PETALING JAYA: Malaysian ports have no direct dealings with Ukraine, which has been attacked by Russia, said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

       “Our ports deal more with Turkish and Maltese ports,” he said.

       “There is no direct dealing (with Ukraine) except if there are port-to-port commitments or activity, but this is more to other ports,” he told the media at the 19th Asean Ports and Shipping Exhibition and Conference in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

       “The government is monitoring the conflict between Russia and Ukraine,” he said, adding that the impact of the crisis could likely be seen on businesses instead of ports.

       “The Transport Ministry will remain guided by the directives of the Foreign and International Trade and Industry Ministries,” he said, adding that Malaysia would act based on the government’s policies and international commitments.

       Russia invaded Ukraine last week, and the fierce fighting and bombings have led to hundreds of casualties.

       According to news reports, the civilian death toll has reached 352, while some 70 Ukrainian servicemen were killed in a Russian artillery attack on Okhtyrka earlier this week.

       The conflict has led to a refugee crisis, with the United Nations saying that more than 520,000 people have fled Ukraine since the invasion.

       Ceasefire talks held on Monday also failed to reach a breakthrough.