PETALING JAYA, Nov 7 – 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.
“Our involvement is very important because it reflects Malaysia’s position as a nation committed to global peace, as well as building a reputation as a country consistent in diplomacy and peaceful conflict resolution.
“That is why we are continuing with the phased deployment of MALBATT starting today until Nov 18,“ he said at a press conference after the first group of Malbatt 850-12 was sent off to Lebanon at the Subang Air Base on Wednesday.
Elaborating further, Mohamed Khaled acknowledged that the situation in southern Lebanon is challenging. However, he emphasised that exposure and preparation through a 12-week integration training programme, conducted under the supervision of the Joint Forces Headquarters at the MALBATT Village in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, has successfully enhanced the physical and mental capabilities of all personnel involved.
According to him, the training undergone by the personnel involved peacekeeping operations, cultural awareness and sensitivity training, as well as physical and mental health exercises, ensuring that they are classified as fit to join the MALBATT team.
Mohamed Khaled said that the safety of the personnel is a top priority, and his ministry will maintain close communication with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) through the Armed Forces Headquarters to receive the latest updates.
He added that the MALBATT 850-12 team will be stationed at the same locations, namely the Ma’rakah Camp and the Tibnin Camp in southern Lebanon, where they will carry out operational tasks assigned by UNIFIL, particularly in the designated areas of responsibility.
