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General Operations Force
Malaysian paramilitary unit under the national police force From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The General Operations Force (GOF; 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]
The GOF is currently commanded by Deputy Commissioner of Police Dato' Mohamad Suzrin Mohamad Rodhi, who serves concurrently as the Deputy Director of the Internal Security and Public Order Department (General Operations Force) or in Malay as Timbalan Pengarah KDNKA (PGA).
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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 regular General Duties police officers to support military operations against the communist insurgency. On 1 August 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][4]
In 1949, a dedicated training centre—originally called the Federal Malayan Police Force's Jungle Warfare School—was established in Sik, Kedah, to provide jungle warfare training specifically for regular General Duties police officers.[4]
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 military 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.[5][6]
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.[5]
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), and five brigades were established to serve as regional commands based on their geographical locations. Two days later, on 22 October 1997, the GOF underwent a major structural reorganisation.[7]
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.[8]
In June 2004, the GOF 19th Battalion, based in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, was designated for VIP security duties.[1]
Later, in 2008, the GOF 20th Battalion was established to provide airport security at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). It was subsequently renamed the GOF KLIA Special Battalion.[1]
GOF expansion after Operation Daulat
Following the 2013 Lahad Datu incursion—an event widely referred to as Operation Daulat—the General Operations Force (GOF) played a crucial role in countering the armed intrusion by militants from the southern Philippines. The incident highlighted the need for stronger security measures in East Malaysia, particularly in Sabah. In response, the Malaysian government approved an expansion of the GOF’s capabilities, focusing on bolstering its presence and readiness in the region.[9][10]
In February 2014, then-Prime Minister Najib Razak announced the formation of a new GOF brigade dedicated to safeguarding the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZONE). This development led to the re-establishment of the GOF 20th Battalion, tasked with overseeing operations in the strategically sensitive region.[10]
By May 2025, the GOF had further strengthened its operational capacity with the official formation of one additional armoured squadron—the 15th Armoured Squadron—and three new light infantry battalions: the GOF 21st, 22nd, and 23rd Battalions.[11]
Roles
The General Operations Force (GOF) are deployed, equipped, and trained for specific roles both during peacetime and in times of emergency. These roles include neutralising armed criminals, conducting border patrols, counter-terrorism operations, anti-piracy efforts, and maritime security. The GOF also assists with general policing duties, including public security, close-quarters combat in urban environments, and anti-smuggling patrols.
During conflicts or emergencies, GOF brigades are primarily tasked with counter-terrorism and anti-guerrilla warfare operations. Each brigade is trained, equipped, and organised for paramilitary roles, including deployment in major urban centres when necessary.
Personnel are recruited from standard police training centres and inducted into GOF training centres, where they undergo specialised instruction in anti-guerrilla warfare and military tactics before graduating into operational GOF battalions. In high-risk border areas, GOF units are assigned to conduct security sweeps and defensive operations. The GOF is also deployed during riots and civil disturbances when required.
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Structure
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The current organisational structure of the Royal Malaysia Police’s General Operations Force (GOF) consists of five light infantry brigades, twenty-two light infantry battalions, seven light armoured squadrons, and twenty-two special operations-capable platoons. All these units operate under the GOF Headquarters, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Internal Security and Public Order Department of the Royal Malaysia Police, based in Bukit Aman.[11]
Functioning as the light infantry arm of the police, the GOF is organised in a structure similar to that of a conventional army unit, following the common Commonwealth military format.
Before the GOF’s restructuring in 1997, several specialised units were attached to the then-Police Field Force, previously known as the Jungle Squad.
