Malaysian Special Operations Force
Encyclopedia
Malaysian Special Operations Force is a multi service force tasked with a counter-terrorism
mission. It consists of the 10 Paratrooper Brigade, Grup Gerak Khas
(GGK), Pasukan Khas Laut (PASKAL
), Pasukan Khas Udara (PASKAU
), Pasukan Gerakan Khas
(PGK), Unit Gempur Marin
(UNGERIN), Trup Tindakan Cepat
(meaning: Rapid Actions Troops) and Special Task And Rescue
(STAR).
and the Pentagon
, and in a climate of global terrorism which would see the later bombing of the tourist centre of Bali and the J.W. Marriot Hotel in Jakarta
, bombings and murders in Southern Thailand and the bomb explosions in the railway stations and transit systems of Madrid
and London
. Malaysia's security agencies eagerly studied the lessons to be learnt from all such incidents so as to prepare to deal with similar terrorism, in the event that the terrorists agenda should see them target the Malaysian homeland. In November 2003 Malaysia passed new counter-terrorism laws that were widely criticised by local human rights groups for being vague and excessively broad. Critics claim that the laws put the basic rights of free expression, association, and assembly at risk. Malaysia persisted in holding around 100 alleged militants without trial, including five Malaysian students detained for alleged terrorist activity while studying in Karachi, Pakistan. Malaysia maintains a high level of security and to date no similar terrorist atrocities have occurred.
Previously the only incidents with possible links to Islamic terrorism have been the detonation of a small bomb in Kuala Lumpur's Puduraya bus station and more significantly the 2000 Sauk raid by Al-Ma'unah militants, an audacious raid to steal weapons from a military base to arm an Islamic insurrection. This attempted insurrection was swiftly defeated, the result of the close co-operation and relationship of the government, private agencies and society as a whole. A co-operation and relationship born from the initiatives that from 1948 to 1989 defeated the communist insurgents of the Malayan Emergency
and the later Communist Insurgency War
. The Malaysian peoples eager not to suffer for a third time in their history a repeat of the previous insurgencies and terrorism.
In assessing the tactics, strength, equipment, personnel and abilities as a whole of these Malaysian special forces, they are the equal in competence with the special forces teams of Indonesia
, Britain and the United States. In fact, since being raised Malaysian forces
have been involved with such teams on an international level, for example whilst being part of United Nations peace keeping missions.
. This was then merged by other infantry elements including 3 battalions, 1 artillery regiment, 1 armour squadron and 11 supporting units.
While primarily tasked with rapid deployment, it is also involved in the fight against terrorism but in a different manner. This is because the operational tasks for the 10th Para involves the convergence of conventional warfare tactics requiring a high number of personnel and equipment. This includes amphibian warfare and airborne operations, just to name a few. 10 Para is not considered as a special operations unit, but elite i.e., US Rangers. The paratrooper force consists of male and some female paratroopers.
. It is basically a commando regiment in the Malaysian Army Corps. The mission of the GGK is to provide a squadron to locate, report, harass and disrupt the enemy through long range infiltration as well as operating in close collaboration with guerrilla or partisan forces. GGK will also plan, prepare for, and when directed, deploy to conduct unconventional warfare, internal defence, special reconnaissance and direct actions etc. in support of Government policy objectives within designated areas of responsibility.
GGK continuously trains to conduct unconventional warfare in any of its forms – Guerrilla / Anti-Guerrilla Warfare, Escape and Evasion, Subversion, Sabotage, Counter-Terrorist and their most highly regarded expertise – Jungle Warfare. They have a great reputation in operations against the communist terrorists. The troopers are also schooled in direct action operations and special reconnaissance. Currently, there are 3 fully equipped regiments (21st, 22nd & 11th GGK). GGK had seen action in Cambodia, Somalia, western Sahara, Namibia and Bosnia among others. Most recently GGK has also been involved with peacekeeping missions in Lebanon and East Timor.
The Royal Malaysian Navy
also has the elite force to secure the Malaysian maritime especially Malacca Straits from intruders and terrorists. This unit is known as Naval Special Forces (In Malay: Pasukan Khas Laut, a.k.a PASKAL) by its Malay acronym in 1980. The unit was established using commando-trained officers and men from the Security Regiment. The first batch were trained by Komando Pasukan Katak or called KOPASKA
, the naval special forces from Indonesia. In first establishment in the year 1975, the role of this team is similarly with coast guard whereby it was assigned to secure the RMN vessels, and the beach which near with forest which can bared from some desertions the communist terrorist which able to escaped to next country on the sea.
However, the Royal Marines Commando
and US Navy SEALs restructured the Navy PASKAL force. Some PASKAL operators have also been sent to the SEALs training center. PASKAL now is a highly competent special forces unit with responsibilities to secured the all strategic areas and now conducting in other counter-terrorism operations in cargo shipments, oil rigs and the town. Some of its personnel are stationed in man-made 'islands' in the Spratlys and in strategic areas within the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). PASKAL is equipped with the latest hi-tech weaponry as they are also funded by a group of oil consortium (one of the PASKAL's main missions is to protect oil rigs in Malaysian waters).
.
With the very important requirement level as the special forces were given to the unit for secure the amenity and RMAF airbase and also civil airport including Kuala Lumpur International Airport
(KLIA) if it needed if earned some attacker and hijacker to RMAF owned amenity and military aircraft or civil aircraft, under the Directive No.18 National Defense Council . The GGK army commando were also roped in to join this unit at is formations. Nowadays, PASKAU had the three branches including Flight Hostage Rescue Team , Combat Air Rescue Team and Force Protection Teams . The unit conducted with special training technic and rescue missions, especially rescue operations the downed pilot behind the enemy lines or hostile territory, but they much more was very popular with life-saving services to the civilians (courtesy flights etc.). Other than that, PASKAU may also search and eliminate enemy troops who execute sabotage against RMAF air bases.
(Note: All special operations force of Malaysian Armed Forces was involved with the Malaysian UN force in Lebanon.)
