Malbatt honoured with UN Medals for contributions to peacekeeping, outreach programmes

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 155 personnel from the Malaysian Battalion (Malbatt) 850-12, including 20 officers, 134 other ranks, and one government staff member, were honoured with United Nations (UN) Medals.
They were honoured in a ceremonial medal parade held at the Marakah Camp in Lebanon on Thursday (June 19).
The parade, held in full military tradition, was led by Malbatt 850-12 deputy commander Leftenan Kolonel Firdaus Shah Budin, who served as the parade commander.
The event was accompanied by a performance from the Ghana Battalion (Ghanbatt) military band.
Heading the list of medal recipients was Malbatt 850-12 commander Kolonel Johan Effendi Mohd Shalleh, in recognition of his leadership and significant contribution to the mission's success.
The medals were presented by United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) Sector West commander, Brigadier General Nicola Mandolesi, who later continued the award ceremony to senior officers and all other ranks.
Also present was Malaysia's Ambassador to Lebanon, Azri Mat Yacob, who officiated the medal adornment as a gesture of the Malaysian Government's support and appreciation for the contingent's role in international peacekeeping efforts.
The awarding of the UN Medals is an official recognition of the professionalism, dedication, and contributions of Malbatt 850-12 personnel in maintaining regional peace and supporting international missions.
Malbatt 850-12 began its deployment under Unifil in November 2024, during a period of heightened security concerns in southern Lebanon, amid escalating tensions in the region involving Israel and Iran. These challenges posed significant pressure on local political stability and public safety.
In this context, Malbatt 850-12 played a crucial role in supporting Unifil's mandate to assist the Lebanese government in strengthening security control and monitoring within the area of operations, while also fostering strong cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).
Beyond peacekeeping operations, Malbatt 850-12 has also carried out numerous humanitarian initiatives, including medical outreach, food aid distribution, and engagement programmes for orphans.
These efforts have helped foster goodwill with local communities and contributed meaningfully to social stability within the region.

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