Female MAF Personnel Leave For Unifil Mission Next Wednesday

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 20 (Bernama) -- Come Wednesday, 10 female Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) personnel will depart for Lebanon to undergo a six-month stint with the Malaysian Company 7 (Malcoy 7) contingent under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil). They will replace the first team of women who end their tour of duty on Jan 28. The group, led by Communications Petty Officer Juliana Jalil, also comprises an officer and nine others of various ranking. Air Force Component of the Joint Forces Command head Mej Jen Datuk Abu Bakar Md Said said, although small in number, the involvment and contribution of women was much needed. "I don't deny that there are cases which require intervention by women personnel and only women understand the needs of other women," he told reporters at the Joint Forces Command Headquarters, Defence Ministry here Friday. He said their presence in various missions impacted upon the local community, adding that this was proven when the MAF received several world recognitions over their participation. -- BERNAMA