Elite Forces of Malaysia

The Elite Forces of Malaysia (Malay: Pasukan Elit Malaysia) are specialised, highly trained units drawn from various branches of the Malaysian military, law enforcement, and government agencies. In Malaysia, the term Elite Forces serves as an umbrella term encompassing special forces, special operations units, specialised firefighting teams, and other uniquely trained groups within the uniformed services (Pasukan beruniform).^[1]^[2]^[3]

To join these Elite Forces, regular personnel must undergo rigorous and specialised training to meet the demanding standards required. These units are distinguished by unique identifiers, including beret colours, shoulder flashes (tabs), unit patches, skill badges, and distinct uniforms, setting them apart from conventional units.

Terminology

Elite Forces

The term "Elite Forces" functions as an umbrella term for specialised units across various branches of the military, law enforcement, and government agencies. Similar to terminology used in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, it encompasses both special forces and other elite units.^[4]^[5]^[6]

However, there is frequent confusion among the Malaysians and media about the distinctions between "elite forces" and "special forces", often leading to the two terms being mistakenly treated as mutually exclusive. His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, the Sultan of Johor, addressed this during the 52nd Anniversary of Gerak Khas in 2017, affirming that commandos (special forces) are indeed elite units. This classification places special forces as a subset of elite forces.^[2]^[1]

...peranan yang dimainkan oleh Gerak Khas sebagai pasukan elit di barisan hadapan adalah amat penting.
[...the role played by Gerak Khas as an elite frontline force is extremely important.]

— Sultan Ibrahim, Berita Tentera Darat Malaysia

Malaysia, as a Commonwealth nation, adopts the United Kingdom's classification system for its elite units. It differentiates between Special Forces and Special Operations Forces instead of using the U.S. terminology of "Special Operations Forces" and "Special Operations-Capable".^[7]

Special Forces

In Malaysia, Special Forces are units designated for high-risk special operations, operating under their respective Special Forces Commands (SFCs). These units are also subject to joint oversight by the Joint Forces Command for inter-branch operations. Currently there are five SFCs in Malaysia which are:^[1]

21st Special Service Group – Malaysian Army SFC
Naval Special Forces Command – Royal Malaysian Navy SFC
RMAF Regiment – Royal Malaysian Air Forces SFC
Pasukan Gerakan Khas – Royal Malaysia Police SFC
Special Tasks and Rescue – Malaysia Coast Guard SFC

The following units are officially recognised as Special Forces in Malaysia: Gerak Khas, Naval Special Forces, RMAF Special Forces, 69 Commando, Special Actions Unit and Malaysia Coast Guard Special Action Team.

In addition to the six primary units officially classified as "Special Forces" in Malaysia, the 91st Intelligence Operations Group (91 IOG) of the Royal Intelligence Corps also meets the criteria for this designation.^{[note 1]} While not part of any SFC, its members undergo the Gerak Khas special forces selection process, aligning them with the standards and operational ethos of special forces.^[8]

Special Operations Forces

Special Operations Forces (SOF) units are trained in special operations but operate outside SFC oversight. They are akin to Special Operations-Capable units in the U.S. military. SOF units in Malaysia are typically attached to specific commands and execute missions under the orders of their parent force's leadership.^[9]^[10]

For instance, the Pathfinder Company of the 10th Parachute Brigade is a SOF unit operating under the brigade's commander.

Commando

The term "commando" was introduced in Malaysia during World War II when the Special Operations Executive's Far East branch, Force 136, established an outpost in Kuala Kangsar and recruited locals. In Malaysia, "commando" signifies personnel or units trained in guerrilla warfare, small-unit tactics, and jungle warfare rather than the amphibious raiding role associated with the modern Royal Marines Commando. Notably, since 2017, the Royal Marines Commando has returned to its World War II roots as a special operations force under the Future Commando Force (FCF) program.^[2]^[11]^[12]

Historically, the designation "commando" in Malaysia was not limited to special forces. For instance, the Senoi Praaq (an auxiliary tracker team for the Special Air Service) and the Sarawak Rangers (a tracker team embedded with the Royal Marines) were recognised as commandos during the Malayan Emergency. Similarly, in 1972, the Tiger Platoon, a long-range reconnaissance patrol unit of 9 RAMD, earned commando status for their role during the Communist insurgency.^[13]^[14]

Today, only units whose members graduate from a basic commando course at Malaysia's commando schools are officially designated as commandos.^[11]^[8]

Special Rescue Unit

Special Rescue Units are specialised non-combat teams, such as special operations firefighters, tasked with non-conventional roles like Search and Rescue (SAR) operations. These units undergo training and selection processes based on standards used by Malaysian military special operations forces. Members are entrusted with utilising specialised equipment and methods commonly associated with special operations forces to carry out their SAR missions.^[15]

History

Old Malay Kingdom and Sultanate

The concept of elite forces is not new to Malaysia. Variations of elite forces have been in use since the era of the Kingdom of Singapura (1299–1398) and the Malacca Sultanate (1400–1511). During the Malacca Sultanate, the Hulubalangs were the elite forces. Some of them were tasked with guarding the Sultan, while others served as trusted aides to the Bendahara (Chief Minister) and Laksamana (Admiral). A Hulubalang held the rank of a high-level Pendekar (warrior). After the fall of the Malacca Sultanate, the term "Hulubalang" continued to be used to refer to the elite warriors of other Malay sultanates. In the Aceh Sultanate, under Sultan Iskandar Muda (R. 1607–1636), a new nobility known as Uleëbalang was established for warlords. These Uleëbalang were granted land and the rights to rule by the Sultan. The Hulubalang can be likened to a knight, while the Uleëbalang in the Aceh Sultanate is equivalent to a baron.^[16]^[17]

World War II

Two Force 136 operatives, Tan Chong Tee and Lim Bo Seng, during their training in India with the Special Operations Executive. Both, along with other Force 136 operatives, were later dispatched via submarine to Malaya to set up an espionage network in Malaya.

Malaysia was first exposed to modern special forces during World War II. Fighting unconventionally behind enemy lines against the Japanese Imperial Forces, Force 136 was a multinational guerrilla unit under Britain's Special Operations Executive (SOE). Several individuals from the region that is now Malaysia, including Chin Phui Kong, Ibrahim Ismail, and Tunku Osman, were recruited and underwent special forces commando training at military camps endorsed by the SOE. Force 136 operatives were tasked with performing unconventional warfare across the Far East, including Southeast Asia. In Malaya, some personnel from Force 136 were inserted by parachute or submarine and helped establish local resistance forces, collectively known as Force 136 (Malaya). Force 136 actively fought against the Japanese occupation of Malaya from 1941 to 1945. The legacy of Force 136 helped shape the modern elite forces of Malaysia, as many of its former commandos continued to serve in the Malaysian Armed Forces after World War II ended.^[18]^[19]^[20]^[21]^[22]

Malayan Emergency

The surrender of the Japanese Imperial Forces left a power vacuum in Malaya. The British, still recovering from WWII, were focused on domestic affairs, which allowed their wartime allies in British Malaya—the Malayan People's Anti-Japanese Army (MPAJA) and the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM)—to seize power and form an independent government with a socialist economy. They began assassinating Malayans who had collaborated with the Japanese during the occupation. Following the collapse of their truce in 1947, war broke out in what became known as the Malayan Emergency, with the communist forces of the Malayan National Liberation Army fighting against the British colonial government. After two years of conventional warfare, the Malayan British Military Administration (BMA) realised that traditional military tactics were ineffective against the MPAJA. In response, elite unconventional special forces were established to counter the communist insurgency.^[23]^[24]

Ferret Force

On 6 July 1948, Colonel John Davis, former Force 136 commander, was entrusted to establish a special jungle-guerrilla force for anti-insurgent operations—The Ferret Forces.^[21] Two patrols from the Malay Regiment, two patrols from the Gurkha Regiment and a headquarters group made up the pioneer forces. The Ferret Force later expanded and the police unit, and Europeans with special operations experience, including Colonel Richard Broome, a Force 136 veteran, was added to the force.^[20]

Malayan Scouts

As conditions deteriorated, General Sir John Harding, the Commander-in-Chief of the British Far East Command, sought officers with expertise in jungle warfare. Major Micheal 'Mad Mike' Calvert, a veteran of the Chindits (a British India special force during World War II), volunteered to evaluate the situation in Malaya. In 1952, he was granted permission to establish a special force to operate deep in the jungle, which he named the Malayan Scouts.^[24]^[25]

The Ferret Force was later reorganised and became A Squadron of the Malayan Scouts. Similarly, Z Squadron of the 21st Special Air Service Regiment (SAS) was restructured to form B Squadron, while the Rhodesian SAS became C Squadron, and the Australian SAS was designated as D Squadron. At its peak, the Malayan Scouts operated with five squadrons in total.^[26]^[27]

The Malayan Scouts achieved significant success during the Malayan Emergency campaign, prompting the British government to integrate them into the regular British military. By 1958, the Malayan Scouts were officially designated as the 22nd Special Air Service Regiment (22 SAS).^[24]^[25]

The Malayan Scouts are widely regarded as the predecessors of modern Malaysian Special Forces.^[28]

Special Branch

The Special Branch (SB) is the intelligence unit of the Malayan Police, established as the successor to the British Malayan Security Service (MSS). During the Malayan Emergency, it was restructured as a specialised intelligence unit under the recommendation of Major Mike Calvert of the Malayan Scouts.^[29]

The SB played a crucial role in providing intelligence to special forces by deploying secret agents within the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) and the Malayan People's Anti-Japanese Army (MPAJA).^[29]

Today, the Special Branch remains operational as a department under the Royal Malaysia Police, continuing its legacy as a vital intelligence agency.^[29]

Sarawak Rangers

Throughout history, three distinct units have carried the name "Sarawak Rangers."^[30]

The First Sarawak Rangers (1862–1930s; 1946)
- Established in 1862 during the reign of the White Rajahs in Raj of Sarawak, the first Sarawak Rangers served as both a police force and a paramilitary unit for the Rajahs. The unit was disbanded in the 1930s due to economic challenges but was reactivated in 1946 to combat the Japanese during World War II. However, it was disbanded again later that same year following the fall of the White Rajahs' rule.
The Second Sarawak Rangers (1948–1963)
- In August 1948, during the British Military Administration (BMA) in Borneo, former members of the first Sarawak Rangers were employed as trackers by the British Civil Liaison Corps for six months. This marked the creation of the second iteration of the unit, operating under the Bornean BMA.
The Third Sarawak Rangers (Malayan Emergency)
- Impressed by the tracking and combat skills of the Iban people, the Malayan BMA recruited them to form an independent fighting unit during the Malayan Emergency. This third version of the Sarawak Rangers was selected, trained, and equipped by the Malayan Scouts (SAS) and Royal Marines Commando, making it the only iteration classified as an elite unit. By the end of the Malayan Emergency, the unit had grown to 200 men.

