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The Malaysian Elite Forces (Malay: Pasukan Elit Malaysia) are specialised, highly trained units drawn from various branches of the Malaysian military, law enforcement, and government agencies. In Malaysia, the term Elite Forces serves as an umbrella term encompassing special forces, special operations units, specialised firefighting teams, and other uniquely trained groups within the uniformed services (Pasukan beruniform).^[1][2][3]

To join these Elite Forces, regular personnel must undergo rigorous and specialised training to meet the demanding standards required. These units are distinguished by unique identifiers, including beret colours, shoulder flashes (tabs), unit patches, skill badges, and distinct uniforms, setting them apart from conventional units.

The term "Elite Forces" functions as an umbrella term for specialised units across various branches of the military, law enforcement, and government. Similar to terminology used in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, it encompasses both special forces and other elite units.^[4][5][6]

However, there is frequent confusion among the Malaysians and media about the distinctions between "elite forces" and "special forces", often leading to the two terms being mistakenly treated as mutually exclusive. His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, the Sultan of Johor, addressed this during the 52nd Anniversary of Gerak Khas in 2017, affirming that commandos (special forces) are indeed elite units. This classification places special forces as a subset of elite forces.^[2][7]

...peranan yang dimainkan oleh Gerak Khas sebagai pasukan elit di barisan hadapan adalah amat penting.

[...the role played by Gerak Khas as an elite frontline force is extremely important.]

— Sultan Ibrahim, Berita Tentera Darat Malaysia

Malaysia, as a Commonwealth nation, adopts the United Kingdom's classification system for its elite units. It differentiates between Special Forces and Special Operations Forces instead of using the U.S. terminology of "Special Operations Forces" and "Special Operations-Capable".^[8]

In Malaysia, Special Forces are units designated for high-risk special operations, operating under their respective Special Forces Commands (SFCs). These units are also subject to joint oversight by the Joint Forces Command for inter-branch operations. Currently there are five SFCs in Malaysia which are:^[1]

• 21st Special Service Group – Malaysian Army SFC
• Naval Special Forces Command – Royal Malaysian Navy SFC
• RMAF Regiment – Royal Malaysian Air Forces SFC
• Pasukan Gerakan Khas – Royal Malaysia Police SFC
• Special Task and Rescue – Malaysia Coast Guard SFC

The following units are officially recognised as Special Forces in Malaysia: Gerak Khas, Naval Special Forces, RMAF Special Forces, 69 Commando, Special Action Unit and Malaysia Coast Guard Special Operations Force.

In addition to the six primary units officially classified as "Special Forces" in Malaysia, the 91st Intelligence Operations Group (91 IOG) of the Royal Intelligence Corps also meets the criteria for this designation.^{[note 1]} While not part of any SFC, its members undergo the Gerak Khas special forces selection process, aligning them with the standards and operational ethos of special forces.^[9]

Special Operations Forces (SOF) units are trained in special operations but operate outside SFC oversight. They are akin to Special Operations-Capable units in the U.S. military. SOF units in Malaysia are typically attached to specific commands and execute missions under the orders of their parent force's leadership.^[10][11]

For instance, the Pathfinder Company of the 10th Parachute Brigade is a SOF unit operating under the brigade's commander.

The term "commando" was introduced in Malaysia during World War II when the Special Operations Executive's Far East branch, Force 136, established an outpost in Kuala Kangsar and recruited locals. In Malaysia, "commando" signifies personnel or units trained in guerrilla warfare, small-unit tactics, and jungle warfare rather than the amphibious raiding role associated with the modern Royal Marines Commando.^[2][12]

Historically, the designation "commando" in Malaysia was not limited to special forces. For instance, the Senoi Praaq (an auxiliary tracker team for the Special Air Service) and the Sarawak Rangers (a tracker team embedded with the Royal Marines) were recognised as commandos during the Malayan Emergency. Similarly, in 1972, the Tiger Platoon, a long-range reconnaissance patrol unit of 9 RAMD, earned commando status for their role during the Communist insurgency.^[13][14]

Today, only units whose members graduate from a basic commando course at Malaysia's commando schools are officially designated as commandos.^[12][9]

Special Rescue Units are specialised non-combat teams, such as special operations firefighters, tasked with non-conventional roles like Search and Rescue (SAR) operations. These units undergo training and selection processes based on standards used by Malaysian military special operations forces. Members are entrusted with utilising specialised equipment and methods commonly associated with special operations forces to carry out their SAR missions.^[15]

The concept of elite forces is not new to Malaysia. Variations of elite forces have been in use since the era of the Kingdom of Singapura (1299–1398) and the Malacca Sultanate (1400–1511). During the Malacca Sultanate, the Hulubalangs were the elite forces. Some of them were tasked with guarding the Sultan, while others served as trusted aides to the Bendahara (Chief Minister) and Laksamana (Admiral). A Hulubalang held the rank of a high-level Pendekar (warrior). After the fall of the Malacca Sultanate, the term "Hulubalang" continued to be used to refer to the elite warriors of other Malay sultanates. In the Aceh Sultanate, under Sultan Iskandar Muda (R. 1607–1636), a new nobility known as Uleëbalang was established for warlords. These Uleëbalang were granted land and the rights to rule by the Sultan. The Hulubalang can be likened to a knight, while the Uleëbalang in the Aceh Sultanate is equivalent to a baron.^[16][17]

Malaysia was first exposed to modern special forces during World War II. Fighting unconventionally behind enemy lines against the Japanese Imperial Forces, Force 136 was a multinational guerrilla unit under Britain’s Special Operations Executive (SOE). Several individuals from the region that is now Malaysia, including Chin Phui Kong, Ibrahim Ismail, and Tunku Osman, were recruited and underwent special forces commando training at military camps endorsed by the SOE. Force 136 operatives were tasked with performing unconventional warfare across the Far East, including Southeast Asia. In Malaya, some personnel from Force 136 were inserted by parachute or submarine and helped establish local resistance forces, collectively known as Force 136 (Malaya). Force 136 actively fought against the Japanese occupation of Malaya from 1941 to 1945. The legacy of Force 136 helped shape the modern elite forces of Malaysia, as many of its former commandos continued to serve in the Malaysian Armed Forces after World War II ended.^{[18][19][20][21][22]}

The surrender of the Japanese Imperial Forces left a power vacuum in Malaya. The British, still recovering from WWII, were focused on domestic affairs, which allowed their wartime allies in British Malaya—the Malayan People's Anti-Japanese Army (MPAJA) and the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM)—to seize power and form an independent government with a socialist economy. They began assassinating Malayans who had collaborated with the Japanese during the occupation. Following the collapse of their truce in 1947, war broke out in what became known as the Malayan Emergency, with the communist forces of the Malayan National Liberation Army fighting against the British colonial government. After two years of conventional warfare, the Malayan British Military Administration (BMA) realised that traditional military tactics were ineffective against the MPAJA. In response, elite unconventional special forces were established to counter the communist insurgency.^[23][24]

