155 Malbatt 850-12 personnel honoured with UN medals in Lebanon
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 155 officers and personnel from the Malaysian Battalion (Malbatt) 850-12 were awarded the United Nations (UN) Medal during a ceremonial medal parade held at Camp Marakah, Lebanon, yesterday.
In a statement today, Malbatt 850-12 confirmed that the recipients included 20 officers, 134 rank-and-file personnel, and one administrative and diplomatic officer.
"Leading the list of honourees was Malbatt 850-12 commander Colonel Johan Effendi Mohd Shalleh, receiving the medal as a symbolic recognition of his leadership and key role in the successful execution of the mission.
"The medals were then presented to senior officers and all other personnel by UNIFIL Western Sector commander, Brig Gen Nicola Mandolesi," the statement said.
The medal parade was led by Malbatt 850-12 deputy commander Lt Col Firdaus Shah Budin and accompanied by a military band from the Ghanaian Battalion (Ghanbatt).
Also in attendance was Malaysian Ambassador to Lebanon Azri Mat Yacob who took part in the medal presentation as a gesture of the Malaysian government's support and appreciation for the battalion's contributions to international peacekeeping.
"The awarding of the UN Medal is formal recognition of Malbatt 850-12's contributions to regional peace and their professional and dedicated execution of international duties," the statement said.
Malbatt 850-12 began its deployment under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in November 2024, during a particularly volatile period marked by conflict in southern Lebanon and heightened regional tensions involving Israel and Iran - factors that have severely strained local political stability and security.
"In this context, the presence of Malbatt 850-12 plays a vital role in supporting UNIFIL's mandate to assist the Lebanese Government in strengthening security control and monitoring within their area of operations.
"Malbatt has also successfully built strong cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and carried out their responsibilities," the statement said.
In addition to their peacekeeping duties, Malbatt 850-12 had actively engaged in humanitarian initiatives throughout their mission, including providing medical services, distributing food aid, and organising outreach programs for orphans, it added.
– Bernama
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