Today, the Sarawak Rangers no longer exist. However, a regiment was established in 1963 within the Malaysian Army as the successor to the Sarawak Rangers. This regiment was named the Rejimen Renjer Malaysia (Malaysian Ranger Regiment) and, in 1971, was granted the title of "royal", becoming the Royal Ranger Regiment.^[31]

Senoi Praaq

General Gerald Templer, the High Commissioner of Malaya, proposed the creation of a second regiment of Malayan Scouts to aid in the jungle warfare efforts during the Malayan Emergency. Although the proposal was rejected by the War Office in London, it led General Templer to form a small experimental unit made up of Orang Asli (the indigenous people of the Malay Peninsula). This unit was intended to fulfil the need for additional support and to assist the existing Malayan Scouts in 1956 as an auxiliary force. The unit was named Senoi Praaq (also spelt Senoi Praak in Malay), meaning "War People" in the Semai language. The Malayan Scouts trained the Orang Asli in military tactics, and the Senoi Praaq was given commando status, becoming attached to the Malayan Scouts (SAS) and officially renamed as the SAS Auxiliary Force.^[32]^[33]

The Senoi Praaq was the brainchild of Lieutenant Colonel R.O.D. Noone (Retired as Colonel), an intelligence officer in the Directorate of Military Intelligence and a government official within the British Military Administration (BMA) in Malaya. The BMA had employed Orang Asli and Sarawak Rangers as trackers for military operations, and Lieutenant Colonel Noone saw the potential to organise these trackers into a formal special unit similar to the Sarawak Rangers. After his proposal was approved by General Templer, Lieutenant Colonel Noone was appointed as the first commander of the Senoi Praaq.^[32]^[34]

The Senoi Praaq proved highly effective in jungle warfare. In recognition of their success, Colonel Noone was loaned for a year, at the request of the President of South Vietnam, to assist the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in establishing the Montagnard Scouts during the Vietnam War. Colonel Noone and the Senoi Praaq were integrated into the CIA's Mountain Scout Program (MSP), and the Montagnard Scouts were attached to the U.S. Army Special Forces, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG), and the Long-Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP), the predecessor to the 75th Ranger Regiment.^[32]^[34]^[35]^[33]

Today, the Senoi Praaq still exists, but it is no longer an elite special forces unit. Instead, it has been reorganised into two reconnaissance battalions and is now part of the General Operations Force (GOF), a paramilitary unit under the Royal Malaysia Police.^[33]

Post Independence, Indonesia—Malaysia confrontation and Second Malayan Emergency

As a newly formed nation, the Federation of Malaya relied heavily on the Commonwealth of Nations for military support. With the Malayan Emergency drawing to a close, the Malayan Armed Forces began to expand their strength. In 1963, the British North Borneo, the Crown Colony of Sarawak, and the Colony of Singapore joined the federation, forming the nation of Malaysia. This unity angered Sukarno, the first president of Indonesia, who was leftist and pro-communist, and he accused Malaysia of being a new form of British colonisation. In response, Sukarno launched a military campaign against Malaysia, known as Konfrontasi. The Commonwealth nations swiftly offered military assistance. The confrontation lasted from January 1962 to August 1966.^[28]

The conflict highlighted the need for specially trained elite forces within Malaysia's military arsenal. In response, the Malaysian Special Service Unit (MSSU), which would later be renamed Gerak Khas, was established during this period. Following the end of the confrontation, Malaysia faced a second emergency, which further underscored the need for elite military units to address growing security demands. This led to the creation of additional specialised forces to bolster Malaysia's defence capabilities.^[28]

Malayan Special Forces

The Malayan Special Forces (MSF) was a rapid deployment and peacekeeping task force established in 1960, two years after the independence of Malaya and shortly before the formation of Malaysia. Its creation was prompted by a United Nations (UN) request to the Prime Minister of the Federation of Malaya, Tunku Abdul Rahman, for the Organisation des Nations Unies au Congo (ONUC) peacekeeping mission to the Congo. The Congo had gained independence from Belgium on 30 June 1960 but quickly descended into chaos due to a military mutiny that began on 4 July 1960.^[36]

After agreeing to the UN's request in August 1960, Malaya formed the Malayan Special Forces to serve as its peacekeeping contingent. The force underwent two weeks of training in Kuala Lumpur before deploying from the Royal Malaysian Navy Woodlands Naval Base. The first batch of this task force comprised the following units:^[37]^[38]

Headquarters Company – Command and administrative elements.
4th Battalion, Royal Malay Regiment – Infantry forces serving as the backbone of the MSF
C Squadron, 2nd Reconnaissance Regiment – Providing light armour and reconnaissance capabilities.
1 Scout Troop from the 1st Reconnaissance Regiment – Supplementary reconnaissance expertise.
1 Signal Troop from the Signals Regiment – Handling communications and coordination.
1 Supply & Transport element from the Ordnance and Workshop Corps – Logistics and service support for the operation.

Upon arrival in Congo, the Malayan Special Forces underwent a month-long adaptation training to familiarise themselves with the Congo rainforest. This specialised preparation enhanced their ability to operate effectively in the region's arid and challenging terrain.^[39]^[40]

From September 1960 to May 1963, the MSF served as part of the United Nations Operation in the Congo (ONUC). Their duties included stabilising volatile regions, preventing mutinies, and restoring order in areas affected by conflict. The Malayan Special Forces were dissolved in 1963, following the end of their deployment in the Congo and the cessation of their immediate need.^[39]^[40]

Malaysian Special Service Unit

The Malaysian Special Service Unit (MSSU) was a joint special forces task force established in 1965 during the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation. The unit's formation was proposed by Abdul Razak Hussein, Malaysia's then Minister of Defence and later its second Prime Minister. Abdul Razak, who had served as a resistance fighter trained by Force 136 during World War II, drew on his guerrilla warfare experience to advocate for a dedicated special forces unit for the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF).^[28]

Abdul Razak's involvement in the anti-Japanese resistance was unique. Coming from a prominent Malay noble family, he infiltrated the Japanese-Malayan administration under the guise of collaboration, using his position to gather intelligence. His wartime experiences with guerrilla tactics inspired his vision for a Malaysian special forces unit.^[28]

To bring this idea to life, he collaborated with General Tunku Osman, the Chief of Defence Forces at the time. Tunku Osman, also a former Force 136 agent trained in commando tactics by the Special Operations Executive (SOE), shared Abdul Razak's vision. Together, they approached the 40 Commando Royal Marines, then based in Singapore, to help design the MSSU's selection and training programs. This collaboration laid the foundation for Malaysia's first modern special forces unit.^[28]

The MSSU recruited personnel from all branches of the MAF, although most successful candidates came from the Army, with a smaller number from the Navy. As the largest branch of the MAF, the Malaysian Army took administrative responsibility for the MSSU. The unit was conceived as an ad hoc task force, and its structure reflected its temporary status.^[28]

In 1970, the MSSU was disbanded, and the Malaysian Army established a permanent special forces unit to continue the MSSU's legacy. Former MSSU commandos who wished to remain in special operations were required to voluntarily resign from their original branches, corps, or regiments and re-enlist in the new unit. This transition period ended in 1973, marking the complete evolution of Malaysia's special forces structure.^[28]

The MSSU was instrumental in shaping the development of Malaysia's elite forces. Drawing on the lineage of Force 136 and the Malayan Scouts, the MSSU influenced the establishment of elite forces within Malaysia today.^[28]

Tier levels of Elite Forces in Malaysia

Malaysia employs an unofficial tier system for its elite forces, similar to the United States. The tier system reflects the unit's proximity to the highest levels of command and the priority given to their deployment for specialised tasks or missions. Currently, Malaysia recognises two primary tier levels:^[41]

Federal-level

This is the highest tier in Malaysia, typically involving inter-agency (joint) task forces composed of experienced personnel from multiple uniformed services. These task forces are assembled for high-priority or specialised missions and operate under direct oversight from top government leadership. Members are not permanently assigned to the task force; they return to their original services when no longer needed or for operational rotation.^[41]^[42]

Services-level

This is the standard tier for elite forces within their respective uniformed services. These units are commanded by their respective branches of the military, law enforcement, or other uniformed services. Larger services may organise their elite units under a Special Forces Command (SFC). Within this level, there may be further sub-tiers depending on the unit's specialisation, training, and operational scope.^[2]

Federal Elite Task Force

A Federal Elite Task Force in Malaysia refers to a small, specialised group of joint uniformed personnel operating under the direct command of the federal government. These units are considered the most elite in the country, with members selected from various government agencies. These units are administered directly by the federal government and are typically overseen by the National Security Council.^[41]^[42]

Candidates must pass rigorous selection courses established by the Government of Malaysia to join. Members receive additional occupational allowances in recognition of their elite status and high-risk responsibilities.^[41]

At their peak, more than three federal-level elite task forces existed. However, following the disbandment of the National Special Operations Force (NSOF) in October 2018, only two federal-level elite task force remains active:^[41]^[43]

Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team

Internationally known as the SMART, this special rescue unit is a certified joint Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) task force under the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG). Officially named Pasukan Mencari dan Menyelamat Khas Malaysia in Malay, which translates to Search and Rescue Special Forces of Malaysia, it is a highly specialised disaster relief unit based in Puchong, Selangor.^[41]^[44]

Established in May 1994, SMART reports directly to Malaysia's top government executives, similar to the National Special Operations Force (NSOF), and operates under the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA). It can be deployed for domestic or international missions at the directive of the Malaysian Prime Minister.^[41]^[44]

SMART officers and technicians are recruited from the Malaysian Armed Forces, Royal Malaysian Police, and the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia.^[41] Its capabilities and specialised roles in disaster response have drawn comparisons to the Tokyo Fire Department's Hyper Rescue Team, which is also a joint Heavy USAR task force.

Defence Special Operations Division

The Defence Special Operations Division (DSOD) (Bahagian Operasi Pasukan Khas Pertahanan—BOPKP), short for the Ministry of Defence's Special Operations Division, is a joint counterterrorism task force established as the intended successor to the National Special Operations Force (NSOF). Unlike its predecessor, the DSOD recruits exclusively from special forces within the Malaysian Armed Forces and operates under the Ministry of Defence.^{[note 2]}^[45]^[46]

The task force was first announced in January 2019 by the then Chief of Defence Forces, General Zulkifli Zainal Abidin. However, it officially became operational on 10 May 2019. The DSOD is based at Perdana Camp in Kuala Lumpur, the former headquarters of the NSOF.^[45]^[46]

The DSOD can be compared to the Canada's Joint Task Force 2 (JTF 2) due to its structure and mission scope.

Malaysian Armed Forces

The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) is the tri-service military of Malaysia, comprising the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Unlike the United States, the Coast Guard in Malaysia is not part of the MAF.^{[note 3]} Each branch of the MAF has its own elite units, which are selected, trained, and managed by their respective military branches. These elite forces can be combined into a joint force for specific operations, with the coordination of the joint units being overseen by Cell D of the Joint Forces Command during the operation.^[47]

In 2019, there were plans to establish a unified command for special forces under the MAF, similar to the United States Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC).^[47] Below are the services within the MAF and their respective elite units:

Malaysian Army

The Malaysian Army serves as the land component of the Malaysian Armed Forces and is the largest military branch in the country. Comprising multiple corps and regiments, it also maintains its own aviation capabilities. However, the Malaysian Army is not the sole land-based military force in the country, as other branches, government agencies, and private military also operate land units with similar capabilities.

