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General Operations Force
Malaysian paramilitary unit From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The General Operations Force (Malay: Pasukan Gerakan Am; PGA, Jawi: ڤاسوكن ڬرقن عام) serves as the light infantry arm of the Royal Malaysia Police. It was originally established in 1948 during the Malayan Emergency by the British colonial administration. At that time, the police force was mobilised for a paramilitary role, primarily tasked with countering the Communist insurgency in Malaya's jungles.
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In 1953, the unit was renamed the Police Field Force (Malay: Pasukan Medan Polis; PMP). Before that, it was widely known as the Jungle Squad (Malay: Pasukan Polis Hutan; PPH), a name reflecting its primary role in jungle warfare.[1]
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History
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Origin: Malay States Guides
The origins of the General Operations Force (GOF) trace back to the Malay States Guides (Malay: Pasukan Pengawal Negeri-negeri Melayu Bersekutu), a paramilitary regiment established in 1826. Initially comprising 900 personnel, the unit was commanded by R. S. F. Walker. The Malay States Guides participated in World War I, fighting alongside the Field Force Aden against Ottoman forces in South Arabia (modern-day Saudi Arabia) for five years. The regiment was disbanded in 1919 due to economic reasons.[2]
The GOF's evolution during the Malayan Emergency
During the Malayan Emergency (1948–1960), the British Military Administration mobilised police General Duties units to support military operations against the communist insurgency. In 1948, the Jungle Squad was established for this purpose. Originally named the Flying Squad, it was later renamed to reflect its primary role in jungle warfare.[3]
In 1951, the Jungle Squad was restructured into the Jungle Company, and by 1953, it evolved into the Police Field Force (Pasukan Polis Hutan, PPH). Commanded by the Police Commissioner of the Federation of Malaya—and later under the Inspector-General of Police following the formation of Malaysia—the Police Field Force was deployed alongside British forces to track and eliminate communist insurgents in the dense jungles of Malaya. Platoons typically consisted of 15 personnel, led by ranks ranging from Lance Corporal to Inspector. During the Emergency, the Police Field Force suffered over 1,000 casualties.[1]
GOF’s role in the Indonesia–Malaysia Confrontation
The Police Field Force played a key role in the Indonesia–Malaysia Confrontation (1963–1966). During this period, they detained numerous Indonesian irregular forces attempting clandestine operations on Malaysian soil. The events of the 13 May 1969 racial riots further highlighted the need for a highly mobile, independent unit capable of handling both internal security and public order.[4][5]
The Police Field Force during the second communist insurgency
Malaysia faced a second wave of communist insurgency beginning in 1968. By then, all branches of the Malaysian security forces, including the Police Field Force, were well-trained in jungle warfare. At its peak, the Police Field Force operated 21 battalions. Following the disarmament of the Malayan Communist Party (MCP) on 2 December 1989, the number of battalions was reduced to 17 by 1 September 1994.[4]
The transformation into the General Operations Force
With the end of the communist threat, the unit’s role was significantly expanded to include border and maritime security, anti-piracy patrols, counter-terrorism, public order duties, search and rescue (SAR), and operations against organised crime. On 20 October 1997, the Police Field Force was officially renamed the General Operations Force (GOF). Two days later, on 22 October 1997, the GOF underwent a structural reorganisation.[6]
As part of this restructuring, the elite Senoi Praaq—a special forces unit composed of indigenous Orang Asli—was absorbed into the GOF as one of its battalions. The broader reorganisation of the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) culminated in a formal submission of RMP pennants to the King of Malaysia on 11 November 1997.[7]