On 6 July 1948, Colonel John Davis, former Force 136 commander, was entrusted to establish a special jungle-guerrilla force for anti-insurgent operations—The Ferret Forces.^[21] Two patrols from the Malay Regiment, two patrols from the Gurkha Regiment and a headquarters group made up the pioneer forces. The Ferret Force later expanded and the police unit, and Europeans with special operations experience, including Colonel Richard Broome, a Force 136 veteran, was added to the force.^[20]

As conditions deteriorated, General Sir John Harding, the Commander-in-Chief of the British Far East Command, sought officers with expertise in jungle warfare. Major Micheal 'Mad Mike' Calvert, a veteran of the Chindits (a British India special force during World War II), volunteered to evaluate the situation in Malaya. In 1952, he was granted permission to establish a special force to operate deep in the jungle, which he named the Malayan Scouts.^[24][25]

The Ferret Force was later reorganised and became A Squadron of the Malayan Scouts. Similarly, Z Squadron of the 21st Special Air Service Regiment (SAS) was restructured to form B Squadron, while the Rhodesian SAS became C Squadron, and the Australian SAS was designated as D Squadron. At its peak, the Malayan Scouts operated with five squadrons in total.^[26][27]

The Malayan Scouts achieved significant success during the Malayan Emergency campaign, prompting the British government to integrate them into the regular British military. By 1958, the Malayan Scouts were officially designated as the 22nd Special Air Service Regiment (22 SAS).^[24][25]

The Malayan Scouts are widely regarded as the predecessors of modern Malaysian Special Forces.^[28]

The Special Branch (SB) is the intelligence unit of the Malayan Police, established as the successor to the British Malayan Security Service (MSS). During the Malayan Emergency, it was restructured as a specialised intelligence unit under the recommendation of Major Mike Calvert of the Malayan Scouts.^[29]

The SB played a crucial role in providing intelligence to special forces by deploying secret agents within the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) and the Malayan People's Anti-Japanese Army (MPAJA).^[29]

Today, the Special Branch remains operational as a department under the Royal Malaysia Police, continuing its legacy as a vital intelligence agency.^[29]

Throughout history, three distinct units have carried the name "Sarawak Rangers."^[30]

• The First Sarawak Rangers (1862–1930s; 1946)
  • Established in 1862 during the reign of the White Rajahs in Raj of Sarawak, the first Sarawak Rangers served as both a police force and a paramilitary unit for the Rajahs. The unit was disbanded in the 1930s due to economic challenges but was reactivated in 1946 to combat the Japanese during World War II. However, it was disbanded again later that same year following the fall of the White Rajahs' rule.

• The Second Sarawak Rangers (1948–1963)
  • In August 1948, during the British Military Administration (BMA) in Borneo, former members of the first Sarawak Rangers were employed as trackers by the British Civil Liaison Corps for six months. This marked the creation of the second iteration of the unit, operating under the Bornean BMA.

• The Third Sarawak Rangers (Malayan Emergency)
  • Impressed by the tracking and combat skills of the Iban people, the Malayan BMA recruited them to form an independent fighting unit during the Malayan Emergency. This third version of the Sarawak Rangers was selected, trained, and equipped by the Malayan Scouts (SAS) and Royal Marines Commando, making it the only iteration classified as an elite unit. By the end of the Malayan Emergency, the unit had grown to 200 men.

Today, the Sarawak Rangers no longer exist. However, a regiment was established in 1963 within the Malaysian Army as the successor to the Sarawak Rangers. This regiment was named the Renjer Malaysia (Malaysian Ranger) and, in 1971, was granted the title of "royal", becoming the Royal Ranger Regiment.^[31]

General Gerald Templer, the High Commissioner of Malaya, proposed the creation of a second regiment of Malayan Scouts to aid in the jungle warfare efforts during the Malayan Emergency. Although the proposal was rejected by the War Office in London, it led General Templer to form a small experimental unit made up of Orang Asli (the indigenous people of the Malay Peninsula). This unit was intended to fulfil the need for additional support and to assist the existing Malayan Scouts in 1956 as an auxiliary force. The unit was named Senoi Praaq (also spelt Senoi Praak in English), meaning "War People" in the Semai language. The Malayan Scouts trained the Orang Asli in military tactics, and the Senoi Praaq was given commando status, becoming attached to the Malayan Scouts (SAS) and officially renamed as the SAS Auxiliary Force.^[32][33]

The Senoi Praaq was the brainchild of Lieutenant Colonel R.O.D. Noone (Retired as Colonel), an intelligence officer in the Directorate of Military Intelligence and a government official within the British Military Administration (BMA) in Malaya. The BMA had employed Orang Asli and Sarawak Rangers as trackers for military operations, and Lieutenant Colonel Noone saw the potential to organise these trackers into a formal special unit similar to the Sarawak Rangers. After his proposal was approved by General Templer, Lieutenant Colonel Noone was appointed as the first commander of the Senoi Praaq.^[32][34]

The Senoi Praaq proved highly effective in jungle warfare. In recognition of their success, Colonel Noone was loaned for a year, at the request of the President of South Vietnam, to assist the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in establishing the Montagnard Scouts during the Vietnam War. Colonel Noone and the Senoi Praaq were integrated into the CIA's Mountain Scout Program (MSP), and the Montagnard Scouts were attached to the U.S. Army Special Forces, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG), and the Long-Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP), the predecessor to the 75th Ranger Regiment.^{[32][34][35][33]}

Today, the Senoi Praaq still exists, but it is no longer an elite special forces unit. Instead, it has been reorganised into two reconnaissance battalions and is now part of the General Operations Force (GOF), a paramilitary unit under the Royal Malaysia Police.^[33]

As a newly formed nation, the Federation of Malaya relied heavily on the Commonwealth of Nations for military support. With the Malayan Emergency drawing to a close, the Malayan Armed Forces began to expand their strength. In 1963, the British North Borneo, the Crown Colony of Sarawak, and the Colony of Singapore joined the federation, forming the nation of Malaysia. This unity angered Sukarno, the first president of Indonesia, who was leftist and pro-communist, and he accused Malaysia of being a new form of British colonisation. In response, Sukarno launched a military campaign against Malaysia, known as Konfrontasi. The Commonwealth nations swiftly offered military assistance. The confrontation lasted from January 1962 to August 1966.^[28]

The conflict highlighted the need for specially trained elite forces within Malaysia's military arsenal. In response, the Malaysian Special Service Unit (MSSU), which would later be renamed Gerak Khas, was established during this period. Following the end of the confrontation, Malaysia faced a second emergency, which further underscored the need for elite military units to address growing security demands. This led to the creation of additional specialised forces to bolster Malaysia’s defence capabilities.^[28]

