Transport Ministry to centralise control of bunkering licences from 2027

KUALA LUMPUR — The Transport Ministry will assume centralised control over the issuance and management of bunkering licences beginning February 2027, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced on Sunday. The consolidation represents a significant shift in how Malaysia regulates the maritime fuel supply industry, which has previously operated under a distributed approval framework involving multiple government bodies. The ministry's assumption of sole licensing authority is intended to create a more cohesive regulatory environment and eliminate inefficiencies arising from overlapping jurisdictions. Bunkering operations, which involve the supply of fuel to vessels at sea or in port, represent a critical component of Malaysia's maritime economy and regional shipping hub activities. By centralising licence approvals under a single ministry, officials expect to streamline application processes, ensure consistent compliance standards, and strengthen government oversight of the sector. The February 2027 implementation date allows shipping companies and fuel suppliers adequate time to familiarise themselves with updated procedures and prepare necessary documentation under the new unified system.