I AM PROUD TO HAVE MY HUSBAND SERVE THE COUNTRY - WIFE OF MALBATT 850-12 COMMANDER

PETALING JAYA, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- It’s never easy for a wife to be separated from her husband, especially when his duty takes him to conflict zones.

Haslinda Rahim, 48, shared this sentiment upon learning that her husband, Colonel Johan Effendi Mohd Shalleh, had been selected for a second United Nations (UN) peacekeeping mission in Lebanon.

“I wasn’t aware of the situation there at the time, but when I found out my husband had been chosen, I saw it as ‘rezeki’ and a duty he had to fulfil.

“At first, I had mixed emotions, but with the current situation, I am proud that he has been selected for the second time. When I think about it, I realise that I am ‘sharing’ him with the country, and that brings me a sense of contentment,” she said tearfully, recalling her reaction when she learned of his deployment.

Haslinda, who was met by reporters at the sending-off ceremony for the first batch of MALBATT 850-12 to Lebanon at Subang Air Base here today, admitted that she and her two daughters were deeply concerned for her husband's safety, especially in light of the Israeli attacks on the country since last September.

“I pray that all members and officers of MALBATT 850-12 remain safe and in good health throughout the operation,” she said.

Meanwhile, Colonel Johan Effendi, the commander of MALBATT 850-12, said that all members and officers underwent 12 weeks of intensive training to ensure they were physically and mentally prepared for their year-long mission in Lebanon.

“We carry the good name of Malaysia during this humanitarian crisis. The situation there is tense, and we hope for a peaceful resolution so that we can fulfil our peacekeeping duties with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL),” said Johan Effendi, who was deployed as Deputy Commander in 2019.

The deployment of MALBATT 850-12 to Lebanon will take place in four stages, from Nov 6 to 18, involving 854 personnel, including 82 officers, 772 members of other ranks, as well as three officers and 27 personnel from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, and a financial public officer from the Ministry of Defence.

-- BERNAMA