REMBAU: Seven Malaysian-owned tankers are currently awaiting the signal to transit the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened tensions in the Middle East.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the vessels include three owned by Petronas, two by MISC Bhd, and one each by Sapura Energy and Shapadu Corporation Sdn Bhd.

He clarified that the ships are not being detained; rather, they are waiting for a safe window and an official signal to proceed.

"The Malaysian government has held preliminary discussions with Iran, which provided a positive response to our request.

"I personally negotiated with my counterpart, followed by a call from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to the Iranian president to strengthen our application.

"Iran has stated there is no issue in allowing our ships through the Strait of Hormuz. For now, cargo ships have been released, while tankers are required to wait a little longer," he told reporters at his Aidilfitri open house in Kampung Tanjong Rantau today.

Mohamad, who is also the Rembau member of parliament, noted that communication between the command centre in Tehran and field commanders is occasionally disrupted by the conflict, leading to temporary delays.

"We have requested passage, and Iran said they are waiting for a 'window'. Sometimes communication there is difficult; Tehran may say yes, but the commanders on-site must fully understand to prevent any untoward incidents," he said.

It was previously reported that seven Malaysian vessels, four of which are laden with crude oil, were stranded in the Strait of Hormuz.

National Union of Seafarers Peninsular Malaysia (NUSPM) executive secretary Ikmal Azam Thanaraj Abdullah had said the remaining two are a pipe-laying vessel and an offshore support ship.

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