All officers and mens of PGK were ever conduct the special training from United States (besides Australia, Britain and New Zealand SAS) including special investigators, counter-terrorist experts, risk, special demolitions, airborne and much more. The Pasukan Gerakan Khas police counter-terrorist ever involved in anti-terror operations in Malaysia, exampled the arms rebellions from Al Ma'unah terrorist militia led by Mohamed Amin Razali. The police special force which together with Grup Gerak Khas were success to tracked down the rebellion as well as involved to arrested suspected of Jemaah Islamiyah
terrorist groups who involved the 9/11 attacks and Bali bombing. Beside that, the unit were also take over the 10 Para and GGK duties in Timor Leste after the terrorism in the country is calmed down.
The Marine Combat Unit or UNGERIN is a newly maritime anti-terror special forces which established in March 2006 and there were under control to marine police of RMP. Very different with other Malaysian special forces, the UNGERIN is only one special force in Malaysia which trained by the United States (all special forces of Malaysia is regularly trained with foreign special forces including the Special Air Service Regiments of Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom and a number of US services). The unit which special trained by VAT 69 PGK and US Navy SEALs were tasked to secure the Malaysia maritime especially Malacca Straits and Sulu Sea
from some threats in the seabed, especially the piracy activities or smugglers and cooperations with naval elite units and coast guard.
is a newly prisons anti-terror special forces squad which established in 3 October 2005 and there were under control to Malaysian Prison Department
. Formed with contains 20 members had undergone three months training in Special Warfare Training Centre (PULPAK) in Sungai Udang Fort, Malacca by 11th Rejimen Gerak Khas Counter-Terrorist Regiment to dealing all terrorist threats and rioters which occurred inside the jails in Malaysia.
With this formed of this team, Prisons Department were able to carry out escort task without police help, escorting prisoners which are listed as high profile criminal records to detention centres. When the conditions needed, the team also used to assist the other Malaysian special forces to counter-terrorism
missions.
which established to protect local maritime assets, especially Straits of Malacca. The commando initials was formerly trained by Air Force PASKAU
and formed in 25 April 2005, STARs is trained to be a first responder to potential terrorist situations; deny terrorist acts; perform security actions against non-compliant actors; perform tactical facility entry and enforcement; participate in port level counterterrorism exercises; and educate other forces on Coast Guard counterterrorism procedures.
STARs are a quick response force capable of rapid nationwide deployment via air, ground or sea transportation in response to changing threat conditions. Multi-mission capability facilitates augmentation for other selected Coast Guard missions. The STAR's purpose is to develop systems and processes for standardised training, equipment, organisation, planning, and scheduling of rapidly deployable specialised forces to execute mission objectives in support of tactical and operational commanders.
, there are several units distinguished as Special Operations Force, namely;
Discussion had been ongoing that instead of having 7 separate units, there should be an initiative to combine all 8 into one organised unit as Malaysian Special Operation Forces or Joint Special Services Regiment.
A successful SAS model based on UK, New Zealand and Australia experience should be taken into a view. In matters relating to national security issue of these countries, the only recognised SAS Regiments will be the choice in order to neutralise the conflict.
Under so called concept of 'Joint Services Special Forces', the great 7 units can be combined together as one regiment headed by Major General
/Vice Air Chief Marshal/Vice Admiral
or even Deputy Commissioner of Police
. This unit should be placed under matrix organisation as to report directly to MKN and to each respected Chief of Army, Navy, Airforce and Inspector General of Police.
Within the joint unit, all 7 units can be re-organised as per SAS model such as;
The unification of these several units into one special unit does have its benefits and its disadvantages. However, in matters of serving the country, all differences including/especially the self pride should be resolved amicably. Some are the benefits should these units are united into one force;
As to ensure the present of each services is equally exhibited, the head of each new unit can be divided as below;
However the officer and the NCOs can be cross sectionalised with each other based on his best achievement of his specialised skills or where he can performed the best.
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Origin
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Type
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Caliber
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Notes
|-----
| AWM
|| UK || Sniper Rifle || .338 Lapua Magnum || used by PGK
|-----
| AW
|| UK || Sniper Rifle || 7.62x51mm NATO || used by other special forces
|-----
| M14 sniper
|| USA || Sniper Rifle || 7.62x51mm NATO || used by PASKAL
|-----
| HK PSG-1 || || Sniper Rifle || 7.62x51mm NATO || used by police special forces
|-----
| HK MSG-90 || || Sniper Rifle || 7.62x51mm NATO || used by military special forces
|-----
| Blaser 93 Tactical
|| || Sniper Rifle || 7.62x51mm NATO || used by special forces
|-----
| AMP DSR-1 || || Sniper Rifle || 7.62x51mm NATO ||
|-----
| Barrett M95
|| USA || Anti-material Rifle || 12.7x99mm NATO || used by GGK
|-----
| Barrett M107 || USA || Anti-material Rifle || 12.7x99mm NATO || used by PASKAU
|-----
| RC-50F
|| USA || Anti-material Rifle || 12.7x99mm NATO || used by PASKAL
|-----
| M203
|| USA || Grenade Launcher || 40x46mm ||
|-----
| M60E2
|| USA || Machine Gun || 7.62x51mm NATO ||
|-----
| Colt M16A1
|| USA || Assault rifle
|| 5.56x45mm NATO ||
|-----
| Colt M4 Carbine
|| USA || Carbine || 5.56x45mm NATO ||
|-----
| Carbon 15
|| USA || Carbine || 5.56x45mm NATO || phased out
|-----
| CAR-15
|| USA || Carbine || 5.56x45mm NATO || phased out
|-----
| HK G36C
|| || Carbine || 5.56x45mm NATO || used by GGK, PASKAL and PGK
|-----
| HK416 || || Carbine || 5.56x45mm NATO || used by PASKAL and PGK
|-----
| HK XM8
|| || Carbine || 5.56x45mm NATO || used by PASKAL
|-----
| SIG SG 553
||
Switzerland || Carbine || 5.56x45mm NATO || used by GGK, PASKAU, UNGERIN and STAR
|-----
| AK-102 || || Assault Rifle || 5.56x45mm NATO || used by PASKAL
|-----
| MP5 series
|| || Submachine Gun || 9x19mm NATO || used by other special forces
|-----
| HK UMP9
|| || Submachine Gun || 9x19mm NATO || used by PASKAL, PGK and STAR
|-----
| HK MP7A1
|| || Personal defence weapon || 4.6x30mm || used by PASKAL and PGK
|-----
| FN P90
||
Belgium || Personal defence weapon || 5.7x28mm || used by PASKAL
|-----
| Benelli M3 Super 90
|| || Shotgun || 12 Bore || used by PGK
|-----
| Benelli M4 Super 90
|| || Shotgun || 12 Bore || used by PASKAU
|-----
| Franchi SPAS-12
|| || Shotgun || 12 Bore || used by PGK
|-----
| Mossberg 500
|| USA || Shotgun || 12 Bore || used by other special forces
|-----
| Remington 870
|| USA || Shotgun || 12 Bore || used by other special forces
|-----
| Remington 1100
|| USA || Shotgun || 12 Bore || used by other special forces
|-----
| Beretta 92
|| || Pistol || 9x19mm NATO || used by 10 Para and GGK
|-----
| Colt M1911A1 || USA || Pistol || .45 ACP || used by 10 Para, GGK and PGK
|-----
| HK USP9 Tactical
|| || Pistol || 9x19mm NATO || used by PGK
|-----
| HK Mark 23
|| || Pistol || .45 ACP || used by PGK
|-----
| S&W M&P 9
|| USA || Pistol || 9x19mm NATO || used by TTC
|-----
| SIG P226 || Switzerland || Pistol || 9x19mm NATO || used by 10 Para, GGK and STAR
|-----
| Sphinx 3000 || Switzerland || Pistol || 9x19mm NATO || used by PASKAU
|-----
Counter-terrorism
Counter-terrorism is the practices, tactics, techniques, and strategies that governments, militaries, police departments and corporations adopt to prevent or in response to terrorist threats and/or acts, both real and imputed.The tactic of terrorism is available to insurgents and governments...
