SUBANG JAYA: The first batch of the Malaysian Battalion 850-6 (Malbatt 850-6) has been deployed to serve for a year under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) peacekeeping mission.
The first batch, comprised 215 officers and led by Malbatt 850-6 Commander Colonel Azhan Md Othman, departed from Subang Air Force Base at 5pm today.
Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu said the members had underwent intensive training in Port Dickson for two months prior to their deployment to Malbatt Village in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan.
“The Malbatt 850-6 team will be deployed to Lebanon in stages, between Sept 6 and 27.
“It involves an entire 850 military officers including 30 personnel from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and a Defence Ministry staff,” he said at the Royal Malaysian Air Force base in Subang today.
He said the involvement of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) in the UN mission in Lebanon was a recognition and trust shown by the international community.
“It is the responsibility of all members of Malbatt 850-6 to ensure that this recognition is protected in upholding the country’s reputation and that of ATM in the international arena.
“ATM’s international involvement proves that Malaysia is committed to fulfilling its responsibilities to provide humanitarian assistance to the other countries to ensure the universal security aspirations can be realised,” he said.
Mohamad the situation in Lebanon was under control but conflict could arise any time.
“In this regard, mission members are hoped to carry out their duties to the best of their abilities.
“I urge every member to embrace the team spirit so that they could function effectively as a team,” he said.