- Jungle Squad 69 (Malay: Pasukan Polis Hutan 69) (Commando unit)
- Senoi Praaq Force (Tracker/Reconnaissance unit)
- Border Scouts (Malay: Pasukan Pengakap Sempadan) (Border security for Sabah and Sarawak)
- Unit Kawalan Kawasan (UKK) (Area Control Unit)
- Unit Pencegah Penyeludupan (UPP) (Anti-Smuggling Unit)
Following the 1997 reorganisation, Jungle Squad 69 was removed from the GOF command and reassigned under a new police special operations command. The Senoi Praaq Force was integrated into the GOF and redesignated as the 3rd Battalion. Meanwhile, the Border Scouts and UKK were disbanded, with their personnel absorbed into regular GOF battalions and the general police force. The UPP was restructured into a federal agency composed of personnel from the Royal Malaysia Police, the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, and the Immigration Department of Malaysia. In 2015, the unit was officially renamed the Border Security Agency, or Agensi Keselamatan Sempadan.[12]
GOF brigades
The GOF currently operates five brigades distributed across both West Malaysia and East Malaysia. These brigades were officially formed on 20 October 1997. Prior to this, the Jungle Squads’ companies—and later, the Police Field Force battalions—were placed under the command of their respective state-level police contingents. The establishment of dedicated brigades allowed the GOF to focus exclusively on its operational roles, while the state contingents continued with their regular policing duties.[13]
Each brigade is led by an officer holding the rank of Senior Assistant Commissioner (SAC) or higher, underscoring the strategic importance of their commands.[13]
The five GOF brigades are:
The number of GOF battalions assigned to each brigade varies according to the security needs and geographic demands of their respective regions. This flexible deployment ensures that GOF resources are effectively distributed to address regional challenges across Malaysia.[13]
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.[11]
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.[11]
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
The GOF armoured squadrons were officially established on 28 July 1971 under the name Skuadron Perisai PPH. These units were created to provide a range of critical support roles, including armoured combat assistance, armoured escort duties, reconnaissance missions, and general security tasks.[14]
Today, the GOF armoured squadrons operate light armoured vehicles such as the V-150 Commando and the Sankey AT-105. To further modernise the fleet, the Royal Malaysia Police has placed orders for the IAG Guardian, a newer generation of armoured vehicle, which is expected to be delivered beginning in 2025.[15]
Currently, GOF maintains seven armoured squadrons strategically stationed across Malaysia.[14]
Historically, the GOF armoured squadrons have utilised a range of armoured vehicles, including the Ferret scout car, the Shorland armoured car, and the V-100 Commando.[14]
Senoi Praaq
The Senoi Praaq is a distinguished paramilitary unit within the RMP’s GOF, originally established in 1956 during the Malayan Emergency by the British colonial administration. Initially designated as the SAS Auxiliary Forces, the unit was composed exclusively of Orang Asli personnel—indigenous peoples of Peninsular Malaysia. Despite its formal title, the unit quickly became better known by its Semai name, Senoi Praaq, meaning "War People".[8]
Attached as a squadron to the Malayan Scouts, the forerunners of today's 22 Special Air Service (22 SAS), the Senoi Praaq functioned primarily as a special forces tracker unit, playing a critical role in jungle warfare. Their deep knowledge of the terrain and exceptional tracking skills made them invaluable in the fight against communist insurgents.[8]
After the Malayan Emergency ended in 1960, the unit was transferred to the Department of Orang Asli Development. In 1968, it was formally incorporated into the Royal Malaysia Police under the Police Field Force. During the 2000s, a second battalion was created, expanding the Senoi Praaq’s strength to two battalions within the GOF.[8]
While the unit is no longer classified as a special forces formation, the Senoi Praaq continue to serve as a special reconnaissance paramilitary force, retaining their reputation for jungle tracking and close-quarters combat skills. They remain easily recognisable by their distinctive maroon berets and red hackles, symbols inherited from their early days under the Malayan Scouts.[8]
Tiger Platoons
The Tiger Platoon is a special operations-capable police tactical unit under the command of GOF. There are currently 22 Tiger Platoons stationed across Malaysia, each attached to a GOF battalion.[16]
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.[16]
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 Police SOCOM headquarters is geographically distant, the Tiger Platoons serve as the primary special operations police tactical units for the region.[17]
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.[18]
General Operations Force Training Centre