Malaysia employs an unofficial tier system for its elite forces, similar to the United States. The tier system reflects the unit's proximity to the highest levels of command and the priority given to their deployment for specialised tasks or missions. Currently, Malaysia recognises two primary tier levels:^[36]

This is the highest tier in Malaysia, typically involving inter-agency (joint) task forces composed of experienced personnel from multiple uniformed services. These task forces are assembled for high-priority or specialised missions and operate under direct oversight from top government leadership. Members are not permanently assigned to the task force; they return to their original services when no longer needed or for operational rotation.^[36][37]

This is the standard tier for elite forces within their respective uniformed services. These units are commanded by their respective branches of the military, law enforcement, or other uniformed services. Larger services may organise their elite units under a Special Forces Command (SFC). Within this level, there may be further sub-tiers depending on the unit’s specialisation, training, and operational scope.^[2]

A Federal Elite Task Force in Malaysia refers to a small, specialised group of joint-uniformed personnel operating under the direct command of the federal government. These units are considered the most elite in the country, with members selected from various government agencies. These units are administered directly by the federal government and are typically overseen by the National Security Council.^[36][37]

Candidates must pass rigorous selection courses established by the Government of Malaysia to join. Members receive additional occupational allowances in recognition of their elite status and high-risk responsibilities.^[36]

At their peak, more than three federal-level elite task forces existed. However, following the disbandment of the National Special Operations Force (NSOF) in October 2018, only two federal-level elite task force remains active:^[36][38]

Internationally known as the SMART Team, this special rescue unit is a certified Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) task force under the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG). Officially named Pasukan Mencari dan Menyelamat Khas Malaysia in Malay, which translates to Search and Rescue Special Forces of Malaysia, it is a highly specialised disaster relief unit based in Puchong, Selangor.^[36][39]

The SMART Team reports directly to Malaysia's top government executives, similar to the National Special Operations Force (NSOF), and operates under the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA). It can be deployed for domestic or international missions at the directive of the Malaysian Prime Minister.^[36][39]

SMART officers and technicians are recruited from the Malaysian Armed Forces, Royal Malaysian Police, and the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia.^[36]

The Defence Special Operations Division (DSOD), short for the Ministry of Defence's Special Operations Division, is a counter-terrorism joint task force established as the intended successor to the National Special Operations Force (NSOF). Unlike its predecessor, the DSOD recruits exclusively from special forces within the Malaysian Armed Forces and operates under the Ministry of Defence.^{[note 2][40][41]}

The task force was first announced in January 2019 by the then Chief of Defence Forces, General Zulkifli Zainal Abidin. However, it officially became operational on 10 May 2019. The DSOD is based at Perdana Camp in Kuala Lumpur, the former headquarters of the NSOF.^[40][41]

The DSOD can be compared to the Canada's Joint Task Force 2 (JTF 2) due to its structure and mission scope.

The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) is the tri-service military of Malaysia, comprising the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Unlike the United States, the Coast Guard in Malaysia is not part of the MAF.^{[note 3]} Each branch of the MAF has its own elite units, which are selected, trained, and managed by their respective military branches. These elite forces can be combined into a joint force for specific operations, with the coordination of the joint units being overseen by Cell D of the Joint Forces Command during the operation.^[42]

In 2019, there were plans to establish a unified command for special forces under the MAF, similar to the United States Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC).^[42] Below are the services within the MAF and their respective elite units:

Officially, the Malaysian Army has two main elite units: one is a special forces unit, while the other is a hybrid airborne-marines force. In addition to these two primary elite units, there are several other Special Operations Forces (SOFs) within the Army. These auxiliary units can be attached to the main elite units as needed to provide support during combat operations.^[1]

The Gerak Khas (Abbr. Gerakhas) ('Special Forces' or 'Army Special Forces') is the special forces unit of the Malaysian Army. The name "Gerak Khas" translates directly to "Special Forces" in English, as it was originally intended to be the sole special forces unit for all branches of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF). Gerak Khas is the direct successor to the Malaysian Special Service Unit (MSSU), a joint special operations task force established in 1965 during the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation. While the MSSU recruited members from all MAF services, the majority of its personnel came from the Army, with some recruits from the Navy who passed the selection process.^[2]

The MSSU was formed and trained by the 40 Commando of the Royal Marines from scratch, inheriting their distinctive green beret, light blue lanyard, and Fairbairn-Sykes commando knife. These traditions continue to be worn by Gerak Khas to this day.^[2]

In 1970, the MSSU was dissolved, and the 1st Special Service Regiment (Malay: Rejimen Pertama Gerak Khas) was established to succeed it under the command of the Malaysian Army. Over time, two additional regiments were created under Gerak Khas, and it was upgraded to a corps. However, today, Gerak Khas is no longer considered part of the corps or regiments under the Malaysian Army; instead, it has become more of a special forces association. To be part of this association, officers and soldiers must undergo the rigorous Gerak Khas selection process.^[2]

Currently, the following units are considered part of Gerak Khas:

• 21st Special Services Group – The Malaysian Army Special Forces Command
• 91st Intelligence Operations Group – Special Forces attached to military intelligence
• 11th Special Services Regiment – One of the special forces regiments under the Malaysian Army
• 21st Commando Regiment – One of the special forces regiments under the Malaysian Army
• 22nd Commando Regiment – One of the special forces regiments under the Malaysian Army
• Special Warfare Training Centre – The special operations training centre and commando school under the Malaysian Army

Gerak Khas is considered equivalent to the British Army's Special Air Service (SAS), the U.S. Army's Green Berets, and the Russian Spetsnaz in terms of its role and capabilities.

The 10th Parachute Brigade (10 PARA BDE) is an elite, specialised combat formation of the Malaysian Army. Operating under the direct command of the Chief of Army, it is also a core component of the Malaysian Rapid Deployment Forces. The brigade is a versatile unit consisting of various components, including special operations forces, specialised light infantry, light armour, artillery, medics, and more. As a combat-ready formation, the brigade is often the first to be deployed in a conflict, capable of operating independently or in coordination with naval and air force units for joint operations.^[43][44]

Currently trained as a hybrid airborne-marines unit, the 10 PARA BDE is capable of being deployed through various methods of insertion. Originally established in 1979 as the 10th Infantry Brigade, the unit began airborne training in December 1992. Inspired by the British Army's Parachute Regiment, it was officially renamed the 10th Parachute Brigade in 1994. Designed as a rapid deployment and airborne force, the brigade was modeled after the British 16 Air Assault Brigade and the U.S. Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade.^[45]

Recognising the need for a military unit with marines capabilities, the Malaysian Armed Forces began training a battalion within the 10 PARA BDE in amphibious warfare in 2002. By 2022, all airborne infantry units within the brigade were trained in amphibious operations, transforming it into a hybrid airborne-marine force.^[46]