In June 2004, the GOF 19th Battalion, based in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, was designated for VIP security duties.[1]
In 2008, the GOF 20th Battalion was formed to provide airport security at KLIA and was later renamed the GOF KLIA Special Battalion.[1]
GOF expansion after Operation Daulat
The 2013 Lahad Datu incursion, known as Operation Daulat, saw GOF battalions deployed to Sabah to counter armed militants from the southern Philippines. In response, the government approved the expansion of GOF capabilities—especially in East Malaysia.[8]
In February 2014, Prime Minister Najib Razak announced the formation of a new brigade to oversee security within the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZONE). This unit became the reconstituted GOF 20th Battalion.[8]
Further expansion followed, and in May 2025, three additional GOF battalions were officially established—GOF 21st Battalion, GOF 22nd Battalion and GOF 23rd Battalion.[9]
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Structure
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Prior to 1997, besides the regular Jungle Squad, there were a few specialised units attached to Police Field Forces:
- Commando Force; "PPH 69" (Jungle Squad 69)
- Senoi Praaq Force
- Border Scouts (Malay: Pasukan Pengakap Sempadan) (for Sabah and Sarawak)
- Unit Kawalan Kawasan (UKK) (Area Control Unit)
- Unit Pencegah Penyeludupan (UPP) (Anti-Smuggling Unit)
After GOF restructuring, the Jungle Squad 69 was separated into a new police command while Senoi Praaq was absorbed into GOF and renamed to 'GOF 3rd Battalion'. Border Scouts and UKK were disbanded and its members absorbed into the GOF battalions and regular police forces. UPP was then formed into a federal agency whose members are drawn from the Royal Malaysian Police, Royal Malaysian Customs and Immigration Department of Malaysia. The UPP later renamed to Agensi Keselamatan Sempadan (Border Security Agency) in 2015.[10]
At present, the Royal Malaysia Police General Operations Force is organised along military lines consisting of brigades, battalions, companies, platoons and sections deployed where needed.
GOF brigades
There are currently five brigades located in both Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia and every brigade is headed by those ranked Senior Assistant Commissioner (SAC) or above. The five GOF brigades are:
- GOF Northern Brigade; based in Ulu Kinta, Perak - led by SAC Shahrum Hashim
- GOF Central Brigade; based in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur - lead by SAC Hakemal Hawari of VAT 69 Commando
- GOF Southeast Brigade; based in Kuantan, Pahang - led by SAC Dato Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Rahman
- GOF Sarawak Brigade; based in Kuching, Sarawak - led by SAC Dr Ghazali Che Awang
- GOF Sabah Brigade; based in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah - led by SAC Dato' Rani Alias of VAT 69 Commando
The number of GOF battalions under the command of GOF brigades varies based on local needs. The Central and Sabah Brigades are composed of five battalions each. The Northern Brigade contains four battalions while the Southeast and Sarawak Brigades are composed of three battalions each.
GOF battalions
GOF comprises 22 battalions stationed across Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia. Each battalion is commanded by a senior officer holding the rank of Superintendent.[9]
A typical GOF battalion is structured with three light infantry companies, one mortar platoon, and one special operations-capable unit. This configuration enables the GOF to maintain flexibility in both conventional and specialised tactical operations.[9]
Previously, a battalion, officially designated the KLIA/LCCT Special Battalion, was responsible for security operations at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT). However, this unit was dissolved around 2014, with its duties subsequently assumed by specialised units from the Immigration Department of Malaysia and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department.
