KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s long-standing commitment to peacekeeping in Lebanon will soon come to an end, following the United Nations Security Council’s decision to extend the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) for one final year, expiring on 31 December 2026.

For nearly two decades, the Malaysian Battalion (Malbatt) has stood as a pillar of stability in southern Lebanon, serving alongside peacekeepers from more than 40 countries. Since 2007, thousands of Malaysian soldiers have rotated through the rugged hills and tense border zones, wearing the UN’s blue helmets with pride.

From Malcon to Malbatt: A Journey of Dedication

Malaysia’s first mission, Malcon East 1, was deployed in January 2007 under Colonel Mohd Dalib Basir, based at Kem Kawkaba. This was followed by successive Malcon East and Malcon West contingents stationed at Camp Kawkaba and Camp At-Tiri.

In 2009, the mission was restructured as Malbatt, beginning with Malbatt 1 under Lieutenant Colonel Hashim Aman Shah. From then, Malaysia’s role grew in scale and responsibility.

One of the longest and most demanding rotations came with Malbatt 4, commanded by Colonel Badrul Hisham Muhammad, who led his men through 540 days of service at Camp Tibnin (2011–2012).

By 2013, Malaysia consolidated its mission into the Malbatt 850 series, headquartered at Camp Marakah, with each rotation comprising 850 personnel including infantry, engineers, medics and support staff.

The current deployment, Malbatt 850-12, has been based at Camp Marakah since November 2021, with an increased strength of 854 personnel.

READ: Malbatt: Misi Bakara – Battle of Mogadishu, Untold Story of Black Hawk Down

On the Frontlines of Peace

Malbatt’s duties have always been demanding:

• Patrolling the Blue Line, the UN-demarcated border between Lebanon and Israel.
• Supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces in maintaining stability.
• Conducting humanitarian outreach, from distributing aid to assisting in schools and villages.

Their presence, discipline, and professionalism earned Malaysia international respect while strengthening bonds with the Lebanese people.

A Legacy of Service

Speaking after visiting the Army’s Western Field Command Headquarters, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin confirmed:

“This means we will send one final team next year. After that, Malaysia will no longer have a Unifil presence in Lebanon. We will then proceed with their redeployment and related arrangements.”

As the UN prepares for a gradual drawdown in 2027, the chapter of Malaysia’s service in Lebanon closes — a chapter marked by sacrifice, duty, and pride.

A retired Malbatt veteran reflected:

“We carried Malaysia’s name on our shoulders. We kept the peace, under the UN flag, in a land far from home. That will always be our honour.”