Malaysia has delayed the departure of 360 peacekeeping troops to Lebanon until January, with defence forces still working on logistics and planning the deployment.

Malaysia's deputy defence minister Zainal Abidin Zin last month said the troops were expected to depart on Nov 5, but a ministry official said an advance reconnaissance team sent to Lebanon had only recently returned with details.

"The reccy team just got back and they are giving feedback. They are planning when to go," a defence ministry official told AFP .

Malaysia's defence forces chief Anwar Mohamad Nor said the Malaysian peacekeepers would take up their duties only after Jan 15, the state Bernama news agency reported.

Based on information from the advance team, the Malaysian force will be stationed in a town in Lebanon's south bordering Syria, he said.

"The advance team ironed out the logistical support necessary, especially the building of the camp for the Malaysian troops as this needed the services of local contractors," Anwar was quoted as saying.

Second reconnaissance

A second reconnaissance team will be sent on Dec 1 to oversee the final preparations, he said.

The 360 troops will include non-combat and special operations personnel from the country's army, navy and air force, and will leave for Lebanon on board a navy ship, said Bernama .

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced in October that the UN had approved the deployment of the Malaysian peacekeepers to join the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.

Israel initially objected to countries which do not recognise the Jewish state from taking part in the peacekeeping force.

Malaysia, which strongly criticised Israel's offensive in Lebanon, had offered 1,000 soldiers for the expanded UN force but only received UN approval to send 360 troops.