The Linda, which was identified in a US Treasury document detailing sanctions against Russian entities, was scheduled to arrive at the port at the weekend, Reuters reported on Monday, citing shipping data.

In a statement, the ministry said the port operator had decided to decline the ship’s intention to drop anchor there “in order not to violate any sanctions”.

“The ministry will continue to review the situation for further action as may be required according to current government policies,” it said.

According to the US, the Linda is owned by PSB Leasing, a unit of Russian lender Promsvyazbank, which has also been hit by international sanctions.

Provsyazbank, however, has denied that its subsidiary owns the vessel.

A US advocacy group said the Linda was also suspected of transporting Iranian oil.

Malaysia’s neighbour Singapore, a regional shipping and finance hub, denounced the Russian invasion yesterday and said it would impose targeted banking and financial curbs and prevent the export of items that could be used as weapons against Ukrainians.