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 in January 2027, following the termination of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) mandate at the end of the year, according to Defense Minister Khaled Nordin. The process of returning individual members will be conducted progressively via several flights, followed by the maritime repatriation of Malaysian assets beginning on January 17, 2027, Nordin said during a press briefing after the High Committee on Refugees for Orphans Islamic Youth in Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysian troops are projected to conclude their assignments in Lebanon by the end of December, in line with the conclusion of Unifil's mandate. All members are anticipated to return via multiple flights, while Malaysian assets will be brought back by ship starting from January 17, 2027, Nordin stated at the press conference following the High Committee meeting.

Following the development, the High Committee member mentioned Malaysia's readiness to consider participation in a new security force in Lebanon if requested by the UN, although this readiness is contingent upon the UN's decision and mandate, given that Malaysia will not participate in any military operations not under the relevant world body's mandate.

If the UN decides to establish a new force and requires our involvement, Malaysia would be willing to comply, as long as it aligns with the UN's mandate. Nordin further elaborated on this during his recent visit to Lebanon, including discussions with fellow officials, which clarified that the security situation in the country remains volatile and exposed to various threats.