Before 2020, the brigade was classified as a standard infantry unit with airborne capabilities. However, on 9 October 2020, General Zamrose Mohd Zain, the Chief of Army, elevated the brigade's status to that of a specialised light infantry unit. This reclassification positioned the 10 PARA BDE as the Malaysian Army's equivalent to the U.S. Army's 75th Ranger Regiment and the British Army's Specialised Infantry Group (now the Army Special Operations Brigade).^[43]

Officially established as Platun Pandura (Pathfinders Platoon) in 1995, Pandura, short for Pandu Udara (Malay for Pathfinder), originally served as a reconnaissance and pathfinding unit for the 10th Parachute Brigade (10 PARA BDE). Its role was comparable to the British Army's Pathfinder Platoon. Inspired by the United States Marine Corps (USMC) Force Recon, the platoon later underwent retraining in special operations. On 1 July 2008, it was upgraded to a company-sized unit and renamed the Pathfinders Company (Parachute) or Kompeni Pandura (Payung Terjun) in Malay.^[47]

The Pandura Company is both a Pathfinder and Special Operations Force within the 10 PARA BDE, operating directly under the brigade commander. It exclusively recruits paratroopers from within the brigade, earning its reputation as an elite unit among the elite forces. In August 2021, Pandura Company added combat diving to its skill set, enabling its paratroopers to parachute into the sea and swim to shore, further enhancing its versatility.^[48]

During operations involving parachute insertions, Pandura personnel are deployed days or even weeks ahead of the main forces. They conduct reconnaissance, gather intelligence, and prepare drop zones (DZ) and helicopter landing sites (HLS) for the incoming troops. Additionally, they serve as forward observers for the brigade's artillery, with the ability to coordinate and adjust artillery fire, as well as air and naval gunfire support.^[47]

Today, the Pandura Company is regarded as the Malaysian Army's equivalent to the USMC Force Recon and the French Army's Commando Parachute Group.

The Royal Intelligence Corps (RIC) (Malay: Kor Risik Diraja—KRD) is the largest military intelligence unit in Malaysia. As a key component of the Malaysian Defence Intelligence Organisation (MDIO), the RIC encompasses a range of intelligence and combat capabilities, including several dedicated combat units.^[49]

Established in 1972, the 91 Gerup Operasi Perisikan (91 GOP) serves as the combat intelligence special forces unit of the Royal Intelligence Corps. Formerly known as the 91st Combat Intelligence Special Service Regiment (Malay: 91 Rejimen Khas Perisikan Tempur—91 RKPT), its origins trace back to a detachment of special forces from Gerak Khas being attached to the RIC. Today, officers and other ranks aspiring to join this unit must undergo the rigorous Malaysian Special Forces selection process, similar to other special forces units.^[50]

During its early years, one of the primary roles of 91 RKPT was to support the secret agents of the 92nd Military Special Branch (Malay: 92 Anggota Tentera Cawangan Khas—92 ATCK) by providing firepower. The unit was also tasked with:^[50]

• Delivering real-time human intelligence (HUMINT) to the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF).
• Rescuing compromised agents.
• Conducting small raids on communist camps.

Today, most of 91 GOP's operations are classified. However, during the Malaysian Armed Forces' Open Day in 2019, it was revealed that the unit provides special forces personnel to the Malaysian Defence Intelligence Organisation. Its members are highly trained in jungle and unconventional warfare, with Orang Asli often prioritised for recruitment due to their exceptional skills and knowledge of the terrain.^[51][52]

The 91 GOP is comparable to the British Army's Special Reconnaissance Regiment and the U.S. Army Intelligence Support Activity (ISA).

The 165th Military Intelligence Battalion (165 MIB) (Malay: Batalion 165 Risik Tentera Darat) was officially formed on 26 July 2008. It is a combat intelligence unit within the Royal Intelligence Corps and plays a vital role in reconnaissance and surveillance. The unit specialises in covert operations, infiltrating enemy lines to gather critical intelligence.^[53][54]

The 165 MIB is equipped with state-of-the-art intelligence gathering systems, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Its personnel are trained in various insertion methods (air, sea, and land) to integrate seamlessly with elite forces like the 10th Parachute Brigade (10 PARA BDE) and the 21st Special Service Group (21 SSG) as intelligence support.^[54]

The battalion also operates in joint missions with foreign forces. For example, in 2017, 165 MIB personnel supported the French Army's infantry unit in intelligence operations during the Helang Gagah military exercise.^[55]

The 165 MIB is the Malaysian Army's equivalent of the U.S. Air Force Special Reconnaissance.

The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) is one of the three branches of the Malaysian Armed Forces. It serves as Malaysia's primary naval defence force, distinct from the Malaysian Coast Guard, which operates under a different jurisdiction. While classified as a green-water navy, the RMN has demonstrated the capability to operate in open-ocean environments, often in collaboration with other nations' naval forces. For example, RMN units frequently participate in joint military exercises with the U.S. Navy in Hawaii and contribute to international anti-piracy operations in the Indian Ocean.

The RMN also maintains two elite units:

The Naval Special Forces, or Pasukan Khas Laut (PASKAL) in Malay, serve as the Royal Malaysian Navy's special forces and operate under the Naval Special Forces Command. Established in 1977 as the Naval Commando Unit, its initial role focused on protecting RMN ships, bases, and ports, akin to the 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines. By 1982, PASKAL's responsibilities expanded to include the defence of Malaysia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

PASKAL's lineage indirectly connects to the Malaysian Special Service Unit (MSSU), Malaysia's first modern special forces unit. Some ex-MSSU members returned to the RMN, contributing to the formation of the Naval Commando Unit. The Naval Commando Unit received diverse and rigorous training from various nations:

• Indonesian Marine Corps Jungle Commando Course—Inspiring the adoption of the magenta beret.
• Indonesian Navy KOPASKA Commando Course
• Royal Marines Commando Course—Inspiring the adoption of the Fairbairn-Sykes commando knife and dark-blue lanyard.
• Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) Training—Inspiring the adoption of the Malaysia's version of the Navy SEAL Trident.

This international training shaped PASKAL’s distinct identity. Today, graduates of the RMN Special Forces Selection are awarded the magenta beret, a Fairbairn-Sykes commando knife, and the Trimedia, Malaysia's version of the Navy SEAL Trident. To join, RMN officers and sailors must complete the Malaysian Special Forces Selection.^[56][57]

The PASKAL is the RMN's equivalent of the Royal Navy's Special Boat Service and U.S Navy's SEAL Team Six.