GOF armoured squadrons
- 1st Armored Squadron Kulim, Kedah
- 3rd Armored Squadron Ulu Kinta, Perak
- 5th Armored Squadron Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
- 7th Armored Squadron Bakri, Muar, Johor
- 9th Armored Squadron Kuantan, Pahang
- 11th Armored Squadron Kuching, Sarawak
Senoi Praaq
Senoi Praaq means War People in the language of the Semai Indigenous people of Peninsula Malaysia. The formation was moved to the Police Field Force in 1968 and increased to two battalions. The Senoi Praaq were established in 1957 employed with tracking and security roles, apart from performing the main function of contact with the aborigines peoples. Manned by aborigines of Peninsular Malaysia that were skilled in jungle tracking, it was successful in engaging the communist terrorists during the Malayan Emergency. The Senoi Praaq can be distinguished from other mainline GOF battalions by the use of the distinctive maroon beret and red hackle.[7]
Tiger Platoons
The Tiger Platoon is a special operations-capable unit under the command of GOF. There are currently 22 Tiger Platoons stationed across Malaysia, each attached to a GOF battalion.[11]
The unit was originally established on 7 May 1993 under the name Counter-Urban and Guerrilla Team (CG Team). Its initial mandate focused on anti-piracy and border security operations, with capabilities resembling those of a marine unit. However, in 1997, following the separation of 69 Commando—which became part of the Special Operations Command (Police SOCOM)—the GOF Command recognised the need for a versatile replacement force. As a result, the CG Team was restructured, retrained, and redesignated as the Tiger Platoon.[11]
The Tiger Platoons were tasked with a broader range of responsibilities, including special operations, covert and overt missions, and search and rescue (SAR). Their role is to support GOF brigades in operations requiring specialised tactical skills. In Sabah and Sarawak, where the PGK headquarters is geographically distant, the Tiger Platoons serve as the primary special operations forces for the region.[12]
Initially, there were only five platoons, one assigned to each GOF brigade. However, beginning in 2019, the command directive expanded this structure, assigning one Tiger Platoon to each GOF battalion. This expansion brought the total number of platoons to 22, significantly enhancing the GOF’s operational flexibility across the country.[13]
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GOF roles
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The General Operations Force are deployed, equipped and trained for specified roles in times of peace and during emergencies. The various roles include neutralising armed criminals, border patrols, counter terrorism, anti piracy and maritime security. The GOF also assists in general duties such as public security, close quarters combat in urban settings and anti smuggling patrols. In times of conflict or emergency, GOF brigades are used primarily for assigned duties in counter-terrorism and anti - guerrilla warfare. A brigade is essentially trained, equipped and organised for paramilitary roles in the field and also for insertion in major urban conurbations. All personnel are drawn from mainline Police Training Schools and inducted to GOF Training Centres, with the view of completing the study of anti guerrilla warfare and military training courses before graduating to GOF Battalions. Where borders are perilously dangerous, GOF units are deployed in localised security sweeps and defence operations. The GOF also employs units in riots and disturbances where necessary.
Training
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The first Training Centre was based at Sik, Kedah in 1949. Successful candidates trained there were sent on to the Police Field Force. Another School for the Police Field Force was opened in Sungai Buloh, Selangor with the aim of conducting basic training and refresher courses. In 1953, one new training centre was established in Dusun Tua, Hulu Langat, Selangor renamed the Jungle Squad Training Centre (Malay: Sekolah Latihan Pasukan Polis Hutan; SLPPH). In year 1964, the SLPPH was transferred to Kroh, Perak following the closure of the first two centres. The training centre itself was transferred again to Kentonmen, Ulu Kinta, Perak. In 1997, the training centre is renamed to Sekolah Latihan Pasukan Gerakan Am, SLPGA (English: General Operations Forces Training School) in line with the change of name of the Police Field Force to current Pasukan Gerakan Am (English: General Operations Force). On 22 September 2006, the training centre once again change its name to Pusat Latihan PGA (PLPGA) (English: GOF Training Centre).
It is a must for GOF police officers to enter the GOF Basic Course (Malay: Kursus Asas PGA). The course last for 14 weeks and they together with Senoi Praaq trainees need to attend Public Order Reserve Unit (PORU) (Malay: Latihan Polis Anti Rusuhan) before they can graduate.
The modules of the GOF Basic Course are:
- Physical Training
- Weapon Training
- Field Skills Module
- Combat Skills Module
- Operation Techniques Module
- Intelligence Module
- Counter-insurgency Module
- Conventional Warfare Module
- Public Order Module
- Public Policy Module
To enter the elite Senoi Praaq Battalions, Malaysian aboriginal needs to enter Orang Asli Constable Basic Course (Malay: Kursus Asas Konstabel Orang Asli) which last for six months.[14] This course is a collaborations between the RMP and Department of Orang Asli Development.
