KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Battalion (Malbatt) operating under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) marked a key milestone with the handover of command between Malbatt 850-12 and Malbatt 850-13 at Marakah Camp in southern Lebanon.
The ceremony on Saturday saw outgoing commander Kolonel Johan Effendi Mohd Shalleh passing the reins to incoming commander Kolonel Mohd Rizwan Abdullah, signifying the start of Malbatt 850-13’s tenure for the 2025–2026 mission.
Armed Forces chief Jeneral Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar and Joint Forces commander Leftenan-Jeneral Datuk Zahani Zainal Abidin witnessed the event.
“Malbatt’s presence in Lebanon reflects not only the professionalism of the Malaysian Armed Forces but also the country’s role as an ambassador of global peace.
“It is important to foster strong ties with local communities, maintaining security and understanding local cultures, which are key elements crucial to the mission’s continued success,” Nizam said in his address.
The ceremonial parade involved 14 officers and 76 personnel, serving as a tribute to the outgoing leadership while demonstrating the readiness and commitment of the new team to continue Malaysia’s peacekeeping mandate under Unifil.
Also present at the parade were Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) commander Mejar-Jeneral Datuk Muhammad Haszaimi Bol Hassan and RBAF Joint Forces commander Kolonel Pengiran Noor Rumaizi Pengiran Othman.
On Nov 5, Nizam launched the deployment ceremony and presented the United Nations berets to all personnel and officers of Malbatt 850-13 at Subang Air Base.
He said the 12-month mission involves fewer personnel than previous deployments, as the contingent led by Rizwan is the final group assigned to the mission.
MalBatt 850-13 comprises 532 personnel, including 68 officers and 442 other ranks, with three officers and 18 personnel from the RBAF, as well as one finance officer from the Defence Ministry, and the deployment is divided into four phases.
“Malaysia’s involvement with the RBAF since 2007 marks an important chapter in the Armed Forces’ role in Lebanon,” he added.
