Serving In War-torn Land, MALBATT Continues To Uphold Malaysia's Peacekeeping Legacy
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 (Bernama) -- As Malaysians proudly celebrate the National Day to commemorate the struggle for independence, a group of national heroes remain steadfast in their mission to safeguard global peace, not at home, but in foreign lands torn by conflict.
Far from home and without the roar of parades or cheers from the public, members of the Malaysian Battalion (MALBATT) peacekeeping force fly the Jalur Gemilang high as they carry out their duties in the name of humanity, reflecting Malaysia's stature and credibility on the world stage.
The Malaysian Armed Forces Joint Forces Commander (PAB), Lt Gen Datuk Zahani Zainal Abidin described MALBATT as a testament to the outstanding success of the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping mission, marked by impressive achievements in multiple aspects.
From the perspective of discipline, he said MALBATT personnel consistently demonstrated strict adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and international UN regulations.
'Moreover, the current mission in Lebanon is among the more challenging ones, particularly when MALBATT 850-12 was involved in an explosion caused by shrapnel from an attack near the Saida Stadium,' he said.
'Even though six personnel sustained minor injuries, the team remained composed, followed procedures, and continued the mission in a controlled manner. This reflected their high level of discipline, professionalism, and readiness, even in difficult situations,' he told Bernama.
For MALBATT 850-12 Commander, Colonel Johan Effendi Mohd Shalleh, the value of peace at home truly hits home after experiencing an emotionally charged moment upon arriving in Lebanon.
'While travelling from Rafik Hariri Airport in Beirut to Camp Marakah, the bus carrying our personnel was impacted by a bombing in the Saida area, injuring five MALBATT 850-12 members and one from MALBATT 850-11.
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