The Naval Diving and Mine Warfare Command (NDMW), established in 2013, specialises in clearance diving, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), and salvage diving. This command succeeded the Naval Diving Unit, which was founded in 1965 at the RMN Woodlands Naval Base. Over time, the unit evolved, merging with the Navy Diving School in 1998 to form KD Duyong (Royal Malaysian Navy Mine Warfare and Diving Centre). In 2013, NDMW became a separate command, while KD Duyong continued as a diving school.^{[58][59][60][61][62][63]}

Unlike PASKAL, NDMW is not classified as a special forces unit, though its members undergo portions of the Malaysian Special Forces Selection. Based at Lumut Naval Base, NDMW consists of specialised teams:^{[58][60][61][62][63]}

NDMW Teams and Roles^[59]

Name	Responsibility	Task
Team 1	Underwater Rescue and Salvage	Team 1 specialises in underwater rescues and salvage operations involving Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) ships, vessels, and submarines. Their primary role is to respond to incidents in open waters, ensuring the safety and recovery of RMN assets. This includes clearing stranded vessels that obstruct RMN ship routes. In addition to their core responsibilities, Team 1 may assist with similar incidents involving non-RMN ships or vessels. Some of Team 1’s divers are assigned to specific RMN assets, such as the submarine rescue ship MV Mega Bakti and minesweeper ships like the KD Mahameru, KD Jerai, KD Ledang, and KD Kinabalu, enhancing their capability to respond to diverse maritime challenges.[64]
Team 2	Shallow-water Mine Countermeasures	Team 2 is an underwater demolition unit specialising in clearing mines and explosives along coastlines to facilitate amphibious landing operations. Their primary mission is to ensure the safety of landing zones by neutralising underwater threats, making them a critical component of amphibious warfare. During large-scale amphibious operations, PASKAL and Pathfinders Company reconnaissance teams are deployed to conduct beach reconnaissance ahead of the main landing force. Team 2 divers are often embedded with these teams, providing essential mine clearance capabilities to secure the area. Notably, some members of Team 2 are parachute-trained, enabling them to deploy via air for rapid and flexible insertion into mission zones.
Team 3	Special operations EOD	Team 3 is a Special Operations Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit attached to PASKAL's Maritime Counter-Terrorism (MCT) teams. Its members are highly trained in all aspects of special operations, including MCT tactics and various insertion methods, such as sea, air, and land deployments. The primary role of Team 3 is to deliver onboard EOD support during maritime counter-terrorism missions. This includes neutralising explosive threats and ensuring the safety of vessels and personnel during high-stakes operations. Their expertise enhances the operational effectiveness of PASKAL MCT teams in combating maritime threats.
Team 4	Fleet's Diving and EOD Support	Team 4 primarily provides diving support as well as port and harbour clearance services for the Royal Malaysian Navy's (RMN) naval fleets and bases. Team 4 divers are strategically stationed across all ports, jetties, harbours, and military ships under the RMN's jurisdiction. As first responders, they are responsible for addressing operations and emergencies occurring near their assigned locations. Their readiness and proximity to key naval facilities ensure swift action in situations requiring underwater expertise, such as clearing obstructions, inspecting hulls, or conducting underwater maintenance.

NDMW personnel are identifiable by the naval diver's skill badges and EOD skill badges on their uniforms. The NDMW provides critical support in underwater operations, mine countermeasures, and fleet support. It is comparable to the Royal Navy Diving & Threat Exploitation Group, the U.S. Navy Underwater Demolition Teams, and the Royal Australian Navy Clearance Diving Branch.

There is one Special Force and one Close Protection Unit in the Royal Malaysian Air Force.

The Pasukan Khas TUDM (PASKAU; 'RMAF Special Forces') is a special force of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF). It was established on 1 April 1980 as the Air and Ground Defence Force (Malay: Pasukan Pertahanan Darat dan Udara – HANDAU) as a response to a Malayan Communist Party mortar attack at Kuala Lumpur RMAF Airbase, which resulted in one aircraft being lightly damaged in both 1974 and 1979.^[65] A cadre of RMAF airmen were sent to PLPK (now PULPAK) to receive Commando training and formed the first HANDAU squadron, the 102 HANDAU Squadron, in 1980.^[66] HANDAU squadrons were placed under one command/headquarter—The RMAF Security Regiment Headquarters (known as the RMAF Regiment since 1993). Initially tasked as an elite security force to RMAF airbases, on 1 June 1993, HANDAU Squadrons was renamed to RMAF Provost Squadrons and two special operations elements were added to the regiment. In 1996, the elements of the special operations were organised into one combat force—Pasukan Khas Udara (PKU; 'Air Special Forces'). The PKU strength and capabilities were included with counter-terrorism, unconventional warfare and combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions.^[65] In 1999, the RMAF Provost was separated from the RMAF Regiment and in 2002, the PKU was renamed to its current name, Pasukan Khas TUDM (PASKAU).

A PASKAU operative can be identified by the light blue beret with red cap badge backings and the light blue lanyard. The PASKAU is equivalent to the U.S. Air Force Special Tactics Squadron.

On 1 June 1993, the HANDAU was renamed to the RMAF Provost (Military police of the RMAF). Presently there is a small, specially trained team in the RMAF Provost tasked with the close protection assignment. The CET is specialised in protecting high-ranking military personnel, VIPs and also can be assigned to protect aircraft.^[67] To join the CET, airmen from RMAF Provost need to endure the three week RMAF Close Escort Course. During the course, airmen are given the law, ethics, threats, first aid, protocol, advance firearms and driving training. Upon completing the course, they are given a red beret. CET wears the same red cap badge backings as the PASKAU.^[68] The CET is equivalent to the U.S. Air Force Security Forces Phoenix Raven and the British Army Royal Military Police Close Protection Unit.

The Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) is the federal police force of Malaysia. It consists of multiple Criminal Investigation Departments/Divisions (CID), an intelligence branch, traffic police, water police, riot police, tourist police, paramilitary force and so on. Most of the departments and branches have their own elite unit. However, only Special Actions Unit and 69 Commando can be formally qualified as Special Forces and both of them are placed under the Pasukan Gerakan Khas (Special Forces Command—SFC) of the RMP.

The Special Actions Unit, popularly known by UTK which it is an acronym for its local name—Unit Tindak Khas but always spelled as Unit Tindakhas, is a special force and Police Tactical Unit of RMP. It is the oldest and the most experienced counter-terrorism unit in Malaysia. Established on 1 January 1975, the UTK is specially trained for counter-terrorism missions in developed areas, hostage rescue mission and also provides 24 hours close protection to high ranking government executives and their spouses (Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Ministers, former Prime Minister etc.), airborne operation, underwater operation and sometimes jungle operation. It is also tasked to provide firepower for the CIDs. During its early establishment, they were specially trained by the British Army 22nd Special Air Service (22 SAS) for urban combat. However, due to threat of terrorism they begin to have airborne unit, combat diver unit and jungle unit to encounter various type of terrorism. The relationship between the UTK and the SAS are shown on UTK's insignia.