mission. It consists of the 10 Paratrooper Brigade, Grup Gerak Khas
Grup Gerak Khas
The Grup Gerak Khas is a special forces regiment of the Malaysian Army which conducts special operations missions for the Malaysian government, such as direct action, unconventional warfare, sabotage, counter-terrorism, and intelligence gathering...
(GGK), Pasukan Khas Laut (PASKAL
PASKAL
The Royal Malaysian Navy PASukan Khas Laut , commonly known as the PASKAL compose the Special Operations Forces of the Royal Malaysian Navy, employed in direct action and special reconnaissance operations...
), Pasukan Khas Udara (PASKAU
Paskau
Paskau may refer to:* PASKAU, a special forces unit of the Royal Malaysian Air Force* the town of Paskov in the Czech Republic...
), Pasukan Gerakan Khas
Pasukan Gerakan Khas
The Pasukan Gerakan Khas is an elite high-profile counter-terrorism and special operations tactical unit of the Royal Malaysia Police...
(PGK), Unit Gempur Marin
UNGERIN
The Marine Combat Unit is a maritime Special Operations squad under the command of the Royal Malaysian Police. Fully operational on 2007, the UNGERIN conducts anti-piracy and counter-terrorism operations in the coastal waters surrounding Malaysia and assists the marine police to respond...
(UNGERIN), Trup Tindakan Cepat
Trup Tindakan Cepat
Trup Tindakan Cepat , or TTC, is the Malaysian counter-terrorism squad, and part of the Malaysian Prisons Department. Formed on 3 October 2005, it is equipped and trained by Malaysian special forces...
(meaning: Rapid Actions Troops) and Special Task And Rescue
Special Task And Rescue
The Special Task And Rescue or STAR is an elite counter-terrorism and special forces of Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency established to protect a local maritime assets of Malaysia. The team were started operating with minimum memberships with one Malaysian Maritime senior officer and one...
(STAR).
Introductions
The eight elements of Malaysia's Special Operations Force have been tasked with the important objective of maintaining Malaysia's security, specifically in combating terrorism. A mission especially important in the wake of the 11 September attacks on the World Trade CenterWorld Trade Center
The original World Trade Center was a complex with seven buildings featuring landmark twin towers in Lower Manhattan, New York City, United States. The complex opened on April 4, 1973, and was destroyed in 2001 during the September 11 attacks. The site is currently being rebuilt with five new...
and the Pentagon
The Pentagon
The Pentagon is the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, located in Arlington County, Virginia. As a symbol of the U.S. military, "the Pentagon" is often used metonymically to refer to the Department of Defense rather than the building itself.Designed by the American architect...
, and in a climate of global terrorism which would see the later bombing of the tourist centre of Bali and the J.W. Marriot Hotel in Jakarta
Jakarta
Jakarta is the capital and largest city of Indonesia. Officially known as the Special Capital Territory of Jakarta, it is located on the northwest coast of Java, has an area of , and a population of 9,580,000. Jakarta is the country's economic, cultural and political centre...
, bombings and murders in Southern Thailand and the bomb explosions in the railway stations and transit systems of Madrid
11 March 2004 Madrid train bombings
The Madrid train bombings consisted of a series of coordinated bombings against the Cercanías system of Madrid, Spain on the morning of 11 March 2004 , killing 191 people and wounding 1,800...
and London
7 July 2005 London bombings
The 7 July 2005 London bombings were a series of co-ordinated suicide attacks in the United Kingdom, targeting civilians using London's public transport system during the morning rush hour....
. Malaysia's security agencies eagerly studied the lessons to be learnt from all such incidents so as to prepare to deal with similar terrorism, in the event that the terrorists agenda should see them target the Malaysian homeland. In November 2003 Malaysia passed new counter-terrorism laws that were widely criticised by local human rights groups for being vague and excessively broad. Critics claim that the laws put the basic rights of free expression, association, and assembly at risk. Malaysia persisted in holding around 100 alleged militants without trial, including five Malaysian students detained for alleged terrorist activity while studying in Karachi, Pakistan. Malaysia maintains a high level of security and to date no similar terrorist atrocities have occurred.
Previously the only incidents with possible links to Islamic terrorism have been the detonation of a small bomb in Kuala Lumpur's Puduraya bus station and more significantly the 2000 Sauk raid by Al-Ma'unah militants, an audacious raid to steal weapons from a military base to arm an Islamic insurrection. This attempted insurrection was swiftly defeated, the result of the close co-operation and relationship of the government, private agencies and society as a whole. A co-operation and relationship born from the initiatives that from 1948 to 1989 defeated the communist insurgents of the Malayan Emergency
Malayan Emergency
The Malayan Emergency was a guerrilla war fought between Commonwealth armed forces and the Malayan National Liberation Army , the military arm of the Malayan Communist Party, from 1948 to 1960....
and the later Communist Insurgency War
Communist Insurgency War
The Communist Insurgency War, or Second Malaysian Emergency was an insurgency and guerrilla war, conducted by the Malayan Communist Party against Malaysian armed forces from 1968 to 1989.-Origins:...
