BAKA

History

A police force has been in existence in what is today called Malaysia since the days of the Malacca Sultanate. Malacca's canonical law created what was essentially a police force in Malaysia in the fifteenth century, through the institution of the Temenggung and Hulubalang, or royal warriors. During the Sultan of Malacca's absence, the Bendahara, or Prime Minister, held absolute authority, with the power to hand out sentences, but it was the Temenggung who acted as the Police Chief or Inspector General of Police. His tasks were to arrest criminals, build jails and implement sentences. Apart from the Temenggung, there were a number of Penghulu or village chiefs who had the duty of policing their respective villages. Their main tasks included tax collection, law enforcement and preserving village security. These Malacca police systems ended when, on 10 August 1511, a Portuguese fleet led by Afonso de Albuquerque conquered Malacca for the Portuguese crown. Police duties were then largely performed by the Portuguese soldiers.

During the sixteenth century, Malaysia became a cosmopolitan society and the Portuguese government introduced the Kapitan administration. On 14 January 1641, however, the Portuguese lost Malacca to the Dutch Empire, when the Dutch invaded with the help of soldiers from Johor state, at a time when the Portuguese were at war with the Sultanate of Acheh. The Dutch retained the Kapitan system, but when the growing number of Europeans in Malaysia made change necessary, a police force known as the 'Burgher Guard' was established. The Burgher Guard was controlled by the Dutch, but their subordinates were made up of the local citizens. Village leaders continued to assume the duties of policemen under Dutch rule, as they had since before the Portuguese arrived.

Following the assimilation of Malacca into the British Empire in 1795, a modern police organisation in Malaysia was formed, on 25 March 1807, after the Charter of Justice in Penang was granted, with Penang being the first to form a police force. 25 March is today marked as Police Day in Malaysia. Most of the officers were of British origin. Later, this organisation was developed in the Straits Settlements and other Malay states, particularly the Federated Malay States. At that time, independent police forces were established for each respective state. Only after World War II was a central police organisation formed, known as the Civil Affairs Police Force. This organisation was formed in Malaya and led by a British colonial, H.B. Longworthy, who had to stabilise the police forces after the anarchy of Japanese occupation. One of the immediate problems faced by the police at this time was the rebellion of the communist party. During the confrontation between Malaysia and Indonesia, which lasted from 1963 to 1965, the police force, along with military forces, fought against the infiltration of Indonesian forces into the states of Johor and Sabah.

Insignia

The flag and insignia of the Royal Malaysia Police has a blue-coloured background which symbolises the Malaysian masses. In the centre of the flag is the PDRM symbol coloured silver or white. The police symbol is made up of an intersected Kris and Ilang / Klewang machete. Above the PDRM symbol, there is a tiger head in a garland of Paddy flowers, with a scroll underneath bearing the name Polis Diraja Malaysia. Arabic lettering in the Crown includes the words Allah on the right and Muhammad on the left.

Moon and star

The Moon and Star symbolises Islam as the official religion of Malaysia.

Crown

The crown, depicted on the Royal Malaysia Police insignia, is a panegyric reference to the King of Malaysia, bestowing the "Royal" title to its name. The words Allah and Muhammad in Arabic, which respectively symbolize Allah the Almighty and Muhammad as the Messenger, signifies Islam as the official religion and faith of RMP personnel are willing to uphold justice and the security of the people of Malaysia.

Kris and the Ilang sword

The Kris is an important symbol of the Malay Peninsula. This particular weapon was used by Malay warriors in the past. According to Frey (2003), who concluded from Sir Stamford Raffles' (1817) study of the Candi Sukuh, the kris came into existence around AD 1361. Others believe that early forms were inspired by the daggers of the Dong-Son in Vietnam (circa 300 BC). In the temples of Borobudur (825 CE) and Prambanan (850CE), renderings of the Kris have been found.

The traditional machete, Ilang or Klewang symbolises the states of Sarawak and Sabah in East Malaysia and it represents the spirit of heroism of a multitude of ethnic tribes such as the Dayak, Dusun, Bajau and Kadazan.

Tiger head

The tiger head symbolises courage, strength and spirits of RMP.

