Elite Forces of Malaysia

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.

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.

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.

[32] 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).

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).

[44] 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.

This included providing firepower, delivering real-time human intelligence (HUMINT) to the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), rescuing compromised agents, and executing small-scale raids on communist insurgent camps.

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.

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).

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.

[75] 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.

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.

Entry into UTK requires RMP personnel to successfully complete the demanding Malaysian Special Forces Selection, demonstrating physical and mental resilience.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

[98] 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.

[98] 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.

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.

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.

[111][112] 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.

The Customs Operational Battle Force Response Assault (COBRA), or Pasukan Tempur Operasi Medan Kastam in Malay, is the elite tactical unit of the RMCD.

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.

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.

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.

[134][135] 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.

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.

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.

Two operatives from the Special Actions Unit (UTK) of the Pasukan Gerakan Khas , equipped with MP5-N submachine guns , participating in an urban warfare exercise.
Commandos from four different units during the 65th Merdeka Day: from left, a commando from PASKAL , a commando from 21 SSG , a commando from VAT 69 , and a commando from PASKAU .
Two mannequins dressed as Ceterias in traditional black Pendekar attire stand guard beside the Sultan of Malacca in the royal court display at the Malacca Cultural Museum.
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 .
C Squadron (Rhodesian) of the Malayan Scouts during the Malayan Emergency in 1953. SAS troopers used maroon berets during this period.
The elite commandos of the Malaysian Army's Gerak Khas , distinguished by their iconic green berets , were on standby to march during the 56th Merdeka Day Parade at Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur.
Paratroopers from the 10th Parachute Brigade preparing for a demonstration during the 56th Merdeka Day Parade.
Naval Special Forces commandos, identifiable by their magenta berets, prepare to march ahead of the 65th Merdeka Day parade.
RMAF Special Forces commandos, distinguished by their sky-blue berets, march during the 60th Merdeka Day parade.
Operators from Special Actions Unit and 69 Commando Battalion of Police SFC posing for group photo before the 60th Merdeka Day parade.
The Senoi Praaq policemen of the General Operations Force, distinguished by their maroon berets , participated in the 56th National Day of Malaysia parade, showcasing their esteemed role and heritage.
UNGERIN frogmen posing with theirs Commanding Officer, ASP Nassim, in the year 2009.