Malbatt 850-8 receives UNIFIL recognition for first time in history

PORT DICKSON, Dec 1 -- The Malaysian Battalion (Malbatt) 850-8 peacekeeping force for the first time in history received an Environmental Compliance certificate from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) during a successful UNIFIL mission in Lebanon.

Chief of Defence Force Gen Tan Sri Affendi Buang said the contingent was recognised as the best battalion under the western sector, and received recognition from the UNIFIL Head of Mission and acting Force Commander, for being a role model to other battalions in Lebanon.

He also expressed pride in the tenacity and commitment of the team which continues to maintain the good name of the contingent since the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) got involved in the UNIFIL mission in 2007.

"Members of the MAF have displayed professionalism regardless of race, religion and belief, which has made Malaysia famous and liked by all parties in Lebanon.

"The success achieved by the MAF in carrying out its mission in Lebanon is the success of this organisation, which supports the government's policy in building and strengthening international relations in the context of defence and military diplomacy," he said.

He was speaking to reporters during a press conference after the Dissolution Parade and Presentation of the United Nations National Service medal here, which was also attended by Army chief Gen Tan Sri Zamrose Mohd Zain.

He explained that the success not only brought repute to the MAF, but also Malaysia, in its mission to continue being trusted in carrying out missions for global peace under the United Nations (UN).

Affendi also congratulated and expressed appreciation to the Royal Brunei Armed Forces for serving alongside the MAF in carrying out the Malbatt series 8 contingent mission in Lebanon.

"The commitment, spirit and teamwork should be commended. The presence of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces in the Malbatt contingent is a force multiplier for this contingent to succeed in raising the name and image of Malaysia and Brunei on the international stage, especially among the UN countries," he said.

At today's ceremony, the MAF presented the Excellence Award to the Malbatt 850-8 contingent, in recognition of all its efforts and successes during the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon.

Affendi presented the award in conjunction with the Malbatt 850-8 dissolution parade at the Army Basic Training Centre (Pusasda) parade ground here.

Earlier, a total of 854 officers and members of the Malbatt 850-8 peacekeeping force also received the United Nations National Service Medal at Pusasda here today.

The group, led by Malbatt Commander Col Azudin Hassan comprised 83 officers and 771 members of various other ranks in the MAF, a civil finance officer from the Ministry of Defence as well as three officers and 27 members of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.

The Malbatt 850-8 team completed the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon and the award was in recognition of the team's success in carrying out the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon for a year, beginning Nov 14, 2020.

The Malbatt 850-8 returned home in four stages, with the first group arriving on Oct 1 and the last group on Nov 17. The next mission was undertaken by Malbatt 850-9 for a period of one year beginning Nov 13 .

-- BERNAMA