6 M'sian firms hit by US sanctions on Russia's 'illegal war'

The United States has slapped sanctions on six Malaysian firms for having operated in the Russian manufacturing sector.

The six companies are Zeolite Mansford Sdn Bhd, Centrina United Sdn Bhd, Gyntec Carbon Sdn Bhd, Moralability Industrial Sdn Bhd, Melix Global Sdn Bhd, and Maxtrum Capital Sdn Bhd.

“All targets are being designated pursuant to Executive Order (EO) 14024 which authorises sanctions with respect to specified harmful foreign activities of the government of the Russian Federation.

“The United States will continue to use all tools at its disposal to disrupt support for Russia’s military-industrial base and curtail the Kremlin’s ability to exploit the international financial system and generate revenue in furtherance of its war against Ukraine.

“We continue to stand in solidarity with Ukraine in defending its homeland from Russia’s aggression,” read a statement by the US State Department, according to news reports.

The six Malaysian firms were among entities accused of “enabling Russia’s persecution of its illegal war” against Ukraine.

According to the State Department, Zeolite shipped approximately US$2.1 million (RM9.2 million) worth of Common High Priority List or CHPL (Tier 3) items, including ball bearings, to Russia-based companies in March.

The state department claimed Centrina, between January last year and February this year, shipped approximately US$2.7 million (RM11.8 million) worth of CHPL (Tier 3) items, including ball bearings, to Russia-based companies.

Gyntec was said to have shipped about US$2 million (RM8.8 million) worth of CHPL Tier 3 items to Russia-based companies between February last year and April this year.

Moralability was stated to have shipped approximately US$1.3 million (RM5.7 million) worth of CHPL Tier 3 items to Russia-based companies between November last year and April this year.

Melix Global, on the other hand, was said to have exported over US$190,000 (RM830,000) worth of CHPL items such as ball bearings to US-designated Baltpromservis in April.

Whereas Maxtrum was said to have sent some US$2.1 million worth of CHPL (Tier 3) items, including ball bearings, to Russian-based companies.

US adds 40 entities to trade restriction list

On Oct 30, Reuters reported that the Joe Biden administration added 40 companies and research institutions to a trade restriction list over their alleged support of the Russian military.

“The entities - including 13 Russian and 11 Chinese ones, were targeted by the Commerce Department for a host of reasons, including support for Russia’s chemical and biological weapons programmes, drone production, and US aircraft components.

“The other targeted entities are located in India, Malaysia, Russia, Singapore, Türkiye, Estonia, Finland, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom,” it added.

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