Paddy flower

Paddy flower is a reference to paddy and rice, the staple food for Malaysians and it signifies national prosperity.

Motto

The RMP motto represents team spirit and determination.

Sang Saka Biru

The PDRM flag is called the Blue Perennial or Sang Saka Biru; each colour has its own distinctive meaning and the flag symbolises the force's pride and integrity.

Police pledge

Section 20 (3) Police Act 1967 stipulates that the duties of the Royal Malaysia Police personnel are as follows:

Apprehending all persons whom he is by law authorised to apprehend;

Processing security intelligence;

Conducting prosecutions;

Giving assistance in the carrying out of any law relating to revenue, excise, sanitation, quarantine, immigration and registration;

Giving assistance in the preservation of order in the ports, harbours and airports of Malaysia, and in enforcing maritime and port regulations;

Executing summonses, subpoenas, warrants, commitments and other process lawfully issued by any competent authority;

Exhibiting information;

Protecting unclaimed and lost property and finding the owners thereof;

Seizing stray animals and placing them in a public pound;

Giving assistance in the protection of life and property;

Protecting public property from loss or injury;

Attending the criminal courts and, if specially ordered, the civil courts, and keeping order therein; and

Escorting and guarding prisoners and other persons in the custody of the police.

Police ranks

Gazetted officers

Rank and Files officers

Lower ranks of police officers apart from Sub-Inspectors wear their rank insignia on the right sleeve of their uniforms. Sub-Inspectors and higher ranks wear their rank insignia on epaulettes on both shoulders.

Prior to 16 February 1996, the police rank were translated from English such as Deputy Commissioner of Police translated as Timbalan Pesuruhjaya Polis. After 16 February 1996, the police rank were translated from Bahasa Malaysia such as Deputy Commissioner of Police translated as Deputi Komisioner Polis, however the abbreviation of police rank would still be in English.

RMP organisational structure

RMP is distributed into over 1000 police stations, with several stations making up a police district. The Officer in-Charge of Police Station (OCS) reports to the Officer in-Charge of Police District (OCPD).

Apart from the three departments involved in the administration: the Management Department and the Logistics & Technology Department and Integrity and Standards Compliance Department, RMP has seven departments involved in crime prevention: Criminal Investigation Department, Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department, Internal Security and Public Order Department, Special Branch, Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department, Commercial Crime Investigation Department and Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department. All departments are led by the directors with the rank of Commissioner of Police (Army Equivalent rank of Three Stars General or Lieutenant-General).

Staff departments

The Management Department is tasked with the routine of management and administration affairs of the RMP. This department is also the "nerve centre" of the RMP and acts as the support services platform for the rest of the force.

Functions

Service / Designation – Includes: Recruitment, Service Records Administration, Confirmations, Promotions, Transfers, Salaries & Allowances Administration and Retirements.

General Administration And Policy – Includes: General Administration, Research & Development, Civil Affairs, Welfare, Sports And PERKEP (Persatuan Keluarga Polis or Police's Family Association, generally social activities for the families of the policemen)

Training – Includes: Basic Course, Development Courses, Further Studies and Rehabilitation Courses.

Branches

Administration

Welfare

Training

Research & Development

Services / Designation

Public Affairs

Public Relations

Intake

Ceremonies

Camp Commandant

RMP Sports Council

The Management Department is headed by a Director with the rank of Commissioner of Police (CP) and assisted by four Deputy Directors namely Deputy Director of Management (Training), Deputy Director of Management (Administration), Deputy Director of Management (Services/Staffing) and Deputy Director of Management (Human Resource Policy Division).

Complaints Commission

Non-governmental organisations continued to press the government to create an Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC). In 2005 a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the police had recommended a wide range of reforms, including the establishment of an IPCMC by May 2006. Draft legislation to establish an IPCMC remained under consideration by the Attorney General at the end of the year. A range of other reform recommendations, including repeal or review of laws allowing for detention without trial or requiring police permits for public assemblies, were not implemented.

