First batch Malbatt leaves for Lebanon

PETALING JAYA: The first batch of the Malaysian Battalion 850-7 (Malbatt 850-7) left for Lebanon today to serve for a year under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) peacekeeping mission.

The group comprising 216 members of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) led by Malbatt 850-7 Commander Colonel Khairul Anwar Soib left via Subang Air Base at 5 pm.

Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu said the MALBATT 850-7 would be deployed to Lebanon in stages, namely today, Oct 8, 15 and 27.

It comprised an overall 850 military personnel, including 30 members of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and a Defence Ministry finance officer.

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“Their (Malbatt 850-7) involvement in the mission under the UN banner demonstrates the continuous recognition and trust by the international community towards the credibility as well as professionalism of MAF.

“It is the responsibility of all members of Malbatt 850-7 to ensure that this recognition is protected in upholding the country’s reputation and that of MAF in the international arena,” he said at the sending off ceremony of the soldiers here.

Mohamad also reminded members to be alert and ready for any eventuality as the security situation in Lebanon has been somewhat tense following recent attacks.

“The situation there is a bit tense but it does not affect the operating area where the members are located. The operation is still under control and safe. I urge every member to embrace the team spirit so that they can function effectively and preserve Malaysia’s image since it got involved in 2007 to date,” he said.

“MAF’s international involvement proves that Malaysia is committed to fulfilling its responsibilities to provide humanitarian aid to countries in need and to ensure universal peace aspirations can be realised,” he said.

Following this, the participation of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces in the MAF mission also enhanced the existing relations between Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam.

“It proves that members from both countries can work well together through a series of bilateral activities between the two countries and even collaborate on international missions,” he said.

Meanwhile, a female member of the mission, Corporal Ayuni Mohamad, 29, said it was her dream to experience serving in a troubled country and the opportunity would be best used.

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She said although she felt sad to leave her only child, Saffiya Mohamad Jisaimi, 2, she would not miss the opportunity.

“This is what I have been waiting for since I started working at the MAF eight years ago,” said Ayuni, who served in the administration division.

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