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Future plans
Royal Malaysian Police wishes to add another GOF Battalion based in Kunak, Sabah to provide security to ESSZONE and will be known as 21st Battalion.[15] With this addition, the Sabah Brigade will be split into two different brigades which is Northern Sabah Brigade and Eastern Sabah Brigade.[16]
Killed in the line of duty
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Keramat Pulai incidents
On 3 June 1976, 35 recruits from the Police Field Force members had been ambushed by the communist bandits at Bukit Keramat Pulai, Perak during their final phase of Basic Jungle Squad Training. During the incident at 12:45pm, Cpl 31507 Ridzuan who was a platoon leader as well as drill instructor was fatally shot in his side of eye. Three trainees TPC 63897 Zainal, TPC 63899 Yusof and TPC 64010 Md. Saad were also killed about 15 metres from the communist control post. However, TPC 60899 Mohamad Salim and his teammates returned enemy fire. Shortly, this platoon successfully captured the communist stronghold which was modified to look like a house after the communist retreated after receiving violent opposition from the trainees. On extraordinary courage, TPC 60899 Mohamad Salim and TPC Mohammad Noh Hashim were both awarded the Panglima Gagah Berani one year later.[18][19]
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Operations
- 1948 – 1960 - During the Malayan Emergency, the Police Field Force were involved in security and offensive operations against communist insurgents.
- 1963 – 1966 - The service together with military forces to fight against the Indonesian soldiers during the Confrontation.[20]
- 1968 – 1989 - The Police Field Force deployed to track down the Communist Terrorists before the CPM accepted unconditional surrender in 1989.
- 1969 – The Police Field Force involved in security roles during the 13 May 1969 riots in Kuala Lumpur.
- 2001 – The General Operations Force supported the Pasukan Gerakan Khas anti-terror police to track downed Mat Komando, the crime leader of Gang 13 before he killed in shoot-out in the hut at Kampung Hujung Keton, Pendang, Kedah.
- 2007 – The Royal Malaysia Police deployed a force of 136 men from the Sarawak General Operations Force to Timor Leste. The force joined the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor Leste, employed in the peace-keeping role.[21]
- 2013 – Involved in 2013 Lahad Datu standoff. Deployed alongside Pasukan Gerakan Khas, Grup Gerak Khas, 10 Paratrooper Brigade, PASKAL, PASKAU and Unit Gempur Marin.
- 2019- 3rd and 19th GOF Battalions (Senoi Praaq) involved in joint operations with Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia in Pahang,Perak
- 2020-2022- General Operations Forces deployed in all Malaysia for Movement control order during Covid-19 alongside all agencies
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In popular culture
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Television show about the GOF
- Gerak Khas (TV series) (1999-2020) - a few episode of season year 2000,2001,2004 showing role GOF during operation against pirates and militants
- Akademi Polis (2008-2010)– a few episode showing role GOF teach recruits police who training jungle and fiction team
- Titisan Darah Pahlawan (2013)–a Radio Televisyen Malaysia historical drama 30 episodes about recipient of medal who fought communist insurgency
- Kalis Peluru (2023)–a Radio Televisyen Malaysia action police drama 13 episodes about life policemen with GOF
- Lembing & Layang– a 2010 mini series biopic about early squadron orang asli later called Senoi Praaq
- 999 (Malaysian TV series)
Films about the GOF
- Awang Spanar – a 1987 film comedy action about two young man with policewomen solve kidnapping case and a scene GOF troops raid safehouse kidnapping
- Jaket Biru - a 1991 action film about undercover cops and where scene GOF troops raid criminal hideout places
- Bukit Kepong a 1981 patriotic film about tragedy Bukit Kepong attack on February 1950
- "Takluk: Lahad Datu", a 2024 police war action film directed by Zulkarnain Azhar. The film is about VAT 69 involved based on 2013 Lahad Datu standoff and the movie also featured GOF involvement within the conflict in the movie.
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Weaponry
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The firearms used by GOF during the year 1948 - 1980s.
The firearms used by GOF during the year 1980 - presents.
See also
References
External links
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