The UTK is the Detachment A in the RMP SFC and its members can be identified by their maroon beret. The maroon beret worn by its members has a blueish shade (bordeaux colour or wine colour) The unit is the equivalent to a combination of the German Federal Police GSG 9, Hostage Rescue Team and the U.S. Secret Service.

The 69 Commando, popularly known as the Very Able Troops 69 (VAT 69), is a special force of the RMP. Established in 1969, the VAT 69 was initially an elite counter-insurgency force for RMP's paramilitary force, the Police Field Forces (also known as Jungle Police Forces, now known as General Operations Force (GOF). Modelled after the Special Air Service (SAS), a group of instructors from British SAS were sent to Fort Kemar, Perak in 1969 to supervise the RMP commando course. 30 police officers passed the course thus forming the nucleus of the team called the Jungle Squad 69. The second and third batch of Jungle Squad 69 was trained by instructors from the New Zealand Special Air Service. The VAT 69 was actively involved in counter-insurgency operations during the Second Malayan Emergency. After the Second Malayan Emergency officially ended in 1990, its role was upgraded to include urban counter-terrorism trained by the UTK. In 1997, RMP SFC was established, and both UTK and VAT 69 were placed under the SFC. Since then, the role of urban counter-terrorism for both UTK and VAT 69 was divided by states.

The VAT 69 is the Detachment B in the RMP SFC and its members can be identified by its sand-coloured beret like the beret worn by the British and New Zealand SAS. VAT 69 is equivalent to the Indian Central Armed Police Forces COBRA and the Colombian National Police Jungla Commandos [es].

The Marine Assault Team, popularly known by UNGERIN which it is an abbreviation of its local name—Unit Gempur Marin—is an elite Police Tactical Unit of the RMP's water police branch, the Marine Operations Force (MOF). Established in 2006, the UNGERIN is a combat diver unit specially trained for littoral and riverine operations. It roles including coastal reconnaissance, recovery and protection of fishing vessels and fishermen's villages, conducting maritime counter-terrorism and assisting Navy, Coast Guard and Customs for maritime-related operations. It is also responsible for patrolling at ports, lakes, dams and islands alongside regular MOF policemen. During its establishment, 30 frogmen from the 69 Commando Boat Team were transferred to the MOF and formed the RMP Combat Divers Unit. In 2008, the unit's name was changed to its present name. Nowadays, the UNGERIN only recruits its member from the MOF. Candidates are trained by instructors from the 69 Commando Boat Team. Its operators also receive training from U.S. Navy SEALs and the U.S. Coast Guard.

All UNGERIN frogmen don a light blue beret like that of the regular MOF policemen. The only difference is the combat diver skill badge on their uniform. UNGERIN is equivalent to the NYPD Scuba Team.

The Tiger Platoon is an elite Police Tactical Unit of the RMP's General Operations Force (GOF). After the 69 Commando was transferred from the GOF to the RMP SFC, the commanders of GOF concluded that the GOF needed another unit with capability like to that of the 69 Commando. All five brigades of the GOF are needed to train a special operations platoon for each brigade. An existing GOF unit of each brigade was re-trained to fills the task.^[69] The Tiger Platoon directly receives its orders from the GOF Brigade Commander. The Tiger Platoon's roles to include conducting counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism, Search and Rescue (SAR) and assisting Police SFC operations. GOF Tiger Platoons are assisted by operators from UTK, and VAT 69 is attached to the platoons in terms of training and technical aspects.^[70]

Tiger Platoon is the premier Police Tactical Unit for the Sabah and Sarawak police contingent. This is because of both Sabah and Sarawak are far from UTK and Commando 69 headquarters. Tiger Platoon is equivalent to the U.S. State Police SWAT and the German State Police SEK.

The Unit Tindakan Cepat (English: Quick Actions Unit), popularly known only as UTC, is the SWAT team for the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) D9 Branch (Special Investigation Division) of RMP.^[71] Established in 1970, it was initially formed to handle threats from Chinese triads. In the 80s, Malay and Indian organised crime syndicates began to grow, thus the D9 was tasked with handling all high-risk operations against organised crime groups.^[72][73] The D9 teams were spread to all state police contingents to assist contingent-level CIDs.

The D9 currently is not a Semi-elite Police Tactical Unit, however, they are better trained and equipped than conventional policemen. In 2014, three Special Forces Equivalent Police Tactical Units were established for the CID and Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division (NCID). The units are the Special Task Force On Organised Crime (STAFOC), Special Tactics and Intelligence Narcotics Group (STING) and Special Task Force for Anti-Vice, Gambling and Gangsterism (STAGG). Unlike D9, all the three new units were trained by the Police SFC, and D9 was tasked to assist the STAFOC and STAGG operations.^[72] All three units were dissolved in 2018, and D9 was expected to take over the duty left behind by the three units. The D9 is equivalent to London's Metropolitan Police Service Specialist firearms officer.

Senoi Praaq is Semai Language for War People. The Malay spelling is Senoi Praak. It is a paramilitary police unit that only recruits its member from Orang Asli. The Senoi Praaq is attached to the RMP paramilitary force—the General Operations Force (GOF). The role of the Senoi Praaq is like that of conventional GOF battalions, however, as jungle experts, they are also tasked with the Special Tracker role. Established in 1956 during the British Military Administration in Malaya, the Senoi Praaq was initially a commando unit trained by the Malayan Scouts (precursor of the British Army's 22 SAS) to assist them as an auxiliary force during the Malayan Emergency. After the Malayan Emergency ended, the unit was demoted from commando status to specialised paramilitary in the Department of Aboriginals (now known as Department of Orang Asli Development). In 1968, the Senoi Praaq was attached under RMP GOF and made into the GOF's 3rd Battalion. While no longer a Special Air Service Auxiliary Force, its members still carry out their traditions by wearing the maroon beret (the then colour of the SAS beret before it is changed to its current sand colour) bestowed on them by the Malayan Scouts after finishing their commando training.

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has been internationally identified as the Malaysia Coast Guard since 2017. Formed in 2005, the MMEA is tasked to monitor the air and coast and enforce the law inside the Malaysia Maritime Zone (MMZ). MMEA can be integrated with the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) during an emergency, armed conflict or war as a naval armed force.

The Special Task and Rescue Team, known by its acronym STAR, is a special force of the MMEA. All STAR operators are commando trained through the MAF Basic Commando Course, at the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) Commando School or the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Commando School. STAR operators are spread out to all Maritime Districts in Malaysia. Because of this, the STAR is a quick reaction force tasked to deal with all piracy activities that happen within the MMZ. These tasks are shared with PASKAL of RMN and UNGERIN of the Royal Malaysian Police Marine Operations Force.

