KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s readiness to send peacekeeping forces abroad, including to Gaza, demonstrates its strong commitment to global peace and stability.
Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari stated that Malaysia has officially informed the United Nations Security Council of its preparedness to deploy a peacekeeping battalion should the Gaza mission receive UN approval.
Although the final decision rests with the UN, Malaysia will continue advocating for the peacekeeping force as part of its universal humanitarian responsibilities.
“Through the ASEAN platform recently, the Prime Minister also conveyed to the UN Secretary-General Malaysia’s aspirations and commitment to strengthening international peacekeeping missions,” Adly said during a Dewan Rakyat question-and-answer session.
He was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz regarding Malaysia’s readiness to deploy peacekeepers to Gaza.
Adly noted that Malaysian Armed Forces personnel have shown significant interest and enthusiasm for participating in international peacekeeping missions.
The government prioritises the welfare of defence personnel serving abroad, including their health and family well-being, with support provided through UN incentives.
Regarding the Malaysian Battalion 850-12 demobilisation from Lebanon, Adly confirmed that MALBATT 850-13 will continue the UN Interim Force in Lebanon mission from November 15, 2025, to November 15, 2026.
The complete MALBATT 850 withdrawal will occur in phases from January 1 to December 31, 2027, overseen by a special Defence Ministry team.
Asset management procedures are currently assessing whether to repatriate or dispose of Malaysian military assets in Lebanon, including 198 armoured vehicles and logistical equipment.
UNIFIL has proposed transferring some assets to the Lebanese Armed Forces or local authorities, while strategic assets will be repatriated as determined by the ministry.
Health assets such as field hospitals and medical facilities may collaborate with local Lebanese hospitals for humanitarian purposes and operational continuity. – Bernama
