KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 155 members of the Malaysian Battalion (Malbatt) 850-12, comprising 20 officers, 134 other ranks, and one administrative and diplomatic officer, have been awarded United Nations (UN) Medals in recognition of their service in Lebanon.
The medals were presented during a formal parade held in full military tradition at Marakah Camp, Lebanon, on Thursday.
Leading the ceremony was Deputy Commander of Malbatt 850-12, Lt-Kol Firdaus Shah Budin, who served as the parade commander.
“The event was accompanied by a performance from the Ghana Battalion (Ghanbatt) military band,” Malbatt said in a statement yesterday.
Topping the list of recipients was Malbatt 850-12 Commander, Kol Johan Effendi Mohd Shalleh, who received the medal in recognition of his leadership and significant contribution to the mission’s success.
The medals were conferred by United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) Sector West Commander, Brig-Gen Nicola Mandolesi, who presented the awards to senior officers and personnel of all ranks.
Also in attendance was Malaysia’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Azri Mat Yacob, who officiated the medal adornment ceremony on behalf of the Malaysian government as a symbol of national support and appreciation for the contingent’s peacekeeping contributions.
The UN Medals serve as formal recognition of Malbatt 850-12’s professionalism, dedication and vital role in maintaining peace and supporting international missions in the region.
Malbatt 850-12 was deployed under Unifil in November 2024 during a period of heightened security tensions in southern Lebanon stemming from rising friction between Israel and Iran.
These developments significantly strained local political stability and public safety.
“The presence of Malbatt 850-12 has been crucial in supporting Unifil’s mandate to assist the Lebanese government in strengthening security control and monitoring within the area of operations,” the statement said.
The contingent has also built strong cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces, enabling effective operations.
Beyond peacekeeping, Malbatt 850-12 has been involved in numerous humanitarian missions, including medical outreach, food aid distribution, and community engagement programmes for orphans.
These initiatives have fostered goodwill with local communities and contributed meaningfully to social stability in the region.