Demographics

As of 2021, Chinese and Indian constituted around 1.9% and 3% of the 123,000 officers and personnel in the country respectively while the majority rest are populated by the Malays and other natives. Among the reasons of the low Chinese enrollment are the stigma in the community where the children that join the police forces are not considered as good children. Meanwhile, some were restricted from joining due to their inability to achieve a credit score for Bahasa Malaysia during SPM examination. Social campaign and short-term rules relaxation was thrown to encourage more enrollment from the two communities.

Police Headquarters/Formation

Police Contingent

Bukit Aman Royal Malaysia Police Headquarter, Kuala Lumpur 3.148725°N 101.691584°E / 3.148725; 101.691584

Johor Contingent Police Headquarters, Johor 1.477227°N 103.764673°E / 1.477227; 103.764673

Kedah Contingent Police Headquarters, Kedah

Kelantan Contingent Police Headquarters, Kelantan

Kuala Lumpur Contingent Police Headquarters, Kuala Lumpur 3.142093°N 101.707142°E / 3.142093; 101.707142

Melaka Contingent Police Headquarters, Melaka

Negeri Sembilan Contingent Police Headquarters, Negeri Sembilan

Pahang Contingent Police Headquarters, Pahang

Perak Contingent Police Headquarters, Perak

Perlis Contingent Police Headquarters, Perlis

Pulau Pinang Contingent Police Headquarters, Pulau Pinang

Sabah Contingent Police Headquarters, Sabah

Sarawak Contingent Police Headquarters, Sarawak

Selangor Contingent Police Headquarters, Selangor

Terengganu Contingent Police Headquarters, Terengganu

General Operation Force (GOF)

Northern Region GOF Base

Centre Region GOF Base

South East Region GOF Base

Sabah Region GOF Base

Sarawak Region GOF Base

Special Police Force

69 Commando Police Base

Special Action Unit Police Base

Federal Reserve Unit (Anti Riot Police Force)

1st Federal Reserve Unit Base

2nd Federal Reserve Unit Base

3rd Federal Reserve Unit Base

4th Federal Reserve Unit Base

5th Federal Reserve Unit Base

6th Federal Reserve Unit Base

7th Federal Reserve Unit Base

Women Federal Reserve Unit Base

Horseman Federal Reserve Unit Base

Marine Operation Force

Northern Region water Police Base, Batu Uban, Pulau Pinang

East Region Marine Police Base, Kuantan, Pahang

Southern Region Marine Police Base, Johor Bahru, Johor

Sabah Region Marine Police Base, Sandakan, Sabah

Sarawak Region Marine Police Base, Kuching, Sarawak

Putrajaya Marine Police Base, Putrajaya

Air Operation Force

Peninsular Malaysia Region Air Police Base

Sabah Region Air Police Base

Sarawak Region Air Police Base

Police uniform and equipment

Prior to 1994, police officer was worn light blue uniform and worn along khaki/brown pants. On 17 January 1994, the new police uniform was introduced, dark navy blue long/short sleeve shirts are worn along with dark navy blue cargo pants.

A personal name tag is worn on the right side together with the police shield above it while the word "Polis" ("police" in Malay) is emblazoned in the other side. A police service number is under the name tag and a rank insignia on the right arm.

The Sam Browne belt was replaced by the brand new ballistic nylon police duty belt equipped with a standard issue Walther P99 or Px4 Storm handgun, two extra 10 round magazines, a pair of Hiatt Speedcuffs, a T-baton, a pepper spray, an LED torch and a walkie-talkie. Sometimes they are equipped with a Heckler & Koch MP5 sub-machine-gun during special situations.

Traffic officers wears white helmet or dark navy blue cap while on duty, a white long sleeve shirt with a reflective yellow vest, black riding pants with a yellow stripe and riding boots. Their equipment is the same as constables except that they have a whistle in their left pocket.

Firearms

M4 Carbine; replacing M16 rifles, the future standard issue rifles supplied by local company SME Ordnance

Royal Malaysia Police has acquired new submachine guns from CZ Company, a company in the Czech Republic. The New CZ Scorpion EVO 3 A1 9mm caliber is the latest generation Scorpion Sub Machine gun as part of a new market from Eastern Europe, and it will replace the existing MP5.

