On 1 August 1970, the Ministry of Defense established the 17 RAMD as an infantry company in Kementah Camp, Kuala Lumpur as part of Operation Pembena.

The unit was upgraded to battalion size on 23 November 1970, and Lieutenant Colonel Adam Abu Bakar was appointed as the first Commander of 17 RAMD.

[1][2] In November 1982, 17 RAMD were assigned to the 7th Infantry Brigade and relocated to Kukusan Camp in Tawau to serve under the Army East Field Command.

[1][2] 17 RAMD were assigned to the MALBATT United Nations Transition Assistance Group peacekeeping mission in Namibia in the 1988, second involvement after a few years focus against communist insurgency.

[1][2] The Malaysian Army's top brass intends to combine all airborne units into a single combat force.