Officially, the Malaysian Army has two main elite units: one is a special forces unit, while the other is a hybrid airborne-marines force. In addition to these two primary elite units, there are several other Special Operations Forces (SOFs) within the Army. These auxiliary units can be attached to the main elite units as needed to provide support during combat operations.^[1]

Gerak Khas

The Gerak Khas (Abbr. Gerakhas) ('Special Forces' or 'Army Special Forces') is the special forces unit of the Malaysian Army. The name "Gerak Khas" translates directly to "Special Forces" in English, as it was originally intended to be the sole special forces unit for all branches of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF). Gerak Khas is the direct successor to the Malaysian Special Service Unit (MSSU), a joint special operations task force established in 1965 during the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation. While the MSSU recruited members from all MAF services, the majority of its personnel came from the Army, with some recruits from the Navy who passed the selection process.^[2]

The MSSU was formed and trained by the 40 Commando of the Royal Marines from scratch, inheriting their distinctive green beret, light blue lanyard, and Fairbairn-Sykes commando knife. These traditions continue to be worn by Gerak Khas to this day.^[2]

In 1970, the MSSU was dissolved, and the 1st Special Service Regiment (Rejimen Pertama Gerak Khas) was established to succeed it under the command of the Malaysian Army. Over time, two additional regiments were created under Gerak Khas, and it was upgraded to a corps. However, since 2017, Gerak Khas is no longer considered part of the corps or regiments under the Malaysian Army; instead, it has become more of a specialised formation. To be part of this formation, officers and soldiers must undergo the rigorous Malaysian Special Forces selection process.^[2]^[48]

Currently, the following units are considered part of Gerak Khas:

21st Special Services Group – The Malaysian Army Special Forces Command
91st Intelligence Operations Group – Special Forces attached to military intelligence
11th Special Services Regiment – One of the special forces regiments under the Malaysian Army
21st Commando Regiment – One of the special forces regiments under the Malaysian Army
22nd Commando Regiment – One of the special forces regiments under the Malaysian Army
Special Warfare Training Centre – The special operations training centre and commando school under the Malaysian Army

Gerak Khas is considered equivalent to the British Army's Special Air Service (SAS), the U.S. Army's Green Berets, and the Russian Spetsnaz in terms of its role and capabilities.

21st Special Service Group

The 21st Special Service Group (21 SSG), known in Malay as 21 Gerup Gerak Khas (21 GGK), serves as the special forces command of the Malaysian Army. It is led by a two-star general referred to as the Army Special Forces Commander. Most Gerak Khas commandos operate under this command, which functions as one of the combat formations within the Malaysian Army. The command also includes several support units, such as communications, logistics, medical, and military police, ensuring a comprehensive operational capability.

The history of the 21 SSG dates back to April 1980, when the Malaysian Army Command restructured the Headquarters Company of the 1st Malaysian Special Service Regiment (now known as the 21st Commando Regiment). This reorganisation led to the establishment of the Malaysian Special Service Command at Imphal Camp in Kuala Lumpur, tasked with overseeing all special forces regiments except for the 91st Combat Intelligence Special Service Regiment (now the 91st Intelligence Operations Group), which remained under the Military Intelligence Corps (now the Royal Intelligence Corps). In 1995, the Special Warfare Training Centre was transferred to the Malaysian Army Training and Doctrine Command. Currently, the 21 SSG is headquartered at Sri Iskandar Camp in Mersing, Johor.

The 21 SSG is often likened to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, reflecting its pivotal role in coordinating the Malaysian Army's special forces operations.

10th Parachute Brigade

The 10th Parachute Brigade (10 PARA BDE) is an elite, specialised combat formation of the Malaysian Army. Operating under the direct command of the Chief of Army, it is also a core component of the Malaysian Rapid Deployment Forces (RDF). The brigade is a versatile unit consisting of various components, including special operations forces, specialised light infantry, light armour, artillery, medics, and more. As a combat-ready formation, the brigade is often the first to be deployed in a conflict, capable of operating independently or in coordination with naval and air force units for joint operations.^[49]^[50]

Currently trained as a hybrid airborne-marines unit, the 10 PARA BDE is capable of being deployed through various methods of insertion. Originally established in 1979 as the 10th Infantry Brigade, the unit began airborne training in December 1992. Inspired by the British Army's Parachute Regiment, it was officially renamed the 10th Parachute Brigade in 1994. Designed as a rapid deployment and airborne force, the brigade was modelled after the British 16 Air Assault Brigade and the U.S. Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade.^[51]

Recognising the need for a military unit with marines capabilities, the Malaysian Armed Forces began training a battalion within the 10 PARA BDE in amphibious warfare in 2002. By 2022, all airborne infantry units within the brigade were trained in amphibious operations, transforming it into a hybrid airborne-marine force.^[52]

Membership in the 10 PARA BDE is restricted to personnel from corps and regiments within the Malaysian Army. Aspiring members must successfully complete RDF pipeline, consisting of three stages:

10th Parachute Brigade Induction Programme – A preliminary stage to familiarise candidates with brigade-specific requirements.
Basic Parachutist Course – Airborne Training at the Special Warfare Training Centre
Basic Rapid Deployment Force Course – The Malaysian Army’s equivalent of the U.S. Army’s Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP)

Before 2020, the brigade was classified as a standard infantry unit with airborne capabilities. However, on 9 October 2020, General Zamrose Mohd Zain, the Chief of Army, elevated the brigade's status to that of a specialised light infantry unit. This reclassification positioned the 10 PARA BDE as the Malaysian Army's equivalent to the U.S. Army's 75th Ranger Regiment and the British Army's Specialised Infantry Group (now the Army Special Operations Brigade).^[49]

Pathfinders Company

Officially established as Platun Pandura (Pathfinders Platoon) in 1995, Pandura, short for Pandu Udara (Malay for Pathfinder), originally served as a reconnaissance and pathfinding unit for the 10th Parachute Brigade (10 PARA BDE). Its role was comparable to the British Army's Pathfinder Platoon. Inspired by the United States Marine Corps (USMC) Force Recon, the platoon later underwent retraining in special operations. On 1 July 2008, it was upgraded to a company-sized unit and renamed the Pathfinders Company (Parachute) or Kompeni Pandura (Payung Terjun) in Malay.^[53]

The Pandura Company is both a Pathfinder and Special Operations Force within the 10 PARA BDE, operating directly under the brigade commander. It exclusively recruits paratroopers from within the brigade, earning its reputation as an elite unit among the elite forces. In August 2021, Pandura Company added combat diving to its skill set, enabling its paratroopers to parachute into the sea and swim to shore, further enhancing its versatility.^[54]

During operations involving parachute insertions, Pandura personnel are deployed days or even weeks ahead of the main forces. They conduct reconnaissance, gather intelligence, and prepare drop zones (DZ) and helicopter landing sites (HLS) for the incoming troops. Additionally, they serve as forward observers for the brigade's artillery, with the ability to coordinate and adjust artillery fire, as well as air and naval gunfire support.^[53]

Today, the Pandura Company is regarded as the Malaysian Army's equivalent to the USMC Force Recon and the French Army's Commando Parachute Group.

91st Intelligence Operations Group

Established in 1972, the 91 Gerup Operasi Perisikan (91 GOP) (91st Intelligence Operations Group) serves as the combat intelligence special forces unit of the Royal Intelligence Corps (RIC) (Kor Risik Diraja). Formerly known as the 91st Combat Intelligence Special Service Regiment (91 Rejimen Khas Perisikan Tempur—91 RKPT), its origins trace back to a detachment of special forces from Gerak Khas being attached to the RIC. Today, officers and other ranks aspiring to join this unit must undergo the rigorous Malaysian Special Forces selection process, similar to other special forces units.^[55]

During its early years, one of the primary roles of 91 RKPT was to support the secret agents of the 92nd Military Special Branch (92 Anggota Tentera Cawangan Khas—92 ATCK) by providing firepower. The unit was also tasked with:^[55]

Delivering real-time human intelligence (HUMINT) to the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF).
Rescuing compromised agents.
Conducting small raids on communist camps.

Today, most of 91 GOP's operations are classified. However, during the Malaysian Armed Forces' Open Day in 2019, it was revealed that the unit provides special forces personnel to the Malaysian Defence Intelligence Organisation. Its members are highly trained in jungle and unconventional warfare, with Orang Asli often prioritised for recruitment due to their exceptional skills and knowledge of the terrain.^[56]^[57]

The 91 GOP is comparable to the British Army's Special Reconnaissance Regiment and the U.S. Army Intelligence Support Activity (ISA).

165th Army Intelligence Battalion

The 165th Army Intelligence Battalion (165 AIB) (Batalion 165 Risik Tentera Darat) was officially formed on 26 July 2008. It is a combat intelligence unit within the Royal Intelligence Corps and plays a vital role in reconnaissance and surveillance. The unit specialises in covert operations, infiltrating enemy lines to gather critical intelligence.^[58]^[59]

The 165 AIB is equipped with state-of-the-art intelligence gathering systems, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), sensors, and long-range camera. Its personnel are trained in various insertion methods (air, sea, and land) to integrate seamlessly with elite forces like the 10th Parachute Brigade (10 PARA BDE) and the 21st Special Service Group (21 SSG) as intelligence support.^[59]

The battalion also operates in joint missions with foreign forces. For example, in 2017, 165 AIB personnel supported the French Army's infantry unit in intelligence operations during the Helang Gagah military exercise.^[60]

The 165 AIB is the Malaysian Army's equivalent of the U.S. Air Force Special Reconnaissance.

Royal Malaysian Navy

The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) is one of the three branches of the Malaysian Armed Forces. It serves as Malaysia's primary naval defence force, distinct from the Malaysian Coast Guard, which operates under a different jurisdiction. While classified as a green-water navy, the RMN has demonstrated the capability to operate in open-ocean environments, often in collaboration with other nations' naval forces. For example, RMN units frequently participate in joint military exercises with the U.S. Navy in Hawaii and contribute to international anti-piracy operations in the Indian Ocean.^[61]

The RMN also maintains two elite units:

Naval Special Forces

The Naval Special Forces, or Pasukan Khas Laut (PASKAL) in Malay, serve as the Royal Malaysian Navy's special forces and operate under the Naval Special Forces Command. Established in 1977 as the Naval Commando Unit, its initial role focused on protecting RMN ships, bases, and ports, akin to the 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines. By 1982, PASKAL's responsibilities expanded to include the defence of Malaysia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

PASKAL's lineage indirectly connects to the Malaysian Special Service Unit (MSSU), Malaysia's first modern special forces unit. Some ex-MSSU members returned to the RMN, contributing to the formation of the Naval Commando Unit. The Naval Commando Unit received diverse and rigorous training from various nations:

Indonesian Marine Corps Jungle Commando Course—Inspiring the adoption of the magenta beret.
Indonesian Navy KOPASKA Commando Course
Royal Marines Commando Course—Inspiring the adoption of the Fairbairn-Sykes commando knife and dark-blue lanyard.
Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) Training—Inspiring the adoption of the Malaysia's version of the Navy SEAL Trident.

