Malaysia

Three new General Operations Force battalions launched in Sabah and Sarawak

With the addition of these units, the PGA now comprises 23 battalions nationwide, including seven in Sabah, four in Sarawak, and the remainder across Peninsular Malaysia

Updated 1 year ago · Published on 18 May 2025 2:59PM

Three new General Operations Force battalions launched in Sabah and Sarawak
Significance of this launch is a clear testament to the government and Royal Malaysia Police’s unwavering commitment to maintaining peace, national security, and public order - May 18, 2025

Significance of this launch is a clear testament to the government and Royal Malaysia Police’s unwavering commitment to maintaining peace, national security, and public order - May 18, 2025

With the addition of these units, the PGA now comprises 23 battalions nationwide, including seven in Sabah, four in Sarawak, and the remainder across Peninsular Malaysia

HOME Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail today officially launched three new General Operations Force (PGA) battalions: Battalion 21 in Keningau and Battalion 22 in Kunak, Sabah, along with Battalion 23 in Sri Aman, Sarawak.

With the addition of these units, the PGA now comprises 23 battalions nationwide, including seven in Sabah, four in Sarawak, and the remainder across Peninsular Malaysia.

“PGA now has a strength of 12,000 personnel, with each battalion comprising 600 officers and members. The significance of this launch is a clear testament to the government and Royal Malaysia Police’s unwavering commitment to maintaining peace, national security, and public order,” Saifuddin said at a press conference following the launch event at the PGA Sabah Brigade Headquarters.

He added: “This also affirms the operational readiness of the force in facing any scenario, challenge or security threat. Sabah has experienced a dark chapter in the past (the Tanduo tragedy), and this necessitates our security forces, especially the PGA, to remain in a high state of preparedness.”

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain and Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun were also in attendance.

The Home Minister reiterated the government’s support for the welfare of PGA personnel, highlighting initiatives to provide improved office facilities and accommodation for the force.

“The government has allocated funding for the procurement and enhancement of new assets to strengthen operational capabilities. These assets are vital in ensuring the force’s expertise is matched with appropriate and effective resources,” he said.

Among the approved projects is the development of new PGA border posts along the Malaysia-Kalimantan border, involving RM32 million across seven locations in Sarawak and one in Sabah.

Saifuddin also announced that administrative complexes and accommodation quarters are being built for Battalion 20 in Beluran, Sabah (RM400 million), and Battalion 10 in Sarikei, Sarawak (RM200 million), with both projects expected to be completed this year.

Additionally, the PGA will soon adopt a newly designed camouflage uniform featuring improved comfort, functionality, and design — aimed at enhancing the unit’s image and operational efficiency. - May 18, 2025

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