KUALA LUMPUR: The Defence Ministry receives three to four daily updates on the Malaysian Battalion (Malbatt 850-11) stationed in South Lebanon, said Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
The reports are provided by the Malaysian Armed Forces Joint Forces Command on the condition of peacekeepers in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil).
"We are constantly monitoring the situation. We do not deny that the Israeli Defence Forces have provoked the Irish troops that are stationed near the Lebanese border.
"However, ours (Malbatt 850-11) are positioned slightly further away. The key point is that we are always in contact, and we prioritise the safety of our personnel. We continuously monitor the situation in southern Lebanon," he said at a press conference after launching the 'Broadband Soldier Initiative' and signing a memorandum of understanding between the MAF and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
Also present were Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil and MAF chief General Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman.
Commenting on the safety and calls for the withdrawal of Unifil peacekeepers in Lebanon, Khaled said they are still awaiting a joint decision on the matter as it is under Unifil's purview.
"What we know so far is that the first instruction has been issued to stop all patrol operations, and none are currently ongoing.
"We are always on alert and have been advised to remain within designated areas, bunkers, for a period of time, typically around 12 to 13 hours.
"While we remain in place, there are no active operations, but Unifil has not yet decided to relocate us. We will still be there as withdrawal would open up to other issues," he said.
Yesterday, Unifil peacekeepers said Israeli fire on their headquarters in south Lebanon left two personnel injured, accusing Israel of 'repeatedly' hitting their positions.
This is the most serious incident reported since Unifil rejected Israeli demands last week to 'relocate' from some positions.
Unifil, with about 10,000 peacekeepers in south Lebanon, has called for a ceasefire following the escalation between Israel and Hizbollah on Sept 23 after a year of cross-border fire.