. The Malaysian peoples eager not to suffer for a third time in their history a repeat of the previous insurgencies and terrorism.
In assessing the tactics, strength, equipment, personnel and abilities as a whole of these Malaysian special forces, they are the equal in competence with the special forces teams of Indonesia
Indonesia
Indonesia , officially the Republic of Indonesia , is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania. Indonesia is an archipelago comprising approximately 13,000 islands. It has 33 provinces with over 238 million people, and is the world's fourth most populous country. Indonesia is a republic, with an...
, Britain and the United States. In fact, since being raised Malaysian forces
Military of Malaysia
The Malaysian Armed Forces , the military of Malaysia, consists of three branches; the Royal Malaysian Navy , the Malaysian Army and the Royal Malaysian Air Force...
have been involved with such teams on an international level, for example whilst being part of United Nations peace keeping missions.
10 Paratrooper Brigade
10 Paratrooper Brigade is an elite rapid deployment brigade which is a branch of Malaysian ArmyMalaysian Army
The Malaysian Army is the land component of the Malaysian Armed Forces. Steeped in British Army traditions, the Malaysian Army does not carry the title ‘royal’ as do the Royal Malaysian Air Force and the Royal Malaysian Navy...
. This was then merged by other infantry elements including 3 battalions, 1 artillery regiment, 1 armour squadron and 11 supporting units.
While primarily tasked with rapid deployment, it is also involved in the fight against terrorism but in a different manner. This is because the operational tasks for the 10th Para involves the convergence of conventional warfare tactics requiring a high number of personnel and equipment. This includes amphibian warfare and airborne operations, just to name a few. 10 Para is not considered as a special operations unit, but elite i.e., US Rangers. The paratrooper force consists of male and some female paratroopers.
Grup Gerak Khas
Grup Gerak Khas (English: Special Service Group) is the main entity element in Malaysian ArmyMalaysian Army
The Malaysian Army is the land component of the Malaysian Armed Forces. Steeped in British Army traditions, the Malaysian Army does not carry the title ‘royal’ as do the Royal Malaysian Air Force and the Royal Malaysian Navy...
. It is basically a commando regiment in the Malaysian Army Corps. The mission of the GGK is to provide a squadron to locate, report, harass and disrupt the enemy through long range infiltration as well as operating in close collaboration with guerrilla or partisan forces. GGK will also plan, prepare for, and when directed, deploy to conduct unconventional warfare, internal defence, special reconnaissance and direct actions etc. in support of Government policy objectives within designated areas of responsibility.
GGK continuously trains to conduct unconventional warfare in any of its forms – Guerrilla / Anti-Guerrilla Warfare, Escape and Evasion, Subversion, Sabotage, Counter-Terrorist and their most highly regarded expertise – Jungle Warfare. They have a great reputation in operations against the communist terrorists. The troopers are also schooled in direct action operations and special reconnaissance. Currently, there are 3 fully equipped regiments (21st, 22nd & 11th GGK). GGK had seen action in Cambodia, Somalia, western Sahara, Namibia and Bosnia among others. Most recently GGK has also been involved with peacekeeping missions in Lebanon and East Timor.
PASKAL
Royal Malaysian Navy
The Royal Malaysian Navy is the naval arm of Malaysian Armed Forces. All commissioned ships of the RMN have the prefix KD , which means Royal Ship.-Straits Settlement Naval Volunteer Reserve:...
also has the elite force to secure the Malaysian maritime especially Malacca Straits from intruders and terrorists. This unit is known as Naval Special Forces (In Malay: Pasukan Khas Laut, a.k.a PASKAL) by its Malay acronym in 1980. The unit was established using commando-trained officers and men from the Security Regiment. The first batch were trained by Komando Pasukan Katak or called KOPASKA
KOPASKA
Kopaska or Komando Pasukan Katak is the premier frogman and underwater demolition unit of the Indonesian Navy. The Unit's motto is 'Tan Hana Wighna Tan Sirna', which means 'There is no obstacle that can not be defeated'. It was officially established on March 31, 1962 by President Sukarno to help...
, the naval special forces from Indonesia. In first establishment in the year 1975, the role of this team is similarly with coast guard whereby it was assigned to secure the RMN vessels, and the beach which near with forest which can bared from some desertions the communist terrorist which able to escaped to next country on the sea.
However, the Royal Marines Commando
Royal Marines
The Corps of Her Majesty's Royal Marines, commonly just referred to as the Royal Marines , are the marine corps and amphibious infantry of the United Kingdom and, along with the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary, form the Naval Service...
and US Navy SEALs restructured the Navy PASKAL force. Some PASKAL operators have also been sent to the SEALs training center. PASKAL now is a highly competent special forces unit with responsibilities to secured the all strategic areas and now conducting in other counter-terrorism operations in cargo shipments, oil rigs and the town. Some of its personnel are stationed in man-made 'islands' in the Spratlys and in strategic areas within the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). PASKAL is equipped with the latest hi-tech weaponry as they are also funded by a group of oil consortium (one of the PASKAL's main missions is to protect oil rigs in Malaysian waters).
PASKAU
The Royal Malaysian Air Force once had a special operations force which abilities to secure the RMAF strategic airbase which known as Air Special Forces . In first establishment, the name of this unit is known as HANDAU (Air and Land Defense) and that a moment it was not had the role as the counter-terrorism units. The tentative "special forces" designation is probably due to the unit's airborne capability. This units is established when after the covert attacks to RMAF strategic amenities in Sungai Besi by agents of Malayan Communist PartyMalayan Communist Party
The Malayan Communist Party , officially known as the Communist Party of Malaya , was founded in 1930 and laid down its arms in 1989. It is most famous for its role in the Malayan Emergency.-Formation:...
.