The first training centre was established in 1949 at Sik, Kedah, under the name Federal Malayan Police Force's Jungle Warfare School. At the time, both serving policemen and new recruits were required to complete and pass the Special Constabulary Course before being assigned to the Police Field Force.[4]
With the expansion of the unit in 1951, an additional training facility was opened in Sungai Buloh, Selangor, to conduct basic and refresher courses, while the Sik centre continued to provide advanced jungle warfare training.[4]
In 1953, a larger and more centralised facility was established in Dusun Tua, Hulu Langat, Selangor, and was renamed the Jungle Squad Training Centre (Sekolah Latihan Pasukan Polis Hutan; SLPPH). The previous centres in Sik and Sungai Buloh were subsequently closed.[4]
In 1964, the training centre was relocated to a larger site in Kroh, Perak. Just three years later, in 1967, it was moved again to its current location at Ulu Kinta Cantonment, in Ulu Kinta, Perak.[4]
In 1997, following the renaming of the Police Field Force to the General Operations Force (Pasukan Gerakan Am), the training centre was renamed Sekolah Latihan Pasukan Gerakan Am (SLPGA).[4]
On 22 September 2006, the centre underwent another name change to its current title: Pusat Latihan Pasukan Gerakan Am (PLPGA), or General Operations Force Training Centre in English.[4]
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Recruitment, selection and training
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There are four main pathways for Malaysian citizens to join the General Operations Force (GOF):[4]
- Basic General Operations Force Course (Gazetted Officers)
- Basic General Operations Force Course (Non-Gazetted Officers)
- Basic General Operations Force Course (Support Constables)
- Basic Orang Asli Constable Course
For the first three routes—collectively known in Malay as Kursus Asas Pasukan Gerakan Am—candidates must first complete the standard police basic training (lasting between 4 to 9 months depending on their speciality and rank) at PULAPOL, just like any other regular police officer. Only after successfully completing this phase are they eligible to enrol in the GOF-specific basic course.[19]
This sequential training structure emphasises that candidates are law enforcers first and foremost before serving as light infantry personnel. Accordingly, they possess full legal authority under Malaysian law to conduct arrests and enforce public order.[20]
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The Basic Orang Asli Constable Course, on the other hand, has a different set of requirements and is exclusively open to members of the Orang Asli community. Successful candidates from this course are directly inducted into one of the Senoi Praaq battalions. This course lasts six months and is a collaborative programme between the Royal Malaysia Police and the Department of Orang Asli Development. For more detailed information, refer to the Senoi Praaq (Training) page.[21]
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All other basic GOF training courses (excluding the Orang Asli course) last for 12 weeks and cover the following training modules:[4]
- Physical Training
- Weapon Training
- Field Skills Module
- Combat Skills Module
- Operation Techniques Module
- Intelligence Module
- Counter-insurgency Module
- Conventional Warfare Module
- Marine Studies Module
- Public Order Module
- Public Policy Module
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.[9] With this addition, the Sabah Brigade will be split into two different brigades which is Northern Sabah Brigade and Eastern Sabah Brigade.[22]
Killed in the line of duty
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Keramat Pulai incidents
On 3 June 1976, a group of 35 Police Field Force recruits was ambushed by communist insurgents at Keramat Pulai Hill in Perak, during the final phase of their Basic Jungle Squad Training. The ambush occurred at approximately 12:45 p.m. during a training exercise. Corporal 31507 Ridzuan, who served as the platoon leader and drill instructor, was fatally shot in the eye. Three trainees—TPC 63897 Zainal, TPC 63899 Yusof, and TPC 64010 Md. Saad—were also killed about 15 metres from the communist-controlled position.[24][25]
Despite the surprise attack, TPC 60899 Mohamad Salim and several of his fellow recruits returned fire, mounting a strong resistance. Their courage forced the insurgents to retreat, allowing the trainees to overrun and capture the enemy stronghold, which had been disguised to resemble a house. For their exceptional bravery in the face of live combat, TPC Mohamad Salim and TPC Mohammad Noh Hashim were each awarded the Star of the Commander of Valour the following year.[25][24]
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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.[26]
- 1968–1989 – The Police Field Force deployed to track down the Communist Terrorists before the Malayan Communist Party 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 GOF assisted the Pasukan Gerakan Khas (Police SOCOM) special forces in tracking down Mat Komando, a former army special forces member who became the leader of the criminal group Gang 13. He was eventually killed in a shootout at a hut in Kampung Hujung Keton, Pendang, Kedah.
