PETALING JAYA: The deployment and assignment of the Malaysian Battalion (MALBATT) to Lebanon for peacekeeping duties under the United Nations (UN) mission will proceed despite the tense situation following Israel’s attacks on the country since September. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the deployment of the 12th MALBATT team was part of the country’s agreement with the UN for the mission in Lebanon.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the involvement of Malaysia in this mission reflects the nation’s commitment to global peace, aiming to bolster its reputation for diplomacy and peaceful conflict resolution. The phased deployment of MALBATT began today and will continue until November 18, as stated by Mohamed Khaled at a press conference following the departure of the first group of Malbatt 850-12 from Subang Air Base.
Mohamed Khaled elaborated that the challenging situation in southern Lebanon requires well-prepared personnel. A 12-week integration training program, conducted under the o
versight of the Joint Forces Headquarters at the MALBATT Village in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, has been instrumental in enhancing both the physical and mental capabilities of the personnel involved.
The comprehensive training covered peacekeeping operations, cultural awareness, sensitivity training, and physical and mental health exercises, ensuring that personnel are fully prepared for their assignments. The safety of the personnel remains a top priority, with ongoing communication with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) through the Armed Forces Headquarters to receive updates.
The MALBATT 850-12 team will be stationed at Ma’rakah Camp and Tibnin Camp in southern Lebanon, where they will undertake operational tasks assigned by UNIFIL in their designated areas of responsibility. Earlier today, Mohamed Khaled, alongside Chief of Defence Force Gen Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman, officially sent off the MALBATT 850-12 team, which includes 854 personnel, comprising 82 officers, 772 other ranks
, three officers, and 27 personnel from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, as well as one civilian financial officer from the Ministry of Defence.
The deployment of MALBATT 850-12 is structured in four phases under the leadership of Commander Col Johan Effendi Mohd Shalleh. Mohamed Khaled reassured that the MALBATT 850-11 team currently in southern Lebanon is safe and adhering to UNIFIL instructions.
Despite concerns about airstrikes, there have been no recent air attacks. The area under Malaysia’s responsibility is strategically positioned, slightly elevated, and not directly on the Lebanon-Israel border. Malaysian forces are surrounded by peacekeeping contingents from other countries, providing an additional layer of security.
The deployment and assignment of forces are continuing following confirmation from the UNIFIL Force Commander regarding the safety of all peacekeeping teams, including Malaysia’s. The MALBATT 850-11 team will be deployed in stages from November 7 to 19, while the deployment of MALBATT
850-12 commenced today and will proceed until November 18.