KOTA KINABALU: The Defence Ministry confirmed that the six members of the Malaysian Battalion (MALBATT) involved in an explosion in Lebanon last Thursday only sustained minor injuries. Its minister, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, stated that five of the injured personnel were new arrivals, while one had been stationed in Lebanon prior to the incident.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the explosion occurred near Saida Stadium during the movement of MALBATT 850-12 members from Beirut to Marakah Camp at 1.54 pm Lebanese time. The explosion was aimed at a civilian vehicle en route to Beirut but also affected a bus carrying MALBATT 850-12 personnel. The Defence Ministry is committed to ensuring the safety of its personnel deployed in Lebanon.

Mohamed Khaled assured that Marakah Camp, where the MALBATT team is based, remains a secure area. He also announced the continuation of development projects in Sabah, with an allocation of RM234.5 million. These projects include the construction of the Army Camp at FELD
A Sahabat, Lahad Datu, and camps for the Royal Malaysian Army 5th Brigade and 19th Regiment in Kota Belud.

Additionally, RM37.6 million has been allocated for Sabah projects next year, focusing on the development of the Serudong Post and Bantul Post, military health facilities at Lok Kawi Camp, and the establishment of the Sabah Zone Field Intelligence Operations Centre.