Specialising as a hybrid airborne-marine infantry unit since 2002, the 8th Ranger represents the pinnacle of tactical versatility and operational readiness within the Malaysian Army.

The unit was established on 1 March 1973, following a request from the Government of Sarawak to form a military element within the Malaysian Army composed exclusively of Sarawakians.

The division's strategic defence role required experimentation in planning, doctrine, training, and other areas to ensure the Malaysian Army maintained a combat advantage.

[2][4] On 1 January 1987, the transformation plan was approved, and the 8th Ranger was officially restructured into an experimental airborne infantry unit, adopting the new designation of 8th Battalion (Parachute).

Later that year, two additional battalions—the 9th and 17th Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment—were authorised to undergo similar transformations, marking the expansion of the Malaysian Army's airborne capabilities.

[2][4] The first group to complete the Airborne Course at the Special Warfare Training Centre in 1987 included one officer and nine other ranks personnel from conventional infantry units.

[note 1][2][5] Their names are: The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) aimed to unify all military units with airborne capabilities under a single command structure.

[note 2] On 10 October 1994, the Rapid Deployment Force and the 10th Parachute Brigade were officially introduced as components of the MAF by then Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA).

[2] A rise in kidnapping incidents by pirates and Abu Sayyaf terrorists along the eastern coast of Sabah prompted the Malaysian government to implement preventive measures.

As part of this initiative, Operation Pandanan/Sipadan (later abbreviated to Ops PASIR) was launched on 20 September 2000, focusing on securing the entire eastern Sabah coastline, from Kudat to Semporna.

In June 2002, the battalion underwent a week-long intensive amphibious warfare training program with the United States Marine Corps (USMC) in Pahang.

However, on 9 October 2020, the Chief of Army, General Zamrose Mohd Zain, announced an upgrade in the status of 10 PARA BDE to that of specialised light infantry.

[2][10][11] Rifle green beret with black hackle Maroon beret HRH Putra of Perlis' Bronze Cup Battalion's steel helmet Ceremonial weapon Commander's parachute wings On 2 October 1975, a section from the Platun Ngelaban of the 8th Ranger, led by Sergeant Gandat Merdan, was conducting a manhunt near Mount Penrissen, Sarawak, close to the Malaysia-Indonesia border.

For his bravery, Ranger Beliang Bali was promoted to lance corporal and later awarded the Pingat Gagah Berani (PGB) for his heroism during the Battle of Gopeng in 1977.

[2] In December 1977, during Operation Tanduk in Gopeng, Perak, Captain Patrick Wong Sing Nang led a squad of 10 men on a jungle patrol.

During the mission, Captain Patrick Wong’s team was ambushed, resulting in his chest injury and serious wounds to three others, leaving only Lance Corporal Beliang unscathed.

Captain Patrick Wong called for a medevac and, despite his injury, provided cover fire alongside Lance Corporal Beliang to protect the wounded until evacuation was complete.

[2] On 1 June 1979, the UCIS Platoon of the 8th Ranger, led by Second Lieutenant Govinda Raj Kanappan, and one company under Captain Othman launched a raid on an enemy camp in the Korbu Reserve Forest, Fort Legap, Perak.

The UCIS Platoon divided into two groups, with the reconnaissance team led by Sergeant Kanang Langkau and Corporal Micheal Riman scouting and marking the enemy sentry positions.

[2] In February 1980, Sergeant Kanang Langkau led a platoon from Charlie Company, 8th Ranger, on a manhunt mission in Tanah Hitam, Chemor, Perak.

Beliang anak Bali, PGB, (born 6 October 1953, Sri Aman, Sarawak) is a Malaysian hero celebrated for his role in the Battle of Gopeng (1977), during which he displayed exceptional courage as a member of the Ngelaban Platoon.

Despite being heavily outnumbered, Lance Corporal Beliang defended his wounded teammates, including his commanding officer, Captain Patrick Wong Sing Nang, until reinforcements arrived.

Dato' Awie bin Suboh, DPMJ, (born 1953, Sri Aman, Sarawak) is the first Sarawakian to rise to the rank of 3-star general in the Malaysian Armed Forces.