Vehicles

In early June, the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) began taking delivery of the first of its 425 new Honda Civic 1.8 S patrol cars which are equipped with RMPNeT communication equipment, dashboard cameras and digital video recorders, in order to replace Proton Wira and Proton Waja police cars in stages and will take on patrol and enforcement duties. The force is also set to add another 850 vehicles, consisting of 653 Civic 1.8s sedans and 197 units of Proton X70 SUVs, bringing the total replacement of the vehicles to 1,275 units to completely modernise its patrol vehicle fleet.

Controversy

Police misconduct within the RMP has been highlighted as a problem. Issues of police brutality, police corruption, and enforced disappearances have been linked to inadequate oversight. Several notorious cases of suspected extrajudicial killing by members of the police include the Murder of Shaariibuugiin Altantuyaa and the death in custody of Malaysian Indians such as A. Ganapathy.

Abduction of Pastor Raymond Koh and Amri Che Mat

In 2019, a national inquiry held by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia's (SUHAKAM) concluded that agents of the Special Branch, Bukit Aman, were responsible for the abduction of Amri Che Mat in 2016 and Raymond Koh in 2017. In 2025, a high court found the Malaysian state and the Royal Malaysia Police responsible for Koh's forced disappearance and ordered them to pay at least 31 million ringgit ($7.4 million) in damages following a lawsuit filed by Koh's wife. The ruling was the first of its kind in Malaysian history.

Troll farm

In 2022, Meta Platforms reported that the Royal Malaysia Police was operating a troll farm, which was denied by the RMP.

Major cases and incidents

Lahad Datu standoff

Following the Sulu militants intrusion, a military standoff commenced on 11 February 2013 and ended after conflict about 24 March 2013. 235 militants, most of whom were armed, arrived by boat in Lahad Datu district from Philippines territory and occupied the village of Tanduo. They were sent by Jamalul Kiram III, a claimant to the throne of the Sultanate of Sulu. His stated goal was to assert the Philippine territorial claim to eastern Sabah as part of the North Borneo dispute. In response, Malaysian security forces surrounded the village. Attempts by the Malaysian and the Philippine governments to reach a peaceful solution with Kiram's supporters were unsuccessful and the standoff escalated into an armed conflict on 1 March 2013. At the end of the standoff, around 56 militants were killed along with six civilians and 10 Malaysian security forces (of which eight were Malaysian police members). The rest of the militants were either captured or escaped back to the Philippines.

Murder of Aminulrasyid Amzah

A schoolboy, Aminulrasyid Amzah, was shot dead by police after allegedly trying to escape from a car accident which he was involved in. Aminulrasyid was driving his sister's car without a valid driver's licence after midnight on 3 May 2010, together with his friend, Azamuddin, who was the passenger. He had been trying to flee a number of motorcyclists who were chasing both boys after their vehicle had sideswiped a car earlier that night.

After Aminulrasyid was shot, his friend Azamuddin was assaulted and beaten by the police but managed to escape. The IGP and the RMP had alleged that Aminulrasyid was trying to ram a police roadblock as well as carrying a weapon in the car. Azamuddin and Aminulrasyid's family has refuted many of the police claims. Many members of the public and the opposing politicians have criticised the police's response, alluding to the fact that the police are trying to cover up the incident and fabricate evidence. The boy's family has rejected calls for an inquest into the shooting because they did not believe they would receive a fair and transparent investigation, especially from the police. Instead, they have called on the government to establish a royal commission of inquiry to investigate Aminulrasyid's death. A special eight-member panel has been formed to scrutinise the investigation of the shooting; however, opposing politicians and the boy's family have derided the formation of the panel as a publicity stunt by the government. On 24 March 2016, the High Court in Selangor awarded more than MYR400,000 in damages to the family of the victim to "alleviate their pain and suffering".