This international training shaped PASKAL's distinct identity. Today, graduates of the RMN Special Forces Selection are awarded the magenta beret, a Fairbairn-Sykes commando knife, and the Trimedia, Malaysia's version of the Navy SEAL Trident. To join, RMN officers and sailors must complete the Malaysian Special Forces Selection.^[62]^[63]

The PASKAL is the RMN's equivalent of the Royal Navy's Special Boat Service and U.S Navy's SEAL Team Six.

Naval Diving and Mine Warfare Command

The Naval Diving and Mine Warfare Command (NDMW), established in 2013, specialises in clearance diving, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), and salvage diving. This command succeeded the Naval Diving Unit, which was founded in 1965 at the RMN Woodlands Naval Base. Over time, the unit evolved, merging with the Navy Diving School in 1998 to form KD Duyong (Royal Malaysian Navy Mine Warfare and Diving Centre). In 2013, NDMW became a separate command, while KD Duyong continued as a diving school.^[64]^[65]^[66]^[67]^[68]^[69]

Unlike PASKAL, NDMW is not classified as a special forces unit, though its members undergo portions of the Malaysian Special Forces Selection. Based at Lumut Naval Base, NDMW consists of specialised teams:^[64]^[66]^[67]^[68]^[69]

NDMW Teams and Roles^[65]
Name	Responsibility	Task
Team 1	Underwater rescue and salvage	Team 1 specialises in underwater rescues and salvage operations involving Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) ships, vessels, and submarines. Their primary role is to respond to incidents in open waters, ensuring the safety and recovery of RMN assets. This includes clearing stranded vessels that obstruct RMN ship routes. In addition to their core responsibilities, Team 1 may assist with similar incidents involving non-RMN ships or vessels. Some of Team 1's divers are assigned to specific RMN assets, such as the submarine rescue ship MV Mega Bakti and minesweeper ships like the KD Mahameru, KD Jerai, KD Ledang, and KD Kinabalu, enhancing their capability to respond to diverse maritime challenges.^[70]
Team 2	Shallow-water mine countermeasures	Team 2 is an underwater demolition unit specialising in clearing mines and explosives along coastlines to facilitate amphibious landing operations. Their primary mission is to ensure the safety of landing zones by neutralising underwater threats, making them a critical component of amphibious warfare. During large-scale amphibious operations, PASKAL and Pathfinders Company reconnaissance teams are deployed to conduct beach reconnaissance ahead of the main landing force. Team 2 divers are often embedded with these teams, providing essential mine clearance capabilities to secure the area. Notably, some members of Team 2 are parachute-trained, enabling them to deploy via air for rapid and flexible insertion into mission zones.
Team 3	Special operations EOD	Team 3 is a Special Operations Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit attached to PASKAL's Maritime Counterterrorism (MCT) teams. Its members are highly trained in all aspects of special operations, including MCT tactics and various insertion methods, such as sea, air, and land deployments. The primary role of Team 3 is to deliver onboard EOD support during maritime counterterrorism missions. This includes neutralising explosive threats and ensuring the safety of vessels and personnel during high-stakes operations. Their expertise enhances the operational effectiveness of PASKAL MCT teams in combating maritime threats.
Team 4	Fleet's diving and EOD support	Team 4 primarily provides diving support as well as port and harbour clearance services for the Royal Malaysian Navy's (RMN) naval fleets and bases. Team 4 divers are strategically stationed across all ports, jetties, harbours, and military ships under the RMN's jurisdiction. As first responders, they are responsible for addressing operations and emergencies occurring near their assigned locations. Their readiness and proximity to key naval facilities ensure swift action in situations requiring underwater expertise, such as clearing obstructions, inspecting hulls, or conducting underwater maintenance.

NDMW personnel are identifiable by the naval diver's skill badges and EOD skill badges on their uniforms. The NDMW provides critical support in underwater operations, mine countermeasures, and fleet support. It is comparable to the Royal Navy Diving & Threat Exploitation Group, the U.S. Navy Underwater Demolition Teams, and the Royal Australian Navy Clearance Diving Branch.

Royal Malaysian Air Force

The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is one of the three primary branches of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF). However, it is not the only militarised air service in the country, as other military branches maintain their own air units. The RMAF organises all but one of its ground combat units under a single entity—the RMAF Regiment—which also houses most of its elite units. The elite forces of the RMAF include:

RMAF Special Forces

The Pasukan Khas TUDM (PASKAU), or RMAF Special Forces, is the primary special forces unit of the RMAF. Its origins trace back to 1983, when a detachment of Gerak Khas commandos was assigned to the RMAF Regiment, forming two special operations sections:^[71]

Combat Air Rescue Team – Modelled after the USAF Pararescue, this team specialises in personnel recovery and combat search-and-rescue
Rapid Deployment Force – Modelled after air assault units, this team is designed for swift mobilisation and deployment via helicopters

In 1996, these two elements were consolidated into a single combat force and renamed the Pasukan Khas Udara (PKU), or Special Air Service. By 2002, the unit adopted its current name, Pasukan Khas TUDM (PASKAU).^[71]

PASKAU comprises five specialised squadrons, each focusing on distinct operational roles such as combat search and rescue (CSAR), forward air controller, and more. Entry into PASKAU requires RMAF officers and airmen to pass the rigorous Malaysian Special Forces Selection.

PASKAU members are easily identified by their light blue beret with a red-backed RMAF Regiment cap badge and a light blue lanyard. Given the unit's diverse capabilities and roles, PASKAU is considered equivalent to the U.S. Air Force Special Tactics Squadrons.

RMAF GDF Rapid Intervention Team

The RMAF Ground Defence Force (RMAF GDF), commonly referred to as HANDAU (from its Malay name), is an infantry unit within the RMAF. RMAF GDF personnel are deployed across major RMAF ground and air bases and are trained in urban warfare and base security operations. They also support PASKAU during operations to capture and secure enemy airfields.

Each RMAF GDF squadron includes a small, specialised section known as the Rapid Intervention Team (RIT). The primary role of the RIT is close-quarters combat (CQC), functioning as a SWAT team for the air bases they protect. Additionally, RIT units can serve as fly-away security teams, accompanying air mobility squadrons to secure deployed aircraft and personnel.

In terms of capability, the RMAF GDF RIT is comparable to the U.S. Air Force Deployed Aircraft Ground Response Element (DAGRE).

Malaysia Coast Guard

MCG-SAT commandos, identifiable by their scarlet-red berets, march during the 65th Merdeka Day parade.

MMEA Rescue Swimmer (centre) received training from U.S. Coast Guard Aviation Survival Technicians during CARAT 2011.

The Malaysia Coast Guard (MCG), also known as the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), is a key maritime force tasked with safeguarding Malaysia's littoral waters, enforcing laws within the Malaysian Maritime Zone (MMZ), and managing maritime emergency responses.^{[note 4]} As part of Malaysia's naval defence forces alongside the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) and the Marine Operations Force (MOF) of the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP), the MCG focuses on law enforcement in the MMZ, a jurisdiction shared only with the MOF. Since 2023, the MCG has expanded its operational scope to include the Indo-Pacific region through collaboration with the Japan Coast Guard (JCG).^[72]

Established in 2005, the MCG operates independently of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) and falls under a separate ministry, similar to the U.S. Coast Guard’s relationship with the Department of Homeland Security. However, in times of emergency, armed conflict, or war, the MCG can integrate with the MAF to serve as a naval force.^[73]

The MCG is home to three elite units under its Special Tasks and Rescue (STAR) division, the special forces command of the MCG.^[74]

Malaysia Coast Guard Special Action Team

The Malaysia Coast Guard Special Action Team (MCG-SAT), or Pasukan Tindakan Khas APMM (PTK-APMM) in Malay, is the MCG’s primary maritime special forces unit. These elite operatives are highly trained in maritime counterterrorism (MCT), specialising in operations such as visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS), anti-piracy missions, helicopter insertions, port protection/anti-sabotage tasks, and hostage rescues. They are capable of rapid deployment via helicopters and high-speed boats.^[75]

Formed in 2005, the unit's initial members were drawn from Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) special forces units, including the Naval Special Forces (PASKAL) and RMAF Special Forces (PASKAU). Today, recruitment is internal, with candidates required to pass the rigorous Malaysian Special Forces Selection process.^[75]

MCG-SAT operatives wear a distinctive scarlet-red beret and bear a special forces insignia reminiscent of the Naval Special Forces’ Trimedia and the U.S. Navy SEALs’ Trident Insignia. Comparable to the U.S. Coast Guard's Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) and Maritime Security Response Team (MSRT), as well as the Japan Coast Guard’s Special Security Team (SST), MCG-SAT is a versatile and vital force for Malaysia's maritime defence.^[75]

Malaysia Coast Guard Rescue Divers

The MCG Rescue Divers are an elite unit specialising in deep-sea search and rescue (SAR) operations, often in challenging conditions. Their responsibilities include retrieving trapped individuals or items from sunken ships, crashed aircraft, submerged vehicles, and more. As Malaysia's premier maritime SAR unit, they also serve as first responders under the Malaysia Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), which the MCG oversees after taking control from the Marine Department of Malaysia (Jabatan Laut Malaysia).^[76]

Established in 2009, the unit received training from U.S. Navy Divers until 2014. Since then, their training has been conducted by the Japan Coast Guard's Special Rescue Team (SRT) due to Malaysia's geographical proximity to Japan, reducing training costs. Since 2023, training has been locally provided by JCG instructors stationed in Malaysia. The divers are deployed from five regional rescue centres across Malaysia, primarily via MCG vessels. As of March 2024, the unit comprises 120 divers.^[77]^[72]

Candidates aspiring to join the unit must pass a portions of the Malaysian Special Forces Selection. Their role and expertise align with the Royal Malaysian Navy's Naval Diving and Mine Warfare Command.^[74]

Malaysia Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers

The MCG Rescue Swimmers are an elite aircrew and SAR unit specialising in air-sea rescue missions. Operating from MCG helicopters, these swimmers are stationed at air bases under the MCG Air Operations Division. Unlike the MCG Rescue Divers, this unit focuses on airborne operations.^[78]^[79]

Formed on 1 July 2008, the rescue swimmers are easily recognisable by their papaya-orange wetsuits, a tribute to the Japan Coast Guard's Special Rescue Team (SRT), which trained the members. This small, highly skilled unit recruits exclusively from the MCG Rescue Divers, requiring additional rigorous selection and training. As of May 2023, the unit comprises only 14 members, including three instructors.^[78]^[80]

MCG Rescue Swimmers are identified by their rescue swimmer wings insignia, displayed on their service uniforms. They are equivalent to the U.S. Coast Guard's Aviation Survival Technicians and the Japan Coast Guard's SRT.^[81]

Royal Malaysia Police

The Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) is the federal police force of Malaysia. It comprises numerous specialised departments and divisions, including Criminal Investigation Departments (CID), an intelligence branch, traffic police, water police, riot police, tourist police, and a paramilitary unit. Among these, the Special Actions Unit (UTK) and 69 Commando (VAT 69) are the only RMP units formally classified as special forces. Both units fall under the command of the Pasukan Gerakan Khas (Police Special Forces Command).

