KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Battalion 850-12 (Malbatt 850-12) will replace the current Malbatt team in Lebanon in stages next month, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
The Defence Minister said this follows a notification by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) Force Commander of a change of all of its teams, including Malbatt 850-11, which is operating in southern Lebanon.
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"The Malbatt 850-12 will be sent to Lebanon in stages from Nov 6 until Nov 18.
"The Malbatt 850-11 will return home in stages as well from Nov 7 until Nov 19," he said in a statement on Wednesday (Oct 30).
The Malbatt 850-12 team will continue the duty and responsibility of its predecessor under the mandate of the United Nations (UN), as per Unifil's protocol and regulations, he said.
"We wish Malbatt 850-12 all the best in their upcoming deployment and we are thankful to Malbatt 850-11 for their excellent work throughout their deployment," he said.
"May Malbatt 850-12 be able to perform excellently, similar to what Malbatt 850-11 have done.
"They have the prayers and support of all Malaysians," he said.
Deputy Minister Adly Zahari told Parliament last Thursday (Oct 24) that Malbatt 850-11 was currently stationed in southern Lebanon and expected to complete its rotation on Nov 14.
MPs that day had asked the government about plans to ensure the welfare of Malbatt peacekeeping troops welfare following Israeli military attacks in southern Lebanon and Beirut. Adly said the troops were safe with no casualties or asset damage reported.