- 2007 – The Royal Malaysia Police deployed a force of 136 men from the GOF Sarawak Brigade to Timor Leste. The force joined the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor Leste, employed in the peace-keeping role.[27]
- 2013 – Involved in 2013 Lahad Datu standoff. Deployed alongside Pasukan Gerakan Khas, 21st Special Service Group, 10th Parachute Brigade, Naval Special Forces, RMAF Special Forces and Marine Assault Team.
- 2019 – 3rd and 18th Battalions (Senoi Praaq) involved in joint operations with Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia in Pahang and Perak.
- 2020–2022 – The GOF was deployed across Malaysia during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period to support COVID-19 enforcement efforts, working alongside the armed forces and other government agencies.
In popular culture
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Books, televisions and movie.
- 1981: "Bukit Kepong" is a patriotic film produced and directed by Jins Shamsuddin, starring himself, A. Rahim and Hussein Abu Hassan about the Bukit Kepong attack in February 1950.
- 1989: "Awang Spanar" is a comedy action film directed by A. Rahim, starring Mr. Os, Salih Yaacob and Norlida Ahmad about two young men with a policewoman solving a kidnapping case and a scene with GOF troops raiding a kidnapper's safehouse.
- 1991: "Jaket Biru" is an action film directed by Mohd Ariff Shah, starring Ebby Saiful, Raja Noor Baizura and Isma Aliff about undercover police officers. In one scene, GOF officers join the protagonist in raiding a criminal hideout.
- 1999–2021: "Gerak Khas" is a long-running Malaysian action TV series created by Yusof Haslam, featuring stars like AC Mizal, Fattah Amin, and Abby Abadi. Spanning 20 seasons, it holds the record as Malaysia’s longest-running primetime drama. The series follows a fictional Special Actions Unit tackling criminal cases, with select episodes from 2000, 2001, and 2004 depicting GOF operations against pirates and militants.
- 2002–present: "999" is an ongoing Malaysian TV documentary series aired on TV3, focusing on the operations of first responder units in Malaysia, including the GOF.
- 2008–2010: "Akademi Polis" is a TV9 series directed by Yusof Kelana, starring Serina Redzuawan, Fezrul Khan, Kazar, and Lando Zawawi. It follows the lives of drill instructors, their families, and recruits during police training at Pulapol, with several episodes featuring the GOF conducting jungle training.
- 2010: "Lembing dan Layang" is an 8-episode Astro Citra series directed by Wan Hasliza and produced by KL Motion Pictures. Starring Ellie Suriaty, Azhan Rani, Beto Kusyairy, Zahiril Adzim, and Fikhree Bakar, it tells the true story of Bah Ayob, the first Orang Asli recruit of the Senoi Praaq. The series follows his journey from being forced into the Malayan Communist Party's military wing as a child to escaping and joining the elite Senoi Praaq unit under the Malayan Scouts (SAS) during the Malayan Emergency, highlighting their training and early missions.
- 2013: "Titisan Darah Pahlawan" is a 30-episode historical drama produced by Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM). The series highlights the stories of Grand Knight of Valour and Star of the Commander of Valour recipients who fought during the communist insurgency in Malaysia.
- 2023: "Kalis Peluru" is a 13-episode action police series directed by Aidilfitri Mohamed Yunus and produced by Tsar Asia for RTM, airing on TV1. Starring Nas-T, Silfeny Osman, Bulan Terry, and Jazmy Juma, it follows the operations and personal lives of police officers and their families serving in the General Operations Force.
- 2024: "Takluk: Lahad Datu" is a police war action film directed by Zulkarnain Azhar, starring Syafiq Kyle, Kamal Adli, Fikry Ibrahim, Anding Indrawani, Eman Manan, and Riezman Khuzaimi. Based on the 2013 Lahad Datu standoff, the film highlights the role of 69 Commando, with the GOF also depicted as part of the conflict.
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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