Anwar said his meeting with Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese yesterday touched on reciprocal needs, including Malaysia’s demand for phosphate from Australia, while Australia is seeking certain commodities from Malaysia, such as urea.

“Certain quarters are accusing us of wanting to sell oil. In reality, we are not selling oil,” he told reporters after performing Friday prayers at the Cyberjaya fire and rescue station’s surau here.

Anwar said Australia had also requested diesel, but Malaysia is unable to meet the demand for now, as priority must be given to domestic needs.

“Australia needs diesel, but we said we are not able to (provide it) because we must prioritise our people. If there is a surplus, we can consider it, but for now, there isn’t,” he said.

Albanese, who left for Australia last night, was on a two-day official visit to Malaysia following stops in Singapore and Brunei, as part of efforts to strengthen energy security ties amid disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict.

Both countries also agreed to strengthen cooperation in key sectors, including red meat processing and trade, amid ongoing global conflicts and supply chain disruptions.

Anwar also said a Malaysian vessel carrying fuel that was previously stranded in the Strait of Hormuz has arrived, while another is close to entering national waters.

“In terms of approvals, Iran has indeed given clearance to seven (vessels). But one has technical issues and cannot depart from the port,” he said.

On April 10, Anwar confirmed that six out of seven Malaysian vessels meant to carry crude oil supplies to the country had received clearance and were awaiting their turn to sail through the strait.