SHAH ALAM: Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin is confident that the Malaysian Battalion 850-12 (Malbatt 850-12) serving under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) can overcome the challenges posed by the conflict in the region.
He said despite the conflict, this round of peacekeepers sent to Lebanon was no different than their predecessors as they had been trained to adapt to both physical and operational challenges.
"Before their deployment, they underwent training to ensure their readiness, including security and mission responsibilities during their stay there. They were trained at the Malbatt camp in Port Dickson for 12 weeks.
"Their training included two phases, covering peacekeeping operations, cultural awareness, team-building exercises, as well as essential health and safety training to certify them as fit for duty.
"They are fully prepared to carry out this mission, their morale is high before their deployment and we pray for their continued success and safety," he said.
The deployment of Malbatt 850-12 today, led by commander Colonel Johan Effendi Mohd Shalleh, would proceed in stages, starting with the first group of 220 officers and enlisted personnel.
Malbatt 850-12 comprised a total of 854 personnel, including 82 officers and 772 enlisted personnel, with an additional three officers and 27 personnel from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and a civilian financial officer from the Defence Ministry.
The deployment would be facilitated by Batik Air, which was scheduled to transport the current contingent to Lebanon and return with Malbatt 850-11, which completed a 12-month service.
Khaled said the rotation aligned with the directives from the Unifil Force Commander, involving all nations participating in the peacekeeping mission.
He also said the deployment was in line with Malaysia's long-standing commitment to United Nations peacekeeping missions, marking the 12th contingent to serve in Lebanon.
"This is our commitment to ensuring global peace. Their deployment also bolsters Malaysia's reputation as a nation steadfast in diplomacy and peaceful conflict resolution," he said.
Present at the ceremony today were Armed Forces chief General Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman; Defence Ministry secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali; Royal Malaysian Navy chief Admiral Datuk Zulhelmy Ithnain; Royal Malaysian Air Force chief General Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan; army chief Lieutenant-General Datuk Arman Rumaizi Ahmad; Joint Force Commander Lieutenant-General Datuk Zahani Zainal Abidin and army deputy chief Lieutenant-General Datuk Tengku Muhammad Fauzi Tengku Ibrahim.