Pasukan Gerakan Khas

The Pasukan Gerakan Khas, or Special Operations Forces Command, is the special forces command of the Royal Malaysia Police. It operates under the Department of Internal Security and Public Order (Jabatan Keselamatan Dalam Negeri dan Ketenteraman Awam, or KDN/KA). This department oversees non-conventional police units such as the paramilitary, water police, riot police, and others. The Pasukan Gerakan Khas is responsible for managing high-risk operations, including counterterrorism, hostage rescues, and other critical missions that require specialised skills and training. Currently, there are two units under this command:^[82]

Special Actions Unit

The Special Actions Unit (Unit Tindak Khas, UTK; but always spelled as Unit Tindakhas), is the oldest and most experienced counterterrorism unit in Malaysia, established on 1 January 1975. It serves as the police tactical unit and specialises in counterterrorism in urban environments, hostage rescue, and VIP protection. Its additional capabilities include close protection for high-ranking government officials and their spouses and various special operations.

UTK was initially trained by the British Army's 22nd Special Air Service (SAS) in urban combat. The SAS influence remains evident in UTK's insignia and early operations, although the unit has expanded its scope to combat various forms of terrorism.

Entry into UTK requires RMP personnel to successfully complete the demanding Malaysian Special Forces Selection, demonstrating physical and mental resilience. However, unlike other Malaysian special forces, the UTK is not classified as a commando unit, as its training and operations are exclusively tailored for urban environments. It is also the only Malaysian special forces unit open to women. Members of the UTK are easily identifiable by their maroon berets, which have a distinctive blue-wine hue. The unit's operations and responsibilities make it comparable to a combination of the German Federal Police GSG 9, the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team (HRT), and the U.S. Secret Service.

69 Commando

The 69 Commando, also known as Very Able Troops 69 (VAT 69), was established in 1969 as an elite counter-insurgency force for the RMP's paramilitary unit, the Police Field Force (now General Operations Force, GOF). It was modelled after the Special Air Service (SAS), with initial training provided by the British SAS at Fort Kemar, Perak. Subsequent batches were trained by the New Zealand SAS.

Initially known as Jungle Squad 69, VAT 69 was instrumental during the Second Malayan Emergency in counter-insurgency operations. Post-1990, its role expanded to include urban counterterrorism. In 1997, both UTK and VAT 69 were consolidated under the Pasukan Gerakan Khas (Police Special Forces Command), with urban counterterrorism responsibilities divided geographically.

Entry into VAT 69 requires RMP personnel to successfully complete the demanding Malaysian Special Forces Selection. VAT 69 members are identified by their sand-coloured berets, akin to the British and New Zealand SAS. Today, the unit’s expertise includes jungle warfare, counterterrorism, and small-unit tactics, and it remains an integral part of Malaysia’s counterterrorism capabilities.

VAT 69 is designated as Detachment B of the RMP SFC and is comparable to units such as the Indian Police COBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) and the Colombian National Police Comandos Jungla.

General Operations Force

The General Operations Force (GOF), known as Pasukan Gerakan Am in Malay, is the command responsible for all infantry and armoured vehicle paramilitary units under the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP). Established on 1 August 1948, it was initially named the Pasukan Polis Hutan (Jungle Police Force), and its units were often referred to as "Jungle Squads."

Over the decades, the GOF has evolved into a versatile paramilitary force comprising:

5 infantry brigades, which include 20 infantry battalions
6 armoured vehicle squadrons for mechanised operations

Historically, the elite 69 Commando (VAT 69) was part of the GOF but was later reorganised under the Special Operations Forces Command to specialise in counterterrorism and special missions.

Currently, the GOF has two distinct elite units recognised for their specialised roles:

Tiger Platoons

The Tiger Platoons are elite police tactical and reconnaissance units within the Royal Malaysia Police's (RMP) General Operations Force (GOF). These units are designated as special operations forces under the GOF's command. After the 69 Commando was reassigned from the GOF to the RMP Special Forces Command (SFC), GOF leadership recognised the need for a replacement unit with similar capabilities. As a result, each of the five GOF brigades was tasked with forming a special operations squad, leading to the establishment of five Tiger Platoons across Malaysia. Existing GOF units within each brigade were re-trained to assume these roles.^[83]^[84]

The Tiger Platoons operate directly under the command of their respective GOF Brigade Commanders. Their responsibilities include counter-insurgency, counterterrorism, search and rescue (SAR), and providing support for police SFC operations. In training and technical matters, Tiger Platoons are supported by operators from the Special Actions Unit (UTK) and 69 Commandos.^[83]^[85]

Since 2019, the RMP has expanded the Tiger Platoons, with each GOF infantry battalions now having its own Tiger Platoon. Tiger Platoons are the primary police tactical units for the Sabah and Sarawak police contingents due to their geographical distance from the UTK and VAT 69 headquarters. These units are comparable to the U.S. State Police SWAT teams and Germany's State Police SEK units.^[83]^[86]

Senoi Praaq

The Senoi Praaq, meaning "War People" in the Semai language, is an elite specialised manhunt unit under the command of the General Operations Force (GOF). There are currently two battalions of Senoi Praaq:

3rd Battalion GOF
18th Battalion GOF

Both battalions fall under the GOF Northern Brigade. The Malay spelling of the unit's name is Senoi Praak, and it exclusively recruits its members from the Orang Asli, Malaysia's indigenous peoples.

While their duties are similar to conventional GOF battalions, the Senoi Praaq are jungle warfare specialists and are uniquely equipped for manhunt operations in dense forests, Search and Rescue (SAR) missions in jungle environments, and assisting government agencies across Malaysia with jungle-related tasks.

The Senoi Praaq, established in 1956 during the Malayan Emergency, was absorbed into the General Operations Force (GOF) in 1968. Initially formed as a commando auxiliary unit under the guidance of the Malayan Scouts, the precursor to the British Army's 22nd SAS, the Senoi Praaq assisted in counter-insurgency operations alongside the SAS and other units. After the emergency, the unit transitioned to a specialised paramilitary role under the Department of Aboriginal Affairs (now the Department of Orang Asli Development). Despite this shift, the Senoi Praaq retained its elite status as Special Trackers, excelling in jungle warfare and survival skills.

Though no longer affiliated with the SAS, the Senoi Praaq retains its maroon beret, which was originally bestowed by the Malayan Scouts upon completing commando training. This tradition honours their historical connection to the SAS, which initially used maroon berets before adopting the now-iconic sand-coloured beret.

Marine Operations Force

The Marine Operations Force (MOF), known as Pasukan Gerakan Marin in Malay, commands all water police paramilitary under the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP). It is one of Malaysia's militarised naval defence forces, alongside the Royal Malaysian Navy and the Malaysia Coast Guard. The MOF's law enforcement jurisdiction primarily covers littoral and riverine environments, including ports, harbours, rivers, and coastal areas.

Currently, the only publicly known elite unit under the MOF is as follows:

Marine Assault Team

The Marine Assault Team, commonly known as UNGERIN (an abbreviation of its Malay name, Unit Gempur Marin), is an elite special operations tactical unit of the Royal Malaysia Police's (RMP) Marine Operations Force (MOF). UNGERIN is not under the Pasukan Gerakan Khas (Police Special Forces Command) and UNGERIN is not classified as a special forces unit. Established in 2006, UNGERIN specialises in combat diving and is trained for special operations in littoral and riverine environments. Its roles include coastal reconnaissance, the recovery and protection of fishing vessels and coastal villages, maritime counterterrorism, and supporting the Navy, Coast Guard, and Customs in maritime operations. The unit is also tasked with patrolling ports, lakes, dams, and islands alongside regular MOF officers.

At its inception, 30 frogmen from the 69 Commando Boat Team were transferred to the MOF to form the RMP Combat Divers Unit. In 2008, the unit was renamed UNGERIN. Today, membership is exclusively recruited from the MOF, with candidates trained by instructors from the 69 Commando Boat Team. Operators also undergo specialised training with U.S. Navy SEALs and the U.S. Coast Guard.

UNGERIN members wear light blue berets, similar to regular MOF officers, but are distinguished by their combat diver skill badges. The unit's capabilities are comparable to those of the NYPD Scuba Team.

Special Branch

The Special Branch, a division of the Royal Malaysian Police (RMP), serves as Malaysia's domestic intelligence agency. Operating from its headquarters at Bukit Aman, it focuses on gathering and analysing intelligence to ensure national security and stability.

Counter-Terrorism Division (E8)

The Counter-Terrorism Division (E8) is a special operations intelligence division under the Royal Malaysian Police's (RMP) Special Branch, responsible for gathering intelligence and preventing terrorism within Malaysia. E8 works closely with international intelligence agencies to combat cross-border terrorism. One of its most notable achievements was the capture of remnants of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) terrorists who attempted to carry out attacks in Malaysia after entering from Sri Lanka.^[87]^[88]^[89]

Originally known as Unit Anti-Keganasan under the Special Branch, the division was upgraded to its current status as a full division in 2017. While some E8 operatives conduct covert field operations, others focus on monitoring and preventing terrorism in cyberspace. The E8 is comparable to the FBI Counterterrorism Division and Indonesian National Police's Detachment 88.^[87]

Crime Investigation Departments

The Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) operates three distinct Crime Investigation Departments (CID), or Jabatan Siasatan Jenayah (JSJ) in Malay. These departments are the pillars of traditional policing, responsible for law enforcement and criminal investigations in Malaysia.^[90] The three main CIDs are:

Crime Investigation Department
- The largest and most comprehensive of the three, this department handles a wide range of serious crimes and investigations across Malaysia.
Narcotics Crime Investigation Department
- Specialises in combating drug-related crimes, including trafficking, production, and abuse.
Commercial Crime Investigation Department
- Focuses on financial and commercial crimes, such as fraud, money laundering, and embezzlement.

Each CID operates its own elite tactical unit that provides specialised support for operations specific to its department's focus.

Special Firearms Operations Units

The Special Firearms Operations Units (SFO), or Unit Operasi Bersenjata Khas in Malay, are specialised teams of armed policemen trained to provide SWAT-level and tactical firearm support to all three CIDs. These units are tasked with handling high-risk operations for the CIDs, such as raids, armed interventions, and apprehending dangerous criminals. SFO teams consist of regular police officers and detectives who undergo additional training in tactical firearms, including Close Quarters Battle (CQB) and small-unit raid techniques.^[91]^[92]^[93]

The SFO was established as the successor to the disbanded special operations units of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which included the Special Task Force on Organised Crime (STAFOC), the Special Tactical Intelligence Narcotics Group (STING), and the Special Task Force for Anti-Vice, Gaming, and Gangsterism (STAGG). These units were dissolved in 2018, and SFO now carries forward their missions with enhanced operational security and capabilities.^[94]

SFO was created primarily to minimise the risk of information leaks during sensitive operations. Previously, when CID divisions required additional firepower from units like 69 Commando, they had to submit formal requests to the Special Operations Forces Command, increasing the likelihood of intelligence exposure due to the involvement of multiple divisions. By operating directly within the CID structure, SFO streamlines this process, ensuring that sensitive operations remain discreet and secure.^[93]

SFO of the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) are equivalent to the Specialist Firearms Command (SCO19) of the Metropolitan Police Service in the United Kingdom.

Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia

The Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (FRDM) is Malaysia's federal fire and rescue agency, tasked with fire safety enforcement, emergency response, and disaster management. It also functions as a law enforcement body, overseeing fire safety regulations for buildings and residences. Within the department, elite special rescue units collectively known as FRDM Special Forces (Pasukan Khas JBPM) are specialised in various rescue operations, hazardous material handling, and disaster response.^[95]

FRDM Special Forces

FRDM Special Forces are made up of multiple special rescue units. Members of these units can be identified by their distinctive unit patches worn on the right shoulder, with some patches featuring a tactical knife logo for those trained in jungle survival. Certain units also have unique uniforms. Below are the key units under FRDM Special Forces:^[95]

Water Rescue Unit

The Water Rescue Unit (WRU), or Pasukan Penyelamat Di Air (PPDA) in Malay, is a specialised team within FRDM, trained in scuba diving and small boat navigation. The unit focuses on underwater search and recovery as well as surface water rescue operations. Established in 1987, the WRU holds the distinction of being FRDM's first special rescue unit.^[95]

Initially, the WRU operated as two separate entities: the FRDM Scuba Unit (Unit Scuba Bomba) and the FRDM Special Boat Helmsman (Jurumudi Khas Bomba). These teams were consolidated into a single unit in 2006, enhancing operational efficiency and broadening their capabilities.^[95]

Today, WRU firefighters are deployed at major fire stations nationwide. In addition to supporting FRDM water-related rescue and recovery operations, they often assist other government agencies, such as the Royal Malaysia Police, in missions involving the retrieval of bodies, vehicles, and debris from lakes, rivers, and seas.^[95]

The WRU is comparable to international counterparts like the New York City Fire Department's (FDNY) Marine Division and Tokyo Fire Department's Marine Rescue Team, showcasing its excellence in water rescue and recovery missions.

Hazardous Materials Unit

Established on 29 October 1992, the HAZMAT Unit specialises in managing hazardous chemical spills, decontaminating personnel, handling radioactive materials, extinguishing fires caused by hazardous substances, and responding to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNe) incidents. It is the only FRDM unit capable of assisting the Malaysian Armed Forces in CBRNe-related operations during wartime or armed conflicts.^[95]

The unit's origins trace back to 12 firefighters trained in hazardous materials management at the Fire Services College in Moreton-in-Marsh, United Kingdom. Today, HAZMAT firefighters are stationed at major fire stations across Malaysia.^[95]

Special Air Unit

Established on 11 September 1998, the Special Air Unit consists of FRDM personnel involved in helicopter operations, including pilots, paramedics, aircrews, winch operators, and rescue swimmers. This elite unit only recruits members from other FRDM Special Forces. The unit is currently stationed at three FRDM air bases.^[95]

Canine Unit

The Canine Unit (K9), or Unit Pengesan Bomba (lit. 'FRDM Detection Unit') in Malay, specialises in detecting missing persons, locating items, and assisting in fire forensics. The unit combines trained search-and-rescue dogs with advanced detection technologies like sensors and cameras. Despite this integration, the English name "Canine Unit" was retained to honour the contributions of its search-and-rescue dogs.^[95]

Established on 26 April 2002, the K9 Unit is among the toughest in FRDM. Its members and their dogs are trained to operate in challenging environments, including caves, jungles, and swamps, under various weather conditions. The unit often collaborates with STORM in SAR operations.^[95]

Rapid Intervention Motorcycle Team

The Rapid Intervention Motorcycle Team (RIM) equips firefighters with sports bikes to navigate traffic congestion in urban areas and on highways. Essential firefighting and rescue tools are distributed across three bikes and reassembled at the scene.^[95]

Established on 29 November 2004, RIM was the first unit of its kind in the world. FRDM won the Innovation category at the 2000 International Innovations South Africa event for its groundbreaking concept. Today, RIM firefighters are stationed in urban centres for swift response to smaller-scale incidents.^[95]

Emergency Medical Rescue Services Team

The Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) team consists of firefighters trained as paramedics, specialising in treating injuries caused by hazardous materials, burns, and traffic accidents. Unlike their counterparts in other countries, EMRS paramedics are considered part of FRDM Special Forces due to their specialised training.^[95]

Established in 2006, EMRS ambulances accompany fire engines during operations, prioritising injured or fallen firefighters while also treating civilians when necessary.^[95]

Smoke Jumper Team

The Smoke Jumper Team is a specialised unit of airborne firefighters (smokejumpers) trained in insertion via parachute to combat fires in hard-to-reach locations quickly and effectively. Comprising nearly 500 smokejumpers, team members are distributed across major fire stations throughout Malaysia. Additionally, a smaller contingent of smokejumpers is permanently stationed at three FRDM airbases to ensure rapid deployment when needed.^[96]^[97]

The concept of the Smoke Jumper Team began on 2 October 2000, when five firefighters from the FRDM's Multi-Skill Team (MUST) were sent to the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Kuala Lumpur Air Base for static line parachute training with the RMAF Special Air Service (renamed RMAF Special Forces (PASKAU) in 2002). Between September 2001 and May 2002, an additional 22 MUST firefighters underwent the same training.^[96]^[97]

The success demonstrated by these pioneer smokejumpers led to the formal establishment of the Smoke Jumper Team in 2007. Since then, the team has become an integral part of FRDM's capability to address emergencies in remote and inaccessible areas swiftly.^[96]^[97]^[98] The Smoke Jumper Team of the FRDM is equivalent to the Bureau of Land Management's Smokejumpers.

Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Team of Malaysia

The Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Team of Malaysia (Backronym for STORM) is FRDM's premier special operations unit. Established in March 2011, it handles a variety of search-and-rescue (SAR) operations, including urban (USAR), cave, jungle, mountain, and high-rise building rescues. Additionally, STORM is responsible for jungle and shipboard firefighting, as well as aircraft rescue and firefighting. The team frequently collaborates with the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART), Malaysia's elite federal heavy USAR unit.^[95]^[99]

Dubbed as the Komando Bomba (Firefighter's Commando), STORM firefighters are renowned for their physical and mental resilience. Initially, membership was limited to experienced firefighters from other FRDM Special Forces units, trained by SMART at its headquarters. Today, new recruits with exceptional potential are also considered.^[99]

In November 2024, the Multi-Skill Team (MUST) was merged into STORM, expanding its responsibilities to include high-rise and maritime firefighting, helicopter marshalling, and helicopter deployment capabilities.^[100] Comparable to the Tokyo Fire Department's Special Rescue Team and Mountain Rescue Team, STORM exemplifies elite firefighting and rescue proficiency.

Auxiliary Fire Brigade

The Auxiliary Fire Brigade (Pasukan Bomba Bantuan — PBB) serves as the reserve component of FRDM. It comprises part-time or retained firefighters who provide critical support during emergencies. Members of this brigade undergo similar firefighter training as full-time personnel at the Fire and Rescue Academy of Malaysia (FRAM), although firefighting is not their primary occupation. The Auxiliary Fire Brigade also maintains several elite SAR units, though their operations are generally limited to specific local jurisdictions. Below are the elite units under this brigade:^[95]

Mountain Search and Rescue Team

The Mountain Search and Rescue Team (MoSAR), or Pasukan Bantuan Mencari dan Menyelamat Gunung in Malay, is an elite unit specialising in SAR operations on mountains in Sabah. Established on 23 June 2015, MoSAR recruits individuals with mountaineering experience. Selected members undergo firefighter training at FRAM and are officially commissioned as auxiliary (reserve) firefighters. This team is considered on par with other FRDM Special Forces.^[101]^[102]

The team initially formed its core group with 20 auxiliary firefighters, all of whom were full-time mountain guides on Mount Kinabalu. Since then, MoSAR has earned international recognition for its proficiency in conducting complex mountain rescue operations in Sabah's rugged landscapes. As of 2022, the team has grown to include 42 auxiliary firefighters. Their headquarters, located on the slopes of Mount Kinabalu at an elevation of 3,382 meters above sea level, holds the distinction of being the highest FRDM fire station in Malaysia.^[102]^[103]

Mointain and Cave Search and Rescue Team

The Mountain and Cave Search and Rescue Team (MOCSAR), or Pasukan Mencari dan Menyelamat di Gunung dan Gua in Malay, is another elite unit under the Auxiliary Fire Brigade. Its area of operation is primarily limited to national forest reserves in Sarawak. Established on 12 July 2020, MOCSAR's creation was spurred by a tragic incident at a cave in Mulu National Park, where a flash flood claimed the lives of a Dutch tourist and his local guide in July 2020.^[104]

The idea for such a unit had been proposed as early as 2017, following SAR training provided to Mulu National Park Rangers by FRDM's STORM unit, but it was not finalised until after the incident. MOCSAR recruits members from local communities near national forest reserves. As of 2024, the unit consists of 21 trained auxiliary firefighters.^[105]

Other federal government agencies' elite forces

Malaysian Prison Department

The Malaysian Prison Department is a federal law enforcement agency under the Ministry of Home Affairs, tasked with overseeing all prisons in Malaysia, along with the majority of detention centres and drug rehabilitation facilities. Before Malaya's independence in 1957, the department operated under the federal police. Following independence, it became a separate government entity. In addition to its administrative and correctional roles, the department operates its own elite units, detailed below:

Swift Actions Troop

The Swift Actions Troop, commonly referred to by its Malay acronym TTC (Trup Tindakan Cepat), serves as the elite tactical unit unit of the Prison Department. Established on 3 October 2005, TTC specialises in close-quarters combat (CQC) and counterterrorism, receiving training at Malaysia's premier special operations centres such as the Special Warfare Training Centre (PULPAK) in Malacca and the 69 Commando Training Centre in Ulu Kinta.^[106]

TTC's primary responsibilities include:^[106]

Transporting high-risk inmates
Extracting uncooperative prisoners from their cells
Conducting full cell searches
Managing barricaded suspects, riots, and hostage situations
Overseeing high-profile inmate security and transport
Assisting the Control and Prevention Unit (UKP) in crowd control and mass arrests

TTC officers are recognised by their distinctive scarlet red berets and are considered equivalent to units like Russia's Federal Penitentiary Service OSN Saturn and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons Special Operations Response Team.

Control and Prevention Unit

The Control and Prevention Unit, known in Malay as Unit Kawalan dan Pencegahan (UKP), is the paramilitary arm of the Prison Department, tasked with maintaining order and security within prison facilities.^[107]

The UKP's duties include:^[107]

Patrolling prison premises
Preventing the smuggling of contraband into prisons
Controlling riots and ensuring order among inmates
Inspecting newly arrived prisoners
Managing internal gate controls within prison facilities

UKP recruits from the ranks of prison officers, favouring individuals with larger, more robust builds due to the physical demands of the role, including the need to overpower inmates during inspections. Members of this unit are identified by their maroon berets and their black-and-white camouflage combat uniforms.^[107]

This unit functions much like an infantry unit, adapted to the unique challenges of correctional environments.