Recapture of Mas Selamat Kastari

Mas Selamat Kastari, who had escaped detention in Singapore in 2008, was captured by Bukit Aman and Johore Police while he was asleep in a secluded village house in Skudai, 25 kilometres (16 mi) northwest of Johor Bahru, Johore. He found a traditional kampung house on stilts in Kampung Tawakal, a tiny village with a population of less than 100. Located about 10 km away from the North-South Expressway near the Kempas exit, it is almost impossible to locate for those not familiar with the area. At 6:00am, about 30 armed policemen surrounded the kampung house and ordered Mas Selamat to come out. Police broke through two doors and rushed in when he refused to surrender. He was arrested together with two others, Abdul Matin and Johar Hassan, by PGK and Special Branch force following intelligence sharing with the police forces of Indonesia and Singapore. Police also seized documents and other paraphernalia that allegedly revealed their planned operation. This report was later confirmed by both the Singapore and Malaysian governments, with the date of capture given as 1 April 2009.

The Minister of Home Affairs (Malaysia) of Malaysia, Dato' Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, and Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan at Putrajaya confirmed Mas Selamat was arrested and detained under the Internal Security Act. Hishammuddin declined to give details since the case is sensitive as it involves intelligence agencies of Singapore and Indonesia, as well as Malaysia. Musa said the arrest was made possible as police in Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia had been sharing intelligence reports over the past year. It is learnt that Special Branch officers had been working on various leads since March and upon confirming his whereabouts planned the dawn raid that resulted in his arrest.

Arrest of Nur Misuari

Nur Misuari, the main leader and founder of one of a breakaway faction in the Philippines was arrested on 23 November 2001, together with six of his followers in Jampiras Island off Sabah after intruding past the Malaysian border illegally. Misuari is wanted in the Philippines for leading a failed rebellion against the Philippine government, which he was later extradited to the Philippine authorities in December 2001 to face legal action in his country, although Malaysia and the Philippines have no extradition treaty.

Al-Mau'nah arms heist

In the early morning on 2 July 2000, 21 individuals, part of the militia group Al-Mau'nah, visited the outpost and camp of Bn 304 Rejimen Askar Wataniah under the guise of a surprise inspection, seizing weapons including 97 M16 assault rifles, four GPMGs, five grenade launchers, 9,095 rounds of 5.56 mm and 60 rounds of 40 mm ammunition. The group was later cornered in the village of Sauk, Perak and involved in a stand-off with the Malaysian Army and Royal Malaysian Police forces. The Malaysian Special Forces threw a containment cordon around Bukit Jenalik. Tpr Matthew anak Medan from 21 Commando was murdered by one of the militants and was awarded Pahlawan Gagah Berani. The leader and militant group surrendered to the Malaysian Special Forces and later they were handed over to the police.

The Al-Mau'nah group later surrendered, and the leaders were brought to trial for "waging war upon the King". Mohamed Amin Mohamed Razali and his group were brought to trial for charges of "waging war against the King" and became the first group of people convicted of such charges in Malaysia. Mohamed Amin Mohamed Razali, alongside other militiamen Zahit Muslim and Jamaluddin Darus, were sentenced to death. Sixteen others were given life sentences. Police Detective Corporal Sanghadevan was murdered during the incident. Assistant Superintendent Police Abdul Razak Mohd. Yusof was awarded the Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa for his role in resolving the stand-off.

Memali incident

The Memali Incident occurred in the remote village of Memali, Baling in the state of Kedah on 19 November 1985. A task force of 200 policemen under orders from the Acting Prime Minister and Home Minister Musa Hitam, laid siege to kampung (village) houses in Memali. The houses were occupied by an Islamic sect of about 400 people led by Ibrahim Mahmud a.k.a. Ibrahim Libya, a member of the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS).

Bukit Kepong Incident

The Bukit Kepong Incident was an armed encounter which took place on 23 February 1950 between the police and the Malayan Communists during pre-independence Malaya. The first incident in the RMP history, this conflict took place in an area surrounding the Bukit Kepong police station in Bukit Kepong, a wooden station located on the banks of the Muar River, about 59 km from Muar town, Johor.

In Malaysian popular culture

Books

Malaya's Secret Police 1945–60: The Role of the Special Branch in the Malayan Emergency, 2008—the history of Malaysian Special Branch, written by former Special Branch officer, and a widely acknowledged expert on counter-insurgency, Leon Comber.

The Struggle For Malaysian Independence, 2007—the history of the Malaysian police force, written by former senior police officer Dato' Seri J.J. Raj.

