He added that the four nations share what he described as a “watertight understanding” and conduct joint patrols to safeguard shipping movements.

Consensus model central to ASEAN cooperation

Mohamad underscored that the principle of consensus extends beyond maritime arrangements to broader regional cooperation under the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

“This is because when we entered into a joint agreement on patrols and the security of the Strait of Malacca, that was the basis – there are no unilateral decisions,” he said.

“ASEAN is entirely based on consensus. Even at the sub-committee level, everything is based on consensus.”

The Malacca Strait remains one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors, linking the Andaman Sea to the South China Sea and facilitating more than 25 per cent of global trade.

Geopolitical tensions heighten strategic importance

The minister’s remarks come amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz.

Following attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran on 28 February, the conflict has entered its eighth week, leading to disruptions in global energy supply.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has intensified pressure on alternative shipping routes, prompting Southeast Asian governments to secure fuel supplies and mitigate rising costs.

Indonesia floats levy proposal

Against this backdrop, Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has proposed imposing a levy on vessels passing through the Malacca Strait.

Speaking earlier on Wednesday at a financial symposium in Jakarta, Purbaya said the idea aims to leverage Indonesia’s strategic position along global trade and energy routes.

The proposal is reportedly backed by President Prabowo Subianto and draws inspiration from Iran’s plan to charge ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

However, Purbaya acknowledged that implementation would be complex and remains at a preliminary stage.

He noted that any such levy would require agreement from Malaysia and Singapore, which also border the strait.

Singapore stresses open access

Singapore has firmly opposed any restrictions on the waterway, reinforcing its position that international shipping lanes must remain accessible.

Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan said transit rights through the Malacca and Singapore straits are guaranteed and should not be disrupted.

“The right of transit passage is guaranteed for everyone,” he said during a fireside chat at a CNBC event in Singapore.

“We will not participate in any attempts to close or interdict or to impose tolls in our neighbourhood.”

Balakrishnan added that regional economies depend heavily on trade and share a common interest in keeping the route open.

“Between the three of us, we have a cooperative mechanism, not to collect tolls, but to keep it open and to maintain that position,” he said.

Regional patrols bolster maritime security

Malaysia has previously highlighted the effectiveness of coordinated patrols involving the four littoral states.

In February, Mohamad said joint patrol efforts had significantly improved safety and stability in the strait.

The current framework was described as sufficient to maintain order, following interest expressed by India in participating in patrol operations.

Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand are among the 11 member states of ASEAN, established in 1967.

The regional bloc was formed to promote economic growth, social progress and cultural development, while ensuring peace and stability through cooperation and adherence to the United Nations Charter.

The consensus-driven approach remains central to ASEAN’s decision-making, shaping responses to emerging geopolitical and economic challenges in the region.