Malaysia sends 150 personnel to join UNIFIL in Lebanon, marking final deployment with equipment handover and training for Lebanese forces.
SUBANG: Malaysia has deployed 150 military personnel to join the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon.
The Malaysian Battalion (MALBATT) 850-13 contingent departed from Subang Air Base for a 12-month deployment under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Malaysian Armed Forces Chief General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar officiated the deployment ceremony and presented United Nations berets to all departing personnel.
He confirmed this contingent, led by Colonel Mohd Rizwan Abdullah, represents the final group assigned to the mission with reduced personnel numbers.
“Malaysia’s involvement with the Royal Brunei Armed Forces since 2007 marks an important chapter in the Malaysian Armed Forces’ role in Lebanon,” Mohd Nizam told reporters.
“I myself once served as the second MALBATT commander. This is a historic deployment because, apart from bringing home part of our equipment, we will also continue to provide training to the Lebanese Armed Forces during our stay there.”
He explained that some equipment will be handed over to the Lebanese Armed Forces, with remaining assets repatriated in stages by mid-next year.
The full MALBATT 850-13 contingent comprises 532 personnel, including 68 officers and 442 other ranks.
The deployment includes three officers and 18 personnel from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, plus one finance officer from Malaysia’s Ministry of Defence.
Mohd Nizam also confirmed Malaysia remains positive and committed to deploying peacekeeping troops to Gaza if required.
“We hope all plans can proceed as scheduled. Malaysia is committed, and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has already announced Malaysia’s readiness to send peacekeeping forces to Gaza,” he said.
Several deployment structure options have been proposed, including a fully mechanised unit or combined logistics and medical team.
A final decision on whether the deployment will be under a United Nations mandate is expected by year’s end.
“The MAF is always ready,” Mohd Nizam affirmed. – Bernama