Established in 2005, a few of PASKAU and PASKAL operators were transferred to MMEA and formed the STAR nucleus team. The team is fully trained as a heliborne anti-piracy force and can be deployed via helicopter or small boat. Its members can be identified by their scarlet red beret.

The STAR is equivalent to the U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) and Maritime Security Response Team (MSRT).

MMEA is the main government agency responsible for managing Maritime Search And Rescue tasks in Malaysia.^[74] One Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre (MRCC) and five Maritime Rescue Sub-Centres (MRSC) are established to perform and coordinate search and rescue operations at sea in the area of the Malaysian Maritime Search and Rescue Region (MSSR).^[75] MMEA rescue swimmers are attached to the MRCC and MRSC and on 24 hour standby. The specially trained swimmers are tasked to perform maritime search and rescue within the MMZ and can be deployed via air and sea. The task of carrying out air-sea rescue is shared with the PASKAU Maritime Para Rescue Team (MPRT). The MMEA Rescue Swimmer is equivalent to the U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer and the U.S. Navy Rescue Swimmer.

The Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia or FRDM is the federal-level fire and rescue agency in Malaysia. The term Special Forces are used by FRDM for its elite specially trained fire and rescue units. Members of the FRDM's Special Rescue Units can be identified by a unit patch on the right shoulder. Units trained in jungle survival have a tactical knife logo in their unit patch. Some of the units have their own distinctive uniform.

Unit Name	Abbr.	EST.	Responsibility	Notes/Task
Water Rescue Unit Pasukan Penyelamat Di Air	PPDA	1987	Underwater search and rescue	Scuba-trained firefighter specialised in conducting underwater Search and Rescue (SAR)
Special Forces Boat Team Jurumudi Khas		1987	Water search and rescue	Firefighter trained as a small boat coxswain and crew to assist water SAR operations. Its members are trained in water rescue.
Hazardous Materials Unit Team	HAZMAT	29 Oct 1992	Hazardous materials management	Handling hazardous chemical spills. Decontaminate FRDM personnel that handle hazardous chemicals. Handling radioactive and radiation-emitting materials. Handling fire caused by hazardous materials. Handling chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear exposure (CBRNe) during wartime
Multi-Skills Team	MUST	11 Sept 1998	Heliborne high-readiness multi-role team	Helicopter-borne firefighter team with multiple capabilities. The MUST can be inserted in high-rise buildings via helicopter. Some of its members are certified Air traffic controllers (ATC) and able to assist the FRDM's helicopter as a ground crew.[76] A team of FRDM's heliborne rescue swimmer is attached to the MUST.[77]
FRDM Special Air Unit Pasukan Khas Udara Bomba	PASKUB	11 Sept 1998	Airborne firefighters	Firefighters trained in air operations as helicopter crew, winch operator and paramedic. A team of parachute-trained firefighters called the FRDM Smoke Jumpers is attached to the PASKUB.
Canine Unit Unit Pengesan Bomba (K9)	K9 Unit	26 Apr 2002	Specialised K9 unit	Specially trained dog and dog handlers to assist SAR operations and fire investigation. Both the dogs and their handlers are trained to operate in the jungle.
Rapid Intervention Motorcycle Team	RIM	29 Nov 2004	High-speed urban firefighting and rescue team	Firefighters equipped with Superbike to avoid traffic jam in big cities. Basic firefighting and rescue equipment are split among three Superbikes and can be reassembled at a fire scene.
Emergency Medical Rescue Services Team Pasukan Paramedik Khas	EMRS	2006	Specialised paramedic	Specially trained paramedics to assist other FRDM Special Force firefighters. EMRS firefighters are specially trained in treating injuries caused by hazardous materials, burn and traffic accident. Some of its members are trained in parachute, HAZMAT and scuba.

The Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Team of Malaysia, or STORM, is the most elite unit in FRDM. Established in March 2011, the STORM is a part of Malaysian Rapid Deployment Forces (Malay: Pasukan Aturgerak Cepat — PAC) like the Malaysian Army 10th Parachute Brigade but with different tasks and roles. The overall winner of 2017 Singapore–Global Firefighters & Paramedic Challenge, STORM is the only unit in FRDM specially trained in Heavy USAR operations and Airplane and Helicopter crash operations.

Dubbed as the Komando Bomba ('Firefighter Commando'), it is the hardest unit to enter compared to other FRDM Special Forces, and most of its members are drawn from other FRDM Special Forces such as the Water Rescue Unit, EMRS, HAZMAT and MUST. Because the STORM is part of the Rapid Deployment Forces, the admittance course is arduous and almost if not on par with the basic commando course or rapid deployment course. They often work together with the federal government special rescue task force, SMART, and Malaysian Civil Defence Department's SPIDER Team.

The Mountain Search and Rescue Team (Malay: Pasukan Bantuan Mencari dan Menyelamat Gunung), or MoSAR, is the elite unit of the Auxiliary Firefighter Force (Malay: Pasukan Bomba Bantuan — PBB). Established on 23 June 2015, the MoSAR only opens its membership to auxiliary firefighters with mountaineering experience. This team is on par with other FRDM Special Forces. Its nucleus team was formed with 20 auxiliary firefighters who also worked full-time as Mount Kinabalu mountain guides. They are currently only active in Sabah.

The Swift Actions Troop, popularly known by the acronym TTC, for its local name—Trup Tindakan Cepat—is the elite team of Malaysian Prison Department. Established on 3 October 2005, the first TTC batch received counter-terrorism training at the Special Warfare Training Centre (PULPAK). Later batches received CT training from 69 Commando at the Royal Malaysia Police General Operations Force Training Centre, in Ulu Kinta. The TTC duties include transporting high-risk inmates, extracting uncooperative prisoners from their cells, daily full cell searches and high-profile security, barricaded persons, riots, mass arrest, high risk/high-profile transport and hostage situations, as well as to assist Unit Kawalan Dan Pencegahan (the Riot control units of Malaysian Prison Department) in crowd control. The TTC officers wear a scarlet red beret. The TTC is equivalent to the Russian Federal Penitentiary Service OSN Saturn and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons Special Operations Response Team.

The Special Tactical Team of the Immigration Department (Malay: Pasukan Taktikal Khas Jabatan Imigresen), better known as PASTAK, is the elite team for the Immigration Department of Malaysia (IM). Established on 13 February 2018, PASTAK is the successor to Negeri Sembilan branch IM SWAT Unit, the Grup Taktikal Khas (Special Tactical Group, EST. January 2014). PASTAK was entrusted by the IM to handle high-profile cases, raids and operations.^[78][79]

40 trainees were sent by IM to receive intensive training at the General Operations Force Training Centre, in Ulu Kinta. There, trainees received physical and counter-terrorism training possibly from 69 Commando instructors.PASTAK personnel then were trained by 91st Intelligence Operations Group (Royal Intelligent Corps) for basic and further elite forces training. The trainees were bestowed with a dark brown PASTAK beret at the end of their training.^[78] The PASTAK is equivalent to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Special Response Teams.

