Anggota Malbatt di Lubnan pulang mulai Januari, kata Khaled

All members of the Malaysian Battalion (Malbatt) serving in Lebanon are expected to return home to Malaysia starting in January 2027, following the expiry of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) mandate at the end of the year, according to Defense Minister Khaled Nordin. Minister Nordin explained that the process of discharging the affected members will be carried out gradually through various flights, followed by the arrival of military assets via sea routes beginning on January 17.

He stated that each battalion operating in Lebanon is scheduled to complete its mission by the end of December, in line with the termination of the relevant mission mandate. The members are anticipated to return via multiple flights, while Malaysia's military equipment will be brought back by ship starting on January 17, as reported during a media briefing after the North Jakarta Stadium Youth Orphans' Memorial Day Council in Kuala Lumpur.

In a related development, the Kuala Lumpur MP mentioned Malaysia's readiness to consider participation in a new security force in Lebanon should it be requested by the United Nations (UN), provided that the UN decides on the mandate and the mission is under the relevant world body's authority. However, this readiness is subject to the UN's decision, as Malaysia will not participate in any military operations not under the authority of the relevant world body.

Minister Nordin also discussed this matter during his recent work visit to Lebanon, including discussions with his counterparts, which clarified that the security situation in the country remains volatile and exposed to various threats. Meanwhile, the UN General Assembly session is ongoing, and most member states participating in the peacekeeping mission have expressed views on re-examining the termination of the mission.