By Siti Rohaizah Zainal
TANJUNG MALIM, Dec 21 — Selangor backs the Federal government’s decision to ban Israeli-based shipping company ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd from docking at Malaysian ports.
Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari said the move demonstrates the Unity Government's unwavering commitment to supporting and standing in solidarity with Palestine.
"This decision reflects the Prime Minister’s and the Malaysian government’s consistency that should be given attention. The action was taken after witnessing the unchanged situation in Gaza.
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Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari speaks to the press during the National Book Awards 2023 ceremony, at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris in Tanjung Malim, Perak, on December 21, 2023. — Picture by AHMAD ZAKKI JILAN/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
"I believe this is a bold move, and it deserves support, given the consistent stance and decision to extend support to our friends in Palestine," he told the press today.
Amirudin was speaking at the National Book Awards 2023 in Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), where he received the prestigious Perdana Award: Outstanding Young Leadership in Honouring National Book Development for his contributions to promoting and enhancing the book culture in Malaysia.
The award was presented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Yesterday, Anwar said the government has decided to ban Israeli’s ZIM and all other ships flying the Israeli flag from docking in the country’s territorial waters amid the ongoing violence against Palestine.
He said the decision comes into effect immediately, with the Transport Ministry tasked with imposing the permanent ban.
Similarly, the government will prohibit vessels en route to Israel from loading cargo in Malaysian waters.
State ready to face Covid-19 surge
Meanwhile, Amirudin said the state government is committed to handling the current surge in Covid-19 cases to the best of its abilities, based on its experience battling the pandemic in 2020.
The administration is closely monitoring the situation and will convene a meeting with the state executive councillor for public health Jamaliah Jamaluddin soon to assess the current situation in detail.
“As of now, hospitals are still able to manage the cases, and there is no need to enforce drastic measures,” he said.
"I will make sure to get the latest reports (on the situation) to prevent it from escalating to the levels (seen in) 2020 and 2021," he said.
Previously, on December 15, Jamaliah issued a statement saying Selangor is expecting a surge in Covid-19 cases in the coming weeks given the school holidays and Christmas celebration, which are set to result in a rise in movements and social gatherings, increasing the potential risks of infection.
In this regard, she urged the public to take extra precautionary measures to avoid being infected.
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A Selcare healthcare worker administering the Covid-19 swab test to a participant of the free community testing programme at the Section 7 Community Hall in Sungai Ramal, Kajang, on May 9, 2021. — Picture by HAFIZ OTHMAN/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