With the very important requirement level as the special forces were given to the unit for secure the amenity and RMAF airbase and also civil airport including Kuala Lumpur International Airport
Kuala Lumpur International Airport
Kuala Lumpur International Airport , or KLIA serves the capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, and is one of Southeast Asia's largest airports. It is also Malaysia's main international airport. It is situated in the Sepang district, in the south of the state of Selangor, about from Kuala Lumpur...
(KLIA) if it needed if earned some attacker and hijacker to RMAF owned amenity and military aircraft or civil aircraft, under the Directive No.18 National Defense Council . The GGK army commando were also roped in to join this unit at is formations. Nowadays, PASKAU had the three branches including Flight Hostage Rescue Team , Combat Air Rescue Team and Force Protection Teams . The unit conducted with special training technic and rescue missions, especially rescue operations the downed pilot behind the enemy lines or hostile territory, but they much more was very popular with life-saving services to the civilians (courtesy flights etc.). Other than that, PASKAU may also search and eliminate enemy troops who execute sabotage against RMAF air bases.
(Note: All special operations force of Malaysian Armed Forces was involved with the Malaysian UN force in Lebanon.)
Pasukan Gerakan Khas
In those days of communist insurgency, the Royal Malaysian Police had a paramilitary arm called Pasukan Polis Hutan (PPH). They had several battalions and among them was the elite one, known as 69th Commando Battalion or VAT 69. It was actually formed in 1969 (hence the name – 69). The normal police too had an elite unit – Unit Tindakan Khas (UTK). UTK had a SWAT-like function as well as close protection roles. After the communist terrorist laid down arms in 1989, VAT 69 had problems finding a proper role. Finally on October 1997, the PPH was renamed as Pasukan Gerakan Am (PGA) while UTK and 69th Commando Battalion was merged. It was then called Pasukan Gerakan Khas (PGK).All officers and mens of PGK were ever conduct the special training from United States (besides Australia, Britain and New Zealand SAS) including special investigators, counter-terrorist experts, risk, special demolitions, airborne and much more. The Pasukan Gerakan Khas police counter-terrorist ever involved in anti-terror operations in Malaysia, exampled the arms rebellions from Al Ma'unah terrorist militia led by Mohamed Amin Razali. The police special force which together with Grup Gerak Khas were success to tracked down the rebellion as well as involved to arrested suspected of Jemaah Islamiyah
Jemaah Islamiyah
Jemaah Islamiah , is a Southeast Asian militant Islamic organization dedicated to the establishment of a Daulah Islamiyah in Southeast Asia incorporating Indonesia, Malaysia, the southern Philippines, Singapore and Brunei...
terrorist groups who involved the 9/11 attacks and Bali bombing. Beside that, the unit were also take over the 10 Para and GGK duties in Timor Leste after the terrorism in the country is calmed down.
UNGERIN
Sulu Sea
The Sulu Sea is a body of water in the southwestern area of the Philippines, separated from the South China Sea in the northwest by Palawan and from the Celebes Sea in the southeast by the Sulu Archipelago. Borneo is found to the southwest and Visayas to the northeast.Sulu Sea contains a number of...
from some threats in the seabed, especially the piracy activities or smugglers and cooperations with naval elite units and coast guard.
Rapid Actions Troops
The Rapid Actions Troops or Trup Tindakan CepatTrup Tindakan Cepat
Trup Tindakan Cepat , or TTC, is the Malaysian counter-terrorism squad, and part of the Malaysian Prisons Department. Formed on 3 October 2005, it is equipped and trained by Malaysian special forces...
is a newly prisons anti-terror special forces squad which established in 3 October 2005 and there were under control to Malaysian Prison Department
Malaysian Prison Department
The Malaysian Prison Department is a department controlled by the Malaysian Ministry of Internal Security responsible for jails where offenders sentenced by the courts are held...
. Formed with contains 20 members had undergone three months training in Special Warfare Training Centre (PULPAK) in Sungai Udang Fort, Malacca by 11th Rejimen Gerak Khas Counter-Terrorist Regiment to dealing all terrorist threats and rioters which occurred inside the jails in Malaysia.
With this formed of this team, Prisons Department were able to carry out escort task without police help, escorting prisoners which are listed as high profile criminal records to detention centres. When the conditions needed, the team also used to assist the other Malaysian special forces to counter-terrorism
Counter-terrorism
Counter-terrorism is the practices, tactics, techniques, and strategies that governments, militaries, police departments and corporations adopt to prevent or in response to terrorist threats and/or acts, both real and imputed.The tactic of terrorism is available to insurgents and governments...
missions.
Special Task and Rescue
The Special Task And Rescue or STAR team is the official coast guard special forces of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement AgencyMalaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency
The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency , the Malaysian Coast Guard version, is the principal government agency tasked with maintaining law and order and coordinating search and rescue operations in the Malaysian Maritime Zone and on the high seas. It is in effect the Coast Guard of Malaysia...
which established to protect local maritime assets, especially Straits of Malacca. The commando initials was formerly trained by Air Force PASKAU
Paskau
Paskau may refer to:* PASKAU, a special forces unit of the Royal Malaysian Air Force* the town of Paskov in the Czech Republic...
and formed in 25 April 2005, STARs is trained to be a first responder to potential terrorist situations; deny terrorist acts; perform security actions against non-compliant actors; perform tactical facility entry and enforcement; participate in port level counterterrorism exercises; and educate other forces on Coast Guard counterterrorism procedures.
STARs are a quick response force capable of rapid nationwide deployment via air, ground or sea transportation in response to changing threat conditions. Multi-mission capability facilitates augmentation for other selected Coast Guard missions. The STAR's purpose is to develop systems and processes for standardised training, equipment, organisation, planning, and scheduling of rapidly deployable specialised forces to execute mission objectives in support of tactical and operational commanders.
Joint Anti-Terror Task Forces
Currently, when undercontrol of Arahan 18 Majlis Keselamatan Negara (MKN) or Directive No.18 National Security CouncilNational Security Council
A National Security Council is usually an executive branch governmental body responsible for coordinating policy on national security issues and advising chief executives on matters related to national security...