Immigration Department of Malaysia

The Immigration Department of Malaysia (IDM) is a federal law enforcement agency under the Ministry of Home Affairs, tasked with overseeing the movement of individuals at authorised entry and exit points. It enforces regulations under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Passport Act 1966. To safeguard the nation's borders and respond to high-risk scenarios, the IDM has established a specialised rapid tactical unit:

Special Tactical Team

The Special Tactical Team of the Immigration Department, or Pasukan Taktikal Khas Jabatan Imigresen (PASTAK) in Malay, serves as the elite tactical unit of the IDM. PASTAK officers are strategically stationed at national entry points, including airports, seaports, and land border crossings, ensuring rapid deployment to handle emergencies requiring tactical firearm expertise.^[108]^[109]

PASTAK was officially formed on 13 February 2018, building on the success of Negeri Sembilan’s branch-level tactical unit, the Grup Taktikal Khas (GTK), established in January 2014. Impressed by GTK's effectiveness in managing border security threats, the IDM expanded the concept nationwide through the creation of PASTAK.^[108]^[109]

PASTAK is entrusted with handling high-profile and sensitive cases, including:^[108]^[109]

Preventing the entry of terrorists into Malaysia
Conducting raids on international individuals linked to dangerous organisations with expired visas
Assisting the Royal Malaysia Police and Royal Malaysian Customs Department in joint operations and tactical missions

The inaugural group of 40 PASTAK recruits underwent rigorous training, including counterterrorism training at the General Operations Force Training Centre and advanced training provided by the Royal Intelligence Corps' 91st Intelligence Operations Group. Successful graduates earned the distinctive dark brown berets, marking their elite status within the Immigration Department.

PASTAK is equivalent to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Special Response Teams, highlighting its role as a tactical enforcement and border security unit at the forefront of Malaysia's immigration operations.

Royal Malaysian Customs Department

The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD), known in Malay as Jabatan Kastam Diraja Malaysia, is a federal law enforcement agency under the Ministry of Finance. RMCD is tasked with enforcing over 35 Malaysian laws and acts, and their roles include:

Administering and managing the movement of goods through authorised entry and exit points
Collecting national revenue through taxes and customs duties
Acting as a law enforcement entity for the Ministry of Finance

While the RMCD shares certain similarities with the Immigration Department of Malaysia, it focuses primarily on managing goods rather than people. It is the only armed government agency operating under the Ministry of Finance.

Customs Operational Battle Force Response Assault

The Customs Operational Battle Force Response Assault (COBRA), or Pasukan Tempur Operasi Medan Kastam in Malay, is the elite tactical unit of the RMCD. Formed on 28 November 2016, COBRA is a specialised team tasked with:

Providing armed protection for customs enforcement teams during raids
Safeguarding personnel from the RMCD and other Ministry of Finance agencies against various threats
Neutralising security threats within areas under RMCD jurisdiction

COBRA officers undergo rigorous counterterrorism and tactical training at the 69 Commando Training Centre in Ulu Kinta. After completing their training, officers are awarded the indigo beret, signifying their advanced skills and elite status. COBRA is equivalent to German Customs Service's Zentrale Unterstützungsgruppe Zoll and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Special Response Teams, reflecting its crucial role in countering high-risk scenarios related to customs operations.

Civil Defence Force of Malaysia

The Civil Defence Force of Malaysia (MCDF) is a uniformed volunteer service under the Prime Minister's Department, tasked with civil defence operations and emergency response. MCDF responds to a wide range of emergencies and frequently collaborates with the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (FRDM) and the Ministry of Health to ensure efficient disaster management. Among its specialised units is an elite team with Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) capabilities.

Special Disaster and Emergency Response Team

The Special Disaster and Emergency Response Team, or Pasukan Khas APM in Malay, is commonly known by its acronym, SPIDER Team. It serves as the elite Special Rescue Unit of the Civil Defence Force. Originally established on 15 August 2008 as Pasukan Khas Pertahanan Awam (PASPA) (Civil Defence Special Forces), the unit adopted its current name on 1 August 2017.^[110]^[111]

The SPIDER Team specialises in USAR but is also proficient in jungle SAR operations. The team often collaborates with the Fire and Rescue Department's STORM unit and the National Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART), forming ad hoc joint SAR teams for large-scale operations.^[110]

Selection for SPIDER is highly rigorous, with a six-month training course conducted by SMART instructors at SMART headquarters in Puchong. SPIDER USAR technicians are distinguished by their cerulean blue berets, signifying their elite status within the Civil Defence Force.^[110]

National Anti-Drug Agency

The National Anti-Drug Agency, or Agensi Antidadah Kebangsaan in Malay (AADK), is a federal law enforcement agency under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Tasked with addressing drug-related issues, the AADK focuses on prevention, education, rehabilitation, intelligence, and information exchange with international counterparts. While AADK often collaborates with other law enforcement agencies, it is fully capable of operating independently, akin to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

Special Tactical Response and Investigation Key Enforcers

The Special Tactical Response and Investigation Key Enforcers (STRIKE) is an elite firearms unit within the AADK. Established on 18 October 2016, STRIKE is tasked with executing high-risk raids, investigations, and arrests targeting drug-related offences, particularly those involving major trafficking networks and high-value targets. Their primary mission is to dismantle drug syndicates and curb the spread of illegal substances throughout Malaysia.^[112]

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is a federal law enforcement agency under the Prime Minister's Department, tasked with enforcing Section 7 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 (Seksyen 7 Akta Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia 2009). Its mandate includes investigating and prosecuting corruption in both the public and private sectors. Due to its involvement in high-profile cases, the safety of MACC officers has become a priority, leading to the establishment of an elite tactical unit.^[113]

Anti-Corruption Tactical Squad

The Anti-Corruption Tactical Squad (ACTS) is the elite tactical unit of the MACC, trained to handle high-risk scenarios and provide enhanced security for MACC officers during sensitive operations. Specialising in close-quarters combat (CQC) and tactical operations, ACTS operatives receive intensive training from the 69 Commando at its training centre in Ulu Kinta, ensuring their preparedness for any situation.^[114]

Established on 28 February 2024, ACTS is one of Malaysia's newest elite special operations units. The inaugural batch of ACTS operatives completed their rigorous selection and training program and were formally inducted during a ceremony led by Tan Sri Azam Baki, Chief Commissioner of the MACC. During the ceremony, operatives were awarded their blue sapphire berets, combat knives, and ACTS badges to signify their readiness and dedication to their mission.^[115]

Johor Military Force

The Johor Military Force (JMF), or Askar Timbalan Setia Negeri Johor in Malay, is a state-controlled military unit serving the Malaysian state of Johor. Its primary responsibilities include ceremonial duties, such as guarding royal buildings, the royal yacht, and military camps owned by the Johor royal family. Additionally, JMF performs honour guard services for visiting local and international dignitaries.^[116]

During peacetime, the JMF operates exclusively within Johor. However, in times of national emergencies or armed conflict, it may be integrated into the Malaysian Army as an infantry unit. Although a private military force under the Johor royal family, its personnel are government-paid civil servants, making it unique among Malaysia's law enforcement and military structures.^[116]

In 2008, the JMF underwent significant modernisation, expanding its scope to include special bodyguard duties. This led to the establishment of an elite tactical unit within the force.

JMF Elite Unit

The JMF Elite Unit is the special forces division of JMF. Originally established on 7 July 2008 as the JMF Elite Forces, the unit was conceptualised by Tunku Ismail Idris, drawing inspiration from the Swiss Guard of Vatican City. Its primary mission is to provide close protection to His Majesty the Sultan of Johor and members of the Johor royal family. In 2023, the unit's name was officially changed to the JMF Elite Unit to align with the naming conventions of other units within the JMF.^[117]

The unit is also trained in special operations skills and can be attached to the 21st Special Service Group (21 SSG), the Malaysian Army's special forces command, during emergencies or armed conflicts. Such deployment requires approval from the Sultan of Johor, who is also the patron of the 21st SSG and Gerak Khas.^[117]

Recruitment into the JMF Elite Unit is limited to personnel already serving in JMF. Aspiring members must successfully complete the rigorous Malaysian Special Forces Selection, ensuring only the most capable individuals join the unit.^[117]

In January 2024, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar of Johor assumed the role of Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King of Malaysia). Consequently, members of the JMF Elite Unit were deployed to Kuala Lumpur to ensure the protection of His Majesty during his tenure.

Inactive units

F-Team

The E3F squad, codenamed the F-Team, was a clandestine intelligence unit within the Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) Special Branch (SB). Established in 1971 by Superintendent Leong Chee Woh (later Datuk Leong Chee Woh), its mission was to gather human intelligence (HUMINT) on the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) for the SB and the RMP. Most F-Team agents were recruited from the RMP Jungle Squad (now the General Operations Force), with some coming from surrendered CPM members. Occasionally, the F-Team collaborated with the Malaysian Army's Gerak Khas commandos.^[118]^[119]^[120]

The F-Team was dissolved in 1995, and its existence remained a closely guarded secret for over 45 years. It was publicly acknowledged only in 2016. The unit's agents were considered on par with secret operatives of other international intelligence agencies, such as Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB).^[118]^[121]

Unit Tindakan Cepat

The Unit Tindakan Cepat (Quick Actions Unit), commonly known as UTC, served as the SWAT team for the RMP Criminal Investigation Department (CID) D9 Branch. Established in 1970 to combat threats posed by Chinese triads, its focus expanded in the 1980s to tackle Malay and Indian organised crime syndicates.^[122]

UTC teams were deployed across state police contingents to support high-risk operations. The unit was disbanded in 1995, its legacy absorbed into broader CID efforts.^[123]^[124]^[122]

Pasukan Tindakan Khas

The Pasukan Tindakan Khas (PTK) (Special Actions Team) was the SWAT unit of Malaysia's Road Transport Department (Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan—JPJ). Founded on 10 April 2016, it targeted crimes such as luxury car theft, smuggling, and VIN cloning, often working undercover with the RMP CID D7 Branch. It also handled high-speed chases on highways.^[125]^[126]^[127]^[128]

PTK members underwent rigorous counterterrorism training at the General Operations Force Training Centre in Ulu Kinta. The unit's operations were suspended in July 2017 following misconduct by its members. Despite plans for its reinstatement, PTK remains inactive.^[129]

Special Task Force on Organised Crime (STAFOC)

The Special Task Force on Organised Crime (STAFOC) (Malay: Pasukan Tugas Khas Melawan Jenayah Terancang) was a police tactical unit established in 2014 to strengthen the Royal Malaysia Police Criminal Investigation Department's (CID) operational independence and prevent information leaks to organised crime syndicates. STAFOC achieved notable success in dismantling criminal networks but was disbanded in June 2018 following a change in Malaysia's government.

Special Tactics and Intelligence Narcotics Group (STING)

The Special Tactics and Intelligence Narcotics Group (STING) (Malay: Pasukan Khas Taktikal dan Perisikan Narkotik) was a special operations police tactical unit under the Royal Malaysia Police's Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division (NCID). Established in January 2014 with a mission similar to STAFOC, it worked closely with the NCID until its disbandment in June 2018.

Special Task Force for Anti-Vice, Gambling, and Gangsterism (STAGG)

The Special Task Force for Anti-Vice, Gambling, and Gangsterism (STAGG) (Malay: Pasukan Khas Anti Maksiat, Perjudian dan Gengsterisme) was a special operations police tactical unit under the Royal Malaysia Police's CID D7 Branch, focusing on illegal gambling, vice, and secret societies. It was established in December 2014 for the same purpose as STAFOC but catered specifically to the CID's D7 Branch. The unit was disbanded in June 2018.