The Customs Operational Battle Force Response Assault (Malay: Pasukan Tempur Operasi Medan Kastam), or popularly known by its acronym COBRA, is the elite team of the Royal Malaysian Customs. Established on 28 November 2016, COBRA's main task is to protect the customs raiding team from all kinds of threats and to eliminate high-profile threats. COBRA trainees receive counter-terrorism training at the General Operations Force Training Centre, Ulu Kinta. The COBRA is equivalent to German Customs Service Zentrale Unterstützungsgruppe Zoll and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Special Response Teams.

The Special Disaster and Emergency Response Team (Malay: Pasukan Khas APM), better known by its acronym SPIDER Team, is the Special Rescue Unit of the Malaysia Civil Defence Force. Established on 15 August 2008 as Pasukan Khas Pertahanan Awam (PASPA), the team was renamed to its current name on 1 August 2017.^[80] The selection course lasts for six months and the trainees are trained by the SMART at SMART HQ, Puchong. Members wear a blue beret.

The Special Tactical Response and Investigation Key Enforcers (STRIKE) is a specialised unit within the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) in Malaysia that is dedicated to conducting raids, investigations, and arrests related to drug offenses, particularly those involving high-risk and high-value targets. Their primary objective is to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking networks and syndicates, as well as to prevent the proliferation of illegal drugs within the country.

The Anti-Corruption Tactical Squad (ACTS) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is a specialised unit trained in close-quarter combat and tactical operations to enhance their readiness and operational effectiveness. The unit undergoes training at facilities such as the PDRM Shooting Range in Kampar and the Close Quarters Battle (CQB) Complex of the 69 Commando PDRM in Ulu Kinta, although these exercises are not conducted by PDRM personnel. The successful completion of their training is marked by the presentation of ceremonial berets, the symbolic keramat knives, and badges by the Chief Commissioner of the MACC, Tan Sri Dato' Sri Azam Baki.^[81]

The E3F squad, codenamed the F Team, was a small, top secret intelligence unit of the Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) Special Branch (SB). Established in 1971 by Superintendent Leong Chee Woh (now Datuk), F Team's main mission was to conduct human intelligence gathering (HUMINT) from the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) for the SB and Royal Malaysian Police (RMP).^[82][83] Most of F Team's secret agents were recruited from the RMP Jungle Squad (now known as the General Operations Force) and a few were recruited from surrendered CPM soldiers. F Team was sometimes involved in joint operations with the Malaysian Army commandos, the Grup Gerak Khas.^[84] The F Team was dissolved in 1995.^[82] Its existence was kept secret by the SB for more than 45 years, and only in 2016 was the existence of the F Team revealed to the public.^[85] There is no information for the unit succeeding the F Team. F Team secret agents were equivalent to Secret Agents of the Russian Internal Intelligence Agency, the Federal Security Service.

The Special Task Force On Organised Crime (Malay: Pasukan Tugas Khas Melawan Jenayah Terancang), or STAFOC, was the Special Forces Equivalent Police Tactical Unit for the RMP Criminal Investigation Division (CID). It was established in January 2014 to make the CID more operationally independent, make any information on raids and operations less likely to be leaked out by the organised crime syndicates informants. STAFOC and CID successfully dealt with many cases and taken down large crime syndicates. STAFOC was disbanded, along with STING and STAGG, in June 2018 after the change of government in the 2018 General Election.

The Special Tactics and Intelligence Narcotics Group (Malay: Pasukan Khas Taktikal dan Perisikan Narkotik), or STING, was the Special Forces Equivalent Police Tactical Unit for the RMP Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division (NCID). Established in January 2014 for the same reason as STAFOC, however, working with the NCID, it was disbanded in June 2018.

The Special Task Force for Anti-Vice, Gambling and Gangsterism (Malay: Pasukan Khas Anti Maksiat, Perjudian dan Gengsterisme), or STAGG, was the Special Forces Equivalent Police Tactical Unit for RMP CID D7 Branch (Gambling/Vice/Secret Societies). Established in December 2014 for the same reason as STAFOC for the CID's D7 Branch, it was disbanded in June 2018.

Also known as NSOF, this task force was established in October 2016 as a response to ISIS and terror threats throughout the Southeast Asia region. In 2016, ISIS threats were happening in neighbouring countries of Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia. To stop the threats from coming to Malaysia, a small but effective special operations forces with intelligence and counter-terrorism (CT) capabilities was formed. It is based at Fort Perdana, Kuala Lumpur and answers only to the top government executive—i.e. the Prime minister. The NSOF Commander directly reports to the Jawatankuasa Perancang Gerakan Kebangsaan (JPGK; 'National Movement Planning Committee') which consists of the Chief of Defence Forces and the Inspector-General of Police. The JPGK reports directly to the Prime Minister. Under the new government, the NSOF was disbanded in October 2018.^[42][38] The Malaysian Armed Forces plan to establish a special forces command to fills the gap after the NSOF disbandment.^[42]

The NSOF was the most elite unit in Malaysia as NSOF recruits its members from the top national CT unit—Unit Lawan Keganasan (ULK) Counter Terrorism Unit) of 11 RGK (Grup Gerak Khas), the Maritime Counter Terrorism (MCT) teams of PASKAL, the Flight Hostage Rescue Team (FHRT) of PASKAU, the Counter Terrorist Team (CTT) of VAT 69 Commando and the CT team equivalent for Special Task and Rescue (STAR) and Special Actions Unit. Special operations operators are required to undergo six months of training before beginning at the NSOF. The first batch of operators selected to join the NSOF was required to serve with the NSOF for three years. Future batches will be serving with NSOF for a minimum of two years.

The NSOF is equivalent to the Russian FSB Alpha Group and the United States Special Forces Command.

The Pasukan Tindakan Khas ('Special Actions Team'), better known by its acronym PTK, is the SWAT team of the Road Transport Department Malaysia (Malay: Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan — JPJ).^[86] Established on 10 April 2016, the PTK's primary role is to overcome threats from organised crime syndicate-related crimes that involve road transportation such as luxury car theft, smuggling and VIN cloning.^[87] Their primary role also includes infiltrating organised theft rings as secret agents together with Royal Malaysia Police Criminal Investigation Division (CID) D7 Branch (Gambling/Vice/Secret Societies).^[88][89] Its secondary role is to undertake high speed car chases on highways.^[90] The PTK trainees receive counter-terrorism training at the General Operations Force Training Centre, Ulu Kinta.^[90]

In July 2017, the PTK Operation was suspended following an incident where three of its members forcibly entered the office of the Road Transport Department (JPJ) Director-General. While plans exist for its reinstatement, there is no public confirmation of its reactivation.^[91]