Polis Wanita Sejarah Bergambar 1955–2007, 2007 – the history of Malaysian policewomen, written by Chief Inspector Selamat Bin Sainayune.

Smashing Terrorism in the Malayan Emergency: The Vital Contribution of the Police, 2004 – Written by Brian Stewart, a former officer of Malayan Civil Service (MCS).

Inspektor Junid Di Medan Jenayah, 1987 – A detective and mystery story written by Jalil Abd. Rahman, and produced by Fajar Bakti

"Death Waits in the Dark" – Greenwood Press, 2001

The Jungle Beat – Fighting Terrorists in Malaya – the history of Malayan police during fighting against communism, written by former Federation of Malay State Police officers, Roy Follows.

Television

Debu-Debu Kota (City Dust) – Malay drama created and produced by Dato' Yusof Haslam

Skuad Khas (Special Squad) – Malay drama created and produced by Dato' Yusof Haslam

Gerak Khas – Malay drama created and produced by Dato' Yusof Haslam

Roda-Roda Kuala Lumpur (1998, 2008–2013) (Wheels of Kuala Lumpur) – Malay drama created and produced by Dato' Yusof Haslam

CID 3278 (2006–2007) – Malay drama produced by Rosyam Nor.

Tragedi (Tragedy) – Malay drama broadcast on TV3

VAT 69 - Warisan Darah Perwira – Malay documentary created by Jins Shamsuddin. Featured on ASTRO RIA.

Metro Skuad (2012–2013) – Malay drama created and produced by Dato' Yusof Haslam

Pasukan Gerakan Marin (2010/2011) – Marine Police Force drama starring Ashraf Muslim, Linda Hashim (S1 and S2), Sharnaaz Ahmad and Mardiana Alwi

Kerambit (2016) – Crime drama starring Eman Manan and Zul Huzaimy on TV2

Undercover (2010) – Chinese drama featured in NTV7 starring Adrian Tan

Strike Back: Revolution (2017)– British-American action television series starring Daniel MacPherson, Warren Brown, Alin Sumarwata and Faizal Hussein.

Gerak Khas Undercover (2021) – Malay drama created and produced by Dato' Yusof Haslam

Films

Bukit Kepong – Malay film starring Jins Shamsuddin

Bayangan Maut – Malay film starring Dato' Yusof Haslam and Noorkumalasari

Police Story 3 – Hong Kong Cantonese film starring Jackie Chan.

Ops Landau - Malay action TV film (telemovie) starring Eman Manan, Ramasundram, Elly Mazlein and Corrie 'Adam' Lee

Don - The Chase Begins Again – Bollywood film starring Shah Rukh Khan and Shaharudin Thamby (Malaysian actors)

The Viral Factor – Hong Kong action thriller films stars Jay Chou and Nicholas Tse

Polis Evo – Malay action film starring Shaheizy Sam and Zizan Razak

Kabali – Tamil film starring Rajinikanth

Billa - Tamil film starring Ajith Kumar

J Revolusi – Malay film starring Zul Ariffin and Izara Aishah Hisham

Sindiket – Malay film starring Sharnaaz Ahmad, Daphne Iking and Dato Jalaluddin Hassan

KL Special Force – Malay film starring Dato' Rosyam Nor and Fattah Amin

One Two Jaga – Malay film starring Zahiril Adzim and Rosdeen Suboh

Polis Evo 2 - Malay action film starring Shaheizy Sam and Zizan Razak

Polis Evo 3 - Malay action film starring Shaheizy Sam and Zizan Razak

Documentaries

999, a spin-off of Cops, premiered in 2002.

OPS Maritim (OPS Maritime), about Marine Police operations and other matters.

KL Enforcers, a reality series about The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and the Royal Malaysian Police (mainly the forensics team) carrying out their work. The first episode date was on 13 September 2014.

VCD/DVD

Jungle Green Khaki Brown – A TV3 and Nickelodeon Books co-produced DVD documentary chronicling exclusive and historical footage from the archives of the British Malayan Library in United Kingdom and the Filem Negara Malaysia in conjunction of the 50th anniversary of Malaysia's Independence Day in 2007.