National Special Operations Forces

The National Special Operations Forces (NSOF) was a joint counterterrorism special operations task force established in October 2016 to address ISIS and other terror threats across Southeast Asia. Recognised as Malaysia's most elite unit, NSOF recruited its members from top national counterterrorism units, including the Uniform Squadron of the 11th Special Service Regiment, Team 48 of the Naval Special Forces, the Flight Hostage Rescue Team (FHRT) of the RMAF Special Forces, the Counter-Terrorist Team (CTT) of the 69 Commando, and the counterterrorism equivalents from the Special Tasks and Rescue and the Special Actions Unit.^[43]

The task force was created in response to the ISIS-related threats emerging in neighbouring countries such as Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia. To prevent these threats from crossing into Malaysia, a small but highly capable special forces team was established, focusing on counterterrorism operations with intelligence support. Based at Fort Perdana in Kuala Lumpur, NSOF operated under the direct oversight of the Malaysian government's top executive. Its commander reported to the Jawatankuasa Perancang Gerakan Kebangsaan (JPGK, or National Movement Planning Committee), which consisted of the Chief of Defence Forces and the Inspector-General of Police, both of whom reported directly to the Prime Minister.^[43]^[47]^[130]

Following a change in government, NSOF was disbanded in October 2018. To fill the void, the Malaysian Armed Forces established the Defence Special Operations Division as its successor. NSOF was often compared to elite units like Russia's FSB Alpha Group and the United States Delta Force.^[43]^[47]

RMAF Close Escort Team

On 1 June 1993, Royal Malaysian Air Force Ground and Air Defence Force (HANDAU) was restructured and renamed the RMAF Provost, becoming the military police arm of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF). The RMAF Provost included the Close Escort Team (CET), was a specialised unit tasked with protecting high-ranking personnel, VIPs, and aircraft when necessary.^[131]^[132]

CET required candidates to undergo a three-week RMAF Close Escort Course, which covered law and ethics, threat analysis, first aid, protocol, firearms handling, and tactical driving. Successful completion earned airmen the red beret and a cap badge backing of RMAF Regiment, reflecting their elite status.^[131]^[132]

Around 2020, the CET was dissolved as part of a structural overhaul of the RMAF Provost. Half of the Provost's personnel were reassigned to the newly formed RMAF Ground Defence Force, while the remaining personnel were retrained in CET skills. This change meant that the close protection tasks previously handled by the CET were no longer the responsibility of a specialised team; instead, all trained personnel in the restructured Provost could perform similar duties. This change integrated CET's capabilities across the Provost.^[131]^[132]

Multi-Skill Team

The Multi-Skill Team (MUST) was an elite special rescue unit within the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (FRDM), renowned for its expertise in rapid deployment and helicopter operations. The team specialised in firefighting and rescue missions in challenging environments, including high-rise buildings, jungles, and offshore locations.^[95]

MUST was established on 11 September 1998, coinciding with the opening of the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur. The unit was initially composed of 21 highly skilled firefighters and created to provide additional support to the FRDM Air Division. Its presence aimed to enhance the safety and peace of mind of international athletes and officials housed in high-rise athlete villages during the games.^[95]

In November 2024, MUST was officially disbanded, and its members were absorbed into the Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Team of Malaysia (STORM). The former MUST personnel underwent retraining to adapt to STORM's broader operational scope. The decision to disband MUST stemmed from the redundancy of its roles, which overlapped significantly with those of the Special Air Unit and STORM. By consolidating these functions, FRDM aimed to streamline its resources and enhance overall efficiency.^[100]

Relationship between Elite Forces and Malaysian Royalty

Malaysia is a unique country with multiple monarchies, each playing a significant role in the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF). The monarchies are traditionally appointed as Colonels-in-Chief of various corps and regiments within the MAF. Some members go further by becoming patrons of elite military units, forging close bonds with these units and earning respect akin to being their "godfathers". A few royals have even joined elite forces themselves. Notable examples include:

Putra of Perlis – Tuanku Sir Syed Harun Putra (b. 1920, d. 2000), who reigned as Raja of Perlis from 1945 to 2000, served as the third Yang di-Pertuan Agong (r. 1960–1965). Appointed as the first Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Ranger Regiment (RRR) in 1960, he held the position until his death. A staunch supporter of the 8th Battalion (Parachute), RRR, under the 10th Parachute Brigade, Tuanku Putra's dedication to the regiment remains deeply respected.

Salahuddin of Selangor – Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah (b. 1926, d. 2001), the 11th Yang di-Pertuan Agong (r. 1999–2001), began his military career in the British Army, achieving the rank of Major in the Malay Regiment (now the Royal Malay Regiment). In 1966, he became the first Air Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) and, later in 1984, the third Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Malaysian Navy. A driving force behind the establishment of the Naval Special Forces (PASKAL), he became its first patron—a legacy continued by the Sultans of Selangor.

Ahmad Shah of Pahang – Sultan Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah (b. 1930, d. 2019), the 7th Yang di-Pertuan Agong (r. 1979–1984), was appointed Air Commodore-in-Chief of the RMAF in 1984. He became the patron of the RMAF Regiment and the RMAF Special Forces in 2008, reflecting his commitment to military excellence.

Iskandar of Johor – Sultan Iskandar (b. 1932, d. 2010), the 8th Yang di-Pertuan Agong (r. 1984–1989), was the second Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Malaysian Navy (1981–1984). In 1984, he became the first Colonel-in-Chief of the Gerak Khas Corps. To honour his unwavering support, the Sri Mersing Camp, home to the 21st Special Service Group (21 SSG), was renamed Sri Iskandar Camp.

Sharafuddin of Selangor – The current Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah (b. 1945), is an adventurous figure and a national record holder. Following his father's legacy, he became the patron of PASKAL in 2001, modernising the unit and earning honorary membership. He is also the only Malaysian royal awarded PASKAL's insignia.

Ibrahim Iskandar of Johor – Sultan Ibrahim (b. 1958), the current Yang di-Pertuan Agong, trained in the U.S. military and specialised in infantry, airborne, and ranger courses. Continuing his father's legacy, he became the Colonel Commandant of Gerak Khas and the patron of 21 SSG. His dedication to modernising Malaysia's elite forces is reflected in both his financial contributions and the involvement of his children in elite units.

Abdullah of Pahang – Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah (b. 1959), the current Sultan of Pahang and 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong (r. 2019–2024), assumed the role of Air Commodore-in-Chief of the RMAF upon ascending the throne in 2019. Continuing his father's legacy, he became the Colonel-in-Chief of the RMAF Regiment and the RMAF Special Forces.

Tunku Ismail Idris – The Crown Prince of Johor, Tunku Ismail Idris (b. 1984), followed his family's military legacy by training at the Indian Military Academy in 2006. In 2008, he founded the Johor Military Force (JMF) Elite Unit, volunteering for three months of special forces training with 21 SSG.

Tunku Abdul Jalil – The late Tunku Abdul Jalil (b. 1990, d. 2015), Sultan Ibrahim's fourth child, joined the Royal Malaysia Police and became a member of the Special Actions Unit (UTK) in 2013. He remains the only Malaysian royal from a main family to have served as a police officer. His legacy is honoured by his father, who wore the UTK's maroon beret during the 217th Police Day event.

Tengku Amir Shah – The Crown Prince of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah (b. 1990), followed in his grandfather's footsteps, training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. After returning to Malaysia in 2016, he passed the Basic Rapid Deployment Force Course and joined the 17th Battalion (Parachute), Royal Malay Regiment, and currently holds the rank of Captain.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Hassanal Jefri – The fifth child of Sultan Ibrahim, Tunku Abdul Rahman (b. 1993) trained with Gerak Khas in 2011, earning the green beret. He is now a full-time racing car driver and holds the rank of Colonel with the JMF.

Notes

^ The 91 IOG is a special forces unit specialised in intelligence-related missions and operations. In comparison, it is analogous to the United States Army Intelligence Support Activity (ISA).
^ The National Special Operations Force (NSOF) recruits its members from the elite ranks of special forces across various branches of Malaysia's defence and security organisations, including the Malaysian Army, the Royal Malaysian Navy, the Royal Malaysian Air Force, the Royal Malaysia Police, and the Malaysia Coast Guard.
^ The U.S. Coast Guard, though part of the United States Armed Forces, operates under a different federal department than the other military branches.
^ The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and the Malaysia Coast Guard (MCG) are both official names for the agency. Initially known as MMEA upon its establishment, the agency adopted MCG as an additional official name in 2017 to align with internationally recognised naming conventions.

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[91_IOG-8] The 91 IOG is a special forces unit specialised in intelligence-related missions and operations. In comparison, it is analogous to the United States Army Intelligence Support Activity (ISA).

[NSOF_recruit-46] The National Special Operations Force (NSOF) recruits its members from the elite ranks of special forces across various branches of Malaysia's defence and security organisations, including the Malaysian Army, the Royal Malaysian Navy, the Royal Malaysian Air Force, the Royal Malaysia Police, and the Malaysia Coast Guard.

[USCG_armed_forces-49] The U.S. Coast Guard, though part of the United States Armed Forces, operates under a different federal department than the other military branches.

[MMEA_MCG-75] The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and the Malaysia Coast Guard (MCG) are both official names for the agency. Initially known as MMEA upon its establishment, the agency adopted MCG as an additional official name in 2017 to align with internationally recognised naming conventions.

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[53] "10 Briged Para: 26 tahun Beret Merun lahir dari halilintar di Langkawi" [10th Parachute Brigade: 26 years of the Maroon Beret born from the thunder in Langkawi]. Air Times News Network. 10 October 2020. Retrieved 28 November 2024.

[54] Khazali, Fathi Kamil; Humjak, Azman; Bato, Nicholas Vienlis; Anzeli, Muhammad Razif; Jonep, Jarod (2018). Buku Profil Pasukan [Team's Profile Book] (in Malay). Batalion Kelapan Rejimen Renjer Diraja.

[55] Ismail, M Hanif (2017). By Sea, By Land: Establishing Malaysia's Own Marine Corps. Trans Horizons Media.

[:27-56] Jaapar, Mohamad Solleh (January 2005). "Platun Pandura - miliki kepakaran tersendiri" [Pathfinder Platoon - possesses its own unique expertise]. Berita Tentera Darat Malaysia (in Malay). Vol. 134. p. 31.

[57] "10 Bde (Para) Trial Improvements to Combat Water Jump SOP". MY Military Times. 13 August 2021. Retrieved 27 November 2024.

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[note 1]

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[33]

[34]

[35]

[36]

[37]

[38]

[39]

[40]

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[42]

[43]

[44]

[note 2]

[45]

[46]

[note 3]

[47]

[48]

[49]

[50]

[51]

[52]

[53]

[54]

[55]

[56]

[57]

[58]

[59]

[60]

[61]

[62]

[63]

[64]

[65]

[66]

[67]

[68]

[69]

[70]

[71]

[note 4]

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[73]

[74]

[75]

[76]

[77]

[78]

[79]

[80]

[81]

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