Malaysia temporarily blocked North Korean ship Kum Ya carrying coal from entering Penang Port because of a suspected breach of United Nations sanctions, Reuters reported, citing an unnamed port worker and Malaysian maritime officials. The vessel was carrying 6,300 mt of anthracite coal. It was eventually allowed to dock, after which an inspection team accompanied by an armed escort boarded the ship. It was unclear what the inspectors were checking for.

Malaysia is one of the few countries in the world which buys North Korean coal. China is by far the biggest importer. Relations between North Korea and Malaysia deteriorated following the February assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's half-brother at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

China halted all coal imports from North Korea starting on February 26th, amid growing tensions on the Korean Peninsula following one of a series of Pyongyang's missile tests.