KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia has again offered to deploy a larger contingent to a United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon despite being restricted to fewer than 400 troops.

Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak said Malaysia was ready to send more troops if the mandate for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was extended, the state Bernama news agency reported.

"If the UN's mandate in Lebanon is extended to more than six months, then Malaysia likes to register its intention early that it wants to send a larger troop (contingent), namely a mechanised battalion," Najib, also defence minister, was quoted as saying on Thursday.

"We hope it is acceptable to the UN if there is an extension of duty there," he said.

The UN in October approved the deployment of Malaysian peacekeepers to UNIFIL, which was expanded after a devastating conflict between Israel and the Lebanese Shiite militant movement Hezbollah in July and August.

However, Malaysia, which chairs the Organisation of the Islamic Conference and strongly criticised Israel's offensive in Lebanon, only received the go-ahead to send 360 troops after offering 1,000 soldiers.

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

A defence ministry official said there was no news on Malaysia's offer to send a larger contingent.

"There is no news from the UN, but we will work ... with that strength," the official told AFP.

The troops to be deployed consist of elite groups from Malaysia's army, navy and airforce, with an advance group of 100 soldiers to leave on January 2, ministry officials said.

The bulk of the contingent will fly to Lebanon on January 15.