, there are several units distinguished as Special Operations Force, namely;
- Grup Gerak Khas (Army)
- PASKAL (Navy)
- PASKAU (Air Force)
- 69th Commando Battalion PGKPasukan Gerakan KhasThe Pasukan Gerakan Khas is an elite high-profile counter-terrorism and special operations tactical unit of the Royal Malaysia Police...
(Police) - Special Actions Unit PGK (Police)
- UNGERINUNGERINThe Marine Combat Unit is a maritime Special Operations squad under the command of the Royal Malaysian Police. Fully operational on 2007, the UNGERIN conducts anti-piracy and counter-terrorism operations in the coastal waters surrounding Malaysia and assists the marine police to respond...
(Police) - Trup Tindakan CepatTrup Tindakan CepatTrup Tindakan Cepat , or TTC, is the Malaysian counter-terrorism squad, and part of the Malaysian Prisons Department. Formed on 3 October 2005, it is equipped and trained by Malaysian special forces...
(Prison Department) - Special Task And RescueSpecial Task And RescueThe Special Task And Rescue or STAR is an elite counter-terrorism and special forces of Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency established to protect a local maritime assets of Malaysia. The team were started operating with minimum memberships with one Malaysian Maritime senior officer and one...
(Coast Guard)
Discussion had been ongoing that instead of having 7 separate units, there should be an initiative to combine all 8 into one organised unit as Malaysian Special Operation Forces or Joint Special Services Regiment.
A successful SAS model based on UK, New Zealand and Australia experience should be taken into a view. In matters relating to national security issue of these countries, the only recognised SAS Regiments will be the choice in order to neutralise the conflict.
Under so called concept of 'Joint Services Special Forces', the great 7 units can be combined together as one regiment headed by Major General
Major General
Major general or major-general is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general. A major general is a high-ranking officer, normally subordinate to the rank of lieutenant general and senior to the ranks of brigadier and brigadier general...
/Vice Air Chief Marshal/Vice Admiral
Vice Admiral
Vice admiral is a senior naval rank of a three-star flag officer, which is equivalent to lieutenant general in the other uniformed services. A vice admiral is typically senior to a rear admiral and junior to an admiral...
or even Deputy Commissioner of Police
Deputy Commissioner of Police
Deputy commissioner of police may be:* Deputy commissioner of police , a senior police rank in Indian Police* Deputy commissioner of police of the metropolis, the deputy head of the London Metropolitan Police* Deputy commissioner of police...
. This unit should be placed under matrix organisation as to report directly to MKN and to each respected Chief of Army, Navy, Airforce and Inspector General of Police.
Within the joint unit, all 7 units can be re-organised as per SAS model such as;
- Mountain/Land Troop (including/combining all specialised skills/unit acquired by the former Army Grup Gerak Khas, Police VAT 69 Pasukan Gerakan Khas);
- Amphibious/Maritime Troop (including/combining all PASKAL specialised trade in seaborne operations, swamp, diving plus etc. together with UNGERIN);
- Air Troop (including/combining all PASKAU specialised trade in hostage rescue at the airport or aircraft, air installation protection and also taking over PARA troops facility and training of the HALO/HAHO from Grup Gerak Khas etc.).
- Counter Revolutionary Warfare and Counter Terrorist Unit (including/combining skills from Grup Gerak Khas, Pasukan Gerakan Khas, PASKAL, UNGERIN, TTC and PASKAU to form a several units, with 24 hour standby notice by the MKN. The example of this is Blue Troop and Red Troop of the SAS UK that are on 24 hours standby notice.)
The unification of these several units into one special unit does have its benefits and its disadvantages. However, in matters of serving the country, all differences including/especially the self pride should be resolved amicably. Some are the benefits should these units are united into one force;
- Joint selection process can be achieved to obtain the best candidate from all Services and also from Police (such as SAS NZ)to ensure the highest quality of future unit trooper.
- The cost of doing business or maintaining the forces will be much lesser and the saved money can be further invested on new weaponry, new tactics, high tech facilities, staff welfare etc.
- The expertise of each respected unit can be cross sectionalised and documented to ensure every trooper is highly specialised in his craft or even better multi-skilled. The future is to sell the 'Malaysian expertise' to other country as to how SAS UK did as part of the marketing of British defence product and experties.
- Economies of scales in asset management and procurement in the long run as to have a highly dedicated special forces and also to keep the cost low or manageable.
As to ensure the present of each services is equally exhibited, the head of each new unit can be divided as below;
- Commanding officerCommanding officerThe commanding officer is the officer in command of a military unit. Typically, the commanding officer has ultimate authority over the unit, and is usually given wide latitude to run the unit as he sees fit, within the bounds of military law...
of the Mountain/Land Troop – Brigadier GeneralBrigadier GeneralBrigadier general is a senior rank in the armed forces. It is the lowest ranking general officer in some countries, usually sitting between the ranks of colonel and major general. When appointed to a field command, a brigadier general is typically in command of a brigade consisting of around 4,000...
(Army) - Commanding officerCommanding officerThe commanding officer is the officer in command of a military unit. Typically, the commanding officer has ultimate authority over the unit, and is usually given wide latitude to run the unit as he sees fit, within the bounds of military law...
of the Amphibious/Maritime Troop – CommodoreCommodore (rank)Commodore is a military rank used in many navies that is superior to a navy captain, but below a rear admiral. Non-English-speaking nations often use the rank of flotilla admiral or counter admiral as an equivalent .It is often regarded as a one-star rank with a NATO code of OF-6, but is not always...
(Navy) - Commanding officerCommanding officerThe commanding officer is the officer in command of a military unit. Typically, the commanding officer has ultimate authority over the unit, and is usually given wide latitude to run the unit as he sees fit, within the bounds of military law...
of Air Troop – Brigadier GeneralBrigadier GeneralBrigadier general is a senior rank in the armed forces. It is the lowest ranking general officer in some countries, usually sitting between the ranks of colonel and major general. When appointed to a field command, a brigadier general is typically in command of a brigade consisting of around 4,000...
(Airforce) - Commanding officerCommanding officerThe commanding officer is the officer in command of a military unit. Typically, the commanding officer has ultimate authority over the unit, and is usually given wide latitude to run the unit as he sees fit, within the bounds of military law...
of CRW/AT Unit – Senior Assistant CommissionerSenior Assistant CommissionerSenior assistant commissioner is a rank used in the Singapore Police Force and in the New South Wales Police Force of Australia.-Australia:The rank of senior assistant commissioner is only used in the New South Wales Police Force, where it is senior to the rank of assistant commissioner and junior...
