PETALING JAYA: A battalion of the Malaysian Armed Forces has been registered for a peacekeeping mission in Gaza and is now awaiting the United Nations Security Council’s decision, says Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (pic).
He reiterated that Malaysia is ready to deploy the battalion if selected by the UN to carry out a peacekeeping mission in the conflict-torn territory.
“During the meeting of defence ministers from countries with peacekeeping forces, we expressed our readiness and intention to be there to help.
“But we are waiting for the UN Security Council meeting to make its decision. If Malaysia is selected to send a force, we are ready with one battalion,” he told reporters after launching the Perhebat Transformation Plan 2026–2035 here yesterday.
Mohamed Khaled said the battalion being prepared for the Gaza mission would not involve members of the Malaysian contingent currently serving in Lebanon, reported Bernama.
“That contingent in Lebanon is rotated every year. We recall one group and send another. We have other battalions on standby,” he said.
He added that the cost of deploying the Malaysian peacekeeping force was not a priority at this point in time, as Malaysia’s main focus was on extending assistance to the Palestinian people.
“If we truly want to help, we don’t need to talk about cost first,” he said.
Mohamed Khaled also emphasised that Malaysia remains committed to global peace efforts and is steadfast in upholding universal humanitarian principles that underpin the nation’s support for the Palestinian cause.
