SHAH ALAM: The Malaysian Battalion 850-12 (Malbatt 850-12) team serving under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) is mentally and physically prepared for its mission, says its commander.
Colonel Johan Affendi Mohd Shalleh said the team's members were committed to undertaking their duties as peacekeepers and sought to uphold Malaysia's reputation.
"There are four phases of deployment. The first phase is on Nov 6, followed by the second on Nov 10, the third on Nov 14, and the fourth on Nov 18.
"We have a total strength of 854 personnel, including officers and other personnel, along with one civilian officer and 30 personnel from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.
"We have completed three months of training, including one month of service training and two months of training under joint command supervision.
"We are fully certified and ready for deployment to Lebanon," he said.
Johan, who was previously deployed to Lebanon under Malbatt 850-7, said the peacekeepers were well-conditioned through their military training.
"Each time we hold a drill, I always emphasise the need to strengthen one's intentions and build mental and physical resilience.
"Every member is fully prepared, with no issues regarding mental, physical or moral readiness.
"Based on the medical evaluations conducted, all MALBATT 850-12 personnel have been deemed fit for deployment to Lebanon," he added.
He expressed hope that conditions in Lebanon would improve, enabling them to fulfil the mandate given by Unifil.
"Throughout the training period, no one withdrew voluntarily. However, in terms of welfare, some members had to address family matters, such as ailing parents or spouses.
"We are all deeply committed to our duties. This is because we have pledged wholeheartedly to the armed forces," he said.