(Police)
However the officer and the NCOs can be cross sectionalised with each other based on his best achievement of his specialised skills or where he can performed the best.
Equipment
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Arms! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Origin
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Type
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Caliber
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Notes
|-----
| AWM
Accuracy International AWM
The AWM is a sniper rifle manufactured by Accuracy International. It is also known as the AWSM , which typically denotes the .338 Lapua Magnum version.-The Arctic Warfare Magnum system:...
|| UK || Sniper Rifle || .338 Lapua Magnum || used by PGK
|-----
| AW
Accuracy International Arctic Warfare
The Accuracy International Arctic Warfare rifle is a family of bolt-action sniper rifles designed and manufactured by the British company Accuracy International...
|| UK || Sniper Rifle || 7.62x51mm NATO || used by other special forces
|-----
| M14 sniper
M14 rifle
The M14 rifle, formally the United States Rifle, 7.62 mm, M14, is an American selective fire automatic rifle firing 7.62x51mm NATO ammunition. It was the standard issue U.S. rifle from 1959 to 1970. The M14 was used for U.S...
|| USA || Sniper Rifle || 7.62x51mm NATO || used by PASKAL
|-----
| HK PSG-1 || || Sniper Rifle || 7.62x51mm NATO || used by police special forces
|-----
| HK MSG-90 || || Sniper Rifle || 7.62x51mm NATO || used by military special forces
|-----
| Blaser 93 Tactical
Blaser 93 Tactical
The Blaser LRS 2 and Blaser Tactical 2 are German sniper rifles, used by German and Dutch police forces as well as the Australian military and special police units. The rifles are manufactured by the German fire arms manufacturer Blaser. The LRS 2 and Tactical 2 rifles are straight-pull bolt-action...
|| || Sniper Rifle || 7.62x51mm NATO || used by special forces
|-----
| AMP DSR-1 || || Sniper Rifle || 7.62x51mm NATO ||
|-----
| Barrett M95
Barrett M95
The Barrett M95 is a bolt-action sniper rifle chambered in .50 BMG , and manufactured by Barrett Firearms Company.-Overview:The M95 is an improved version of the earlier Barrett M90. It is a bolt-action sniper rifle in a bullpup design...
|| USA || Anti-material Rifle || 12.7x99mm NATO || used by GGK
|-----
| Barrett M107 || USA || Anti-material Rifle || 12.7x99mm NATO || used by PASKAU
|-----
| RC-50F
Robar RC-50
The Robar RC-50 counter-sniper rifle is developed by the United States Robar Companies, Inc in Phoenix, Arizona. It is chambered in .50 BMG. The RC-50 is found in two variants—the original RC-50 and the side-folding buttstock RC-50F....
|| USA || Anti-material Rifle || 12.7x99mm NATO || used by PASKAL
|-----
| M203
M203 grenade launcher
The M203 is a single shot 40 mm grenade launcher designed to attach to a rifle. It uses the same rounds as the older M79 break-action grenade launcher, which utilize the High-Low Propulsion System to keep recoil forces low. Though versatile, and compatible with many rifle models, the M203 was...
|| USA || Grenade Launcher || 40x46mm ||
|-----
| M60E2
M60 machine gun
The M60 is a family of American general-purpose machine guns firing 7.62×51mm NATO cartridges from a disintegrating belt of M13 links...
|| USA || Machine Gun || 7.62x51mm NATO ||
|-----
| Colt M16A1
M16 rifle
The M16 is the United States military designation for the AR-15 rifle adapted for both semi-automatic and full-automatic fire. Colt purchased the rights to the AR-15 from ArmaLite, and currently uses that designation only for semi-automatic versions of the rifle. The M16 fires the 5.56×45mm NATO...
|| USA || Assault rifle
Assault rifle
An assault rifle is a selective fire rifle that uses an intermediate cartridge and a detachable magazine. Assault rifles are the standard infantry weapons in most modern armies...
|| 5.56x45mm NATO ||
|-----
| Colt M4 Carbine
M4 carbine
The M4 carbine is a family of firearms tracing its lineage back to earlier carbine versions of the M16, all based on the original AR-15 designed by Eugene Stoner and made by ArmaLite. It is a shorter and lighter variant of the M16A2 assault rifle, with 80% parts commonality.It is a gas-operated,...
|| USA || Carbine || 5.56x45mm NATO ||
|-----
| Carbon 15
Carbon 15
The Carbon 15 is a family of lightweight, magazine-fed Pistols, Carbines, and Rifles developed by defunct USA weapons manufacturer Professional Ordnance, with the design picked up after some time by current manufacturer Bushmaster Firearms.-Overview:...
|| USA || Carbine || 5.56x45mm NATO || phased out
|-----
| CAR-15
CAR-15
The Colt Automatic Rifle-15 Military Weapons System or CAR-15 was a family of AR-15 and M16 rifle–based firearms marketed by Colt in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Due to their compact size, the short-barreled Colt Commando and XM177 versions of this family continued to be issued to the U.S...
|| USA || Carbine || 5.56x45mm NATO || phased out
|-----
| HK G36C
Heckler & Koch G36
The Heckler & Koch G36 is a 5.56×45mm assault rifle, designed in the early 1990s by Heckler & Koch in Germany as a replacement for the 7.62mm G3 battle rifle. It was accepted into service with the Bundeswehr in 1997, replacing the G3...
|| || Carbine || 5.56x45mm NATO || used by GGK, PASKAL and PGK
|-----
| HK416 || || Carbine || 5.56x45mm NATO || used by PASKAL and PGK
|-----
| HK XM8
XM8 rifle
The XM8 was a developmental U.S. Military designation and project name for a lightweight assault rifle system that was under development by the United States Army from the late 1990s to early 2000s...
|| || Carbine || 5.56x45mm NATO || used by PASKAL
|-----
| SIG SG 553
SIG SG 550
The SG 550 is an assault rifle manufactured by Swiss Arms AG of Neuhausen, Switzerland...
