Serving In War-torn Land, MALBATT Continues To Uphold Malaysia’s Peacekeeping Legacy

By Nur Syahidayah Mahasan

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.

“It was a very difficult ordeal that challenged the physical and mental strength of our troops who had just begun their peacekeeping mission. Yet, our spirit and resolve never wavered. We remained steadfast under the UN banner in pursuit of global peace,” he said.

While on duty in southern Lebanon, Johan Effendi witnessed the devastating effects of prolonged conflict on the lives of the local community, with destroyed homes, damaged infrastructure, and diminished hope.

Hence, Johan Effendi said MALBATT 850-12 has been actively carrying out various humanitarian initiatives through the Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC), including the distribution of food boxes, winter blankets, donations of office equipment, and repairs to damaged buildings.

“Medical and dental outreach programmes were also carried out, providing rural communities with access to health checks. Community activities like colouring sessions with orphans were also organised to foster stronger ties and bring joy to those affected by hardship,” he said.

Grateful to be born a Malaysian, Johan Effendi said these initiatives reflected MALBATT’s concern for the plight of the locals who live amid uncertainty in a land plagued by conflict.

“Throughout the deployment, what we missed most was our families and life in Malaysia. But thanks to modern technology, we could stay connected with our loved ones almost daily, which provided much-needed emotional support,” he said.

Behind the strength of MALBATT 850, now in its 12th deployment, lies the dedication of earlier teams that laid a solid foundation for Malaysia’s peacekeeping legacy on the international stage.

Among the earliest peacekeepers was Major Suhaili Mahasan of MALBATT 850-1. He recalled an incident where they forged good relations with the locals when they were detained by Hezbollah fighters due to a misunderstanding.

“Our team was once held and all our equipment, including patrol phones and radios, was confiscated. It was chaotic as both sides were armed. Luckily, thanks to effective training, the situation remained under control. Our team leader even managed to foster good relations with the local mayor, which led to the return of all our equipment,” he said.

He said before deployment to Lebanon, all officers and personnel were required to undergo Force Integration Training (FIT) at Malbatt Village, Port Dickson. The training unites all three branches of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) into an integrated peacekeeping force ready for real missions.

“This training integrates all three services under a mission commander and is specially designed to build teamwork and mutual understanding. Previously, the services rarely operated directly together.

“Through this training, the personnel were trained to have an unified operational mindset and introduced to UN mission requirements, including operating procedures, communication discipline, and tactical coordination that meet international standards,” said Suhaili, who is currently attending the Australian Command and Staff Course at the Australian War College.

From the first generation to the present, MALBATT continues to be Malaysia’s peacekeeping ambassador, weaving a legacy of service on the global stage, with an unwavering Merdeka spirit.

-- BERNAMA