||
Switzerland || Carbine || 5.56x45mm NATO || used by GGK, PASKAU, UNGERIN and STAR|-----
| AK-102 || || Assault Rifle || 5.56x45mm NATO || used by PASKAL
|-----
| MP5 series
Heckler & Koch MP5
The Heckler & Koch MP5 is a 9mm submachine gun of German design, developed in the 1960s by a team of engineers from the German small arms manufacturer Heckler & Koch GmbH of Oberndorf am Neckar....
|| || Submachine Gun || 9x19mm NATO || used by other special forces
|-----
| HK UMP9
Heckler & Koch UMP
The UMP is a submachine gun developed and manufactured by Heckler & Koch. The UMP has been adopted by various agencies such as the U.S. Customs and Border Protection...
|| || Submachine Gun || 9x19mm NATO || used by PASKAL, PGK and STAR
|-----
| HK MP7A1
Heckler & Koch MP7
The MP7 is a German submachine gun manufactured by Heckler & Koch and chambered for the 4.6×30mm cartridge. It was designed with the new cartridge to meet NATO requirements published in 1989, as these requirements call for a personal defense weapon class firearm, with a greater ability to defeat...
|| || Personal defence weapon || 4.6x30mm || used by PASKAL and PGK
|-----
| FN P90
FN P90
The FN P90 is a selective fire personal defense weapon designed and manufactured by FN Herstal in Belgium. The P90's name is taken from 1990, the year it was introduced...
||
Belgium || Personal defence weapon || 5.7x28mm || used by PASKAL|-----
| Benelli M3 Super 90
Benelli M3
The Benelli M3 is a dual-mode shotgun designed and manufactured by Italian firearms manufacturer Benelli. The M3 holds a maximum of seven rounds and uses the proprietary Benelli semi-automatic system first showcased in the M1. The M3 is notable for allowing the user the choice of semi-automatic...
|| || Shotgun || 12 Bore || used by PGK
|-----
| Benelli M4 Super 90
Benelli M4 Super 90
The Benelli M4 Super 90 is an Italian semi-automatic shotgun manufactured by Benelli Armi S.P.A.-History:On May 4, 1998, the U.S. Army Armaments Research, Development and Engineering Center at Picatinny Arsenal, NJ issued Solicitation #DAAE30-98-R-0401, requesting submissions for a new 12 gauge,...
|| || Shotgun || 12 Bore || used by PASKAU
|-----
| Franchi SPAS-12
Franchi SPAS-12
The SPAS-12 is a combat shotgun that was manufactured by the Italian firearms company Franchi S.p.A. from 1979 to 2000. The SPAS-12 is a dual-mode shotgun, meaning it can be calibrated to cycle either semi-automatically or through pump-action. The SPAS-12 has sold well to military and police users...
|| || Shotgun || 12 Bore || used by PGK
|-----
| Mossberg 500
Mossberg 500
Mossberg 500 is a series of shotguns manufactured by O.F. Mossberg & Sons. The 500 series comprises widely varying models of hammerless, pump action repeaters, all of which share the same basic receiver and action, but differ in bore size, barrel length, choke options, magazine capacity, and...
|| USA || Shotgun || 12 Bore || used by other special forces
|-----
| Remington 870
Remington 870
The Remington Model 870 is a U.S.-made pump-action shotgun manufactured by Remington Arms Company, Inc. It is widely used by the public for sport shooting, hunting, and self-defense. It is also commonly used by law enforcement and military organizations worldwide.-Development:The Remington 870 was...
|| USA || Shotgun || 12 Bore || used by other special forces
|-----
| Remington 1100
Remington 1100
The Remington 1100 is a gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun, popular among sportsmen. The Remington 1100 was the first semiautomatic shotgun to feature significant reduction in felt recoil, light weight and reliability.- History :...
|| USA || Shotgun || 12 Bore || used by other special forces
|-----
| Beretta 92
Beretta 92
The Beretta 92 is a series of semi-automatic pistols designed and manufactured by Beretta of Italy. The model 92 was designed in 1972 and production of many variants in different calibers continues today...
|| || Pistol || 9x19mm NATO || used by 10 Para and GGK
|-----
| Colt M1911A1 || USA || Pistol || .45 ACP || used by 10 Para, GGK and PGK
|-----
| HK USP9 Tactical
Heckler & Koch USP
The USP is a semi-automatic pistol developed in Germany by Heckler & Koch GmbH of Oberndorf am Neckar as a replacement for the P7 series of handguns.-History:...
|| || Pistol || 9x19mm NATO || used by PGK
|-----
| HK Mark 23
Heckler & Koch Mark 23
The Heckler & Koch MK23 is a handgun consisting of a match grade semi-automatic pistol, a laser aiming module , and suppressor. It was adopted by the United States Special Operations Command for special operations units in the 1990s....
|| || Pistol || .45 ACP || used by PGK
|-----
| S&W M&P 9
Smith & Wesson M&P
The Smith & Wesson Model 10, previously known as the Smith & Wesson Military & Police or the Smith & Wesson Victory Model, is a .38-caliber revolver developed from the Smith & Wesson .38 Hand Ejector Model of 1889. In production since 1899, it is a fixed-sight, six-shot handgun with a fluted...
|| USA || Pistol || 9x19mm NATO || used by TTC
|-----
| SIG P226 ||
Switzerland || Pistol || 9x19mm NATO || used by 10 Para, GGK and STAR|-----
| Sphinx 3000 ||
Switzerland || Pistol || 9x19mm NATO || used by PASKAU|-----
See also
- List of special forces units
-
Special Forces of IndiaSpecial Forces of IndiaThe Special Forces of India are Indian Military units that have a training specializing in special operations.-Mumbai Police Force One:the Special Commando force created after 26/11 Mumbai attacks-Rajasthan Police SOG:... -
Indonesian Navy Special Force and Operations Command (INSFOC)INSFOCThe Indonesian Navy Special Force and Operations Command is an elite special operations forces of the Indonesian Navy... -
United Kingdom Special ForcesUnited Kingdom Special ForcesThe United Kingdom Special Forces is a UK Ministry of Defence Directorate which also has the capability to provide a Joint Special Operations Task Force Headquarters... -
United States Special Operations ForcesUnited States Special Operations ForcesUnited States Special Operations Forces under United States Special Operations Command are active and reserve component forces of U.S. Military...
-