Unification to Pasukan Gerakan Khas

On 20 October 1997, the Royal Malaysia Police meged VAT 69 and UTK into one special operations command known as the Pasukan Gerakan Khas (PGK; 'Special Operations Command – Police SOCOM'), which was launched by the then Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs, Mahathir Mohamad and then Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Rahim Noor.^[7]

Although amalgamated into one unit, they are still essentially two separate entities operating in two distinct operational environments.

National Special Operations Force

In 2016, select Malaysian counter-terrorism operators are grouped into one special operations task force, called the National Special Operations Force in which a few UTK operators were selected to be part of.^[8]

Maroon berets

UTK operators wear blueish shades (bordeaux colour) of maroon beret as it is worn by the British SAS during the time period. The maroon beret given by 22 SAS acted as to prove UTK as a special forces unit.

On 14 November 2006, for the first time in the history of Royal Malaysian Police, the maroon and sand colored berets of PGK were honored as Royal Berets by Yang Dipertuan Agong Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Syed Putera Jamalullail, the then King of Malaysia.

Parachute wings

The parachute wings identify the abilities of UTK in parachutist, airborne unit and air assault operations. These can only be worn after passing the Basic Tactical Parachuting Course (Malay: Kursus Asas Payung Terjun Tektikal).

UTK insignia

The UTK insignia was influenced by the British SAS and Malayan Scouts' (now known as 22 SAS) insignia, since the unit had been trained by them.

Squadrons under UTK

Despite having limited members, the UTK is composed of various teams with their own specialized duties and expertise. Publicly known teams under UTK are:

Physical screening test

Prospective trainees are expected to exceed the minimum requirements of the physical screening test (PST), which requires that trainees must be able to:

1. Run 2.4 km below 9 minutes
2. Freestyle swimming for at least 8-10 laps
3. Do at least 9-13 pull-up reps
4. Do at least 30 sit-up reps
5. Do at least 60 push-up reps
6. Do at least 30 squat thrusts

UTK pre-selection (2 Weeks)

Candidates need to pass 14-day UTK selection process in Kuala Lumpur before the real course in Ulu Kinta, Perak and Maktab Teknik PDRM (MTPDRM; 'RMP Technical College'), Bakri, Muar, Johor.

Basic special actions course (13 Weeks)

Known as Kursus Asas UTK in Malay, the basic course lasts for three months, which includes thirteen weeks of basic training and nine weeks of advanced training. This course is open to women. The attrition rate for this course is 80% and up to 95%.^[22]

Among the training in the basic special actions course is:

1. Fitness training (camp phase)
2. Physical and mental training (jungle phase)
3. Basic rope training
4. Basic first aid training
5. Unarmed combat training (Malay: Latihan Tempur Tanpa Senjata)
6. Marksmanship
7. Basic close quarters combat (Malay: Latihan Asas Tempur Jarak Dekat)
8. Basic hostage rescue (urban, aircraft and train)

In 2016, from 320 applicants, only 18 police personnel passed the selection. One of them is a woman senior officer.^[22]

Advanced training (9 Weeks)

To accomplish its varied mission profiles, the UTK ensures that its members are well trained in the required aspects of special operations. These include:

Insertion techniques

• HALO/HAHO^{[citation needed]}
• Fast roping techniques
• Helo casting
• Abseiling
• Combat diving^{[citation needed]}

Combat techniques

• Close quarters combat – CQC
• Counter-insurgency
• Unconventional warfare
• Sabotage
• Close VIP protection
• Vehicular assault
• Unarmed combat
• Knife combat
• Marksmanship
• Booby-trap defusing
• Underwater demolitions

Intelligence gathering

• Intelligence
• Counterintelligence
• Special reconnaissance
• Long-range combat patrol

Task oriented

• Aircraft hijackings
• Car stops
• Combat search and rescue (CSAR)
• Coordinate multi-location warrant service
• Dignitary protection
• Explosive ordnance disposal (EOD)
• Foreign language
• Fugitive tracking (in rural environments)
• Hazmat disposal^[23]
• High-risk arrests (armed and dangerous subjects)
• Hostage rescue (HR)
• K9 handling^[23]
• Operations in WMD environments
• Site surveys for high visibility events
• Specialized sniper operations
• Stronghold assaults (structures requiring specialised breaching equipment that local law enforcement might not have access to)
• Tubular assaults (aircraft, trains, buses, etc.)

The UTK is known to conduct joint training exercises and participate in exchange programs with Commonwealth special ops units such as the Australian SAS, British SAS, New Zealand SAS and Singapore Special Tactics and Rescue. Occasionally, the UTK trains with FBI Hostage Rescue Team, French GIGN and RAID, German GSG 9,^[24] Italian NOCS, Spanish G.E.O, U.S. Delta Force, U.S. Army Green Berets, Russian Special Rapid Response Unit^[24] and other international units.

On 10 December 2003, the then inspector general of police, Tan Sri Mohd Bakri Haji Omar, launched the training program between the USSOCPAC and the 69th PGK at the General Operations Force Training Center in Ulu Kinta, Perak. The teams of SOCPAC were to conduct joint exercise with the PGK, under the code-name Advance Vector Balance Mint for a duration of 2 weeks.^[25] Only 42 out of the 194 participants completed the inaugural program.

Weapons

As a special operations unit, the UTK is equipped with a wide variety of high-class weapons and support equipment commonly associated with counter-terrorism operations, the most common weapons include sub-machine guns, assault rifles, shotguns, machine guns and sniper rifles.^[23]

More information Name, Type ...

Name	Type	Origin	Notes
Colt Python	Magnum revolver
Glock 17/18/26/34[23]	Semi-automatic pistol
Heckler & Koch Mk23 Mod 0[23]	Semi-automatic pistol
Heckler & Koch USP[23]	Semi-automatic pistol
SIG Sauer P2022	Semi-automatic pistol
Franchi SPAS-12	Shotgun
Remington 870 PM[23]	Shotgun		Police Magnum-types
Remington 1100[23]	Shotgun
CZ Scorpion Evo 3	Submachine gun		Fitted with the various different optics.
Heckler & Koch MP5A5 / MP5K-A3 / MP5SD3[23]	Submachine gun		Fitted with Insight Technologies underbarrel flashlights (for MP5A5) and Aimpoint CompM2 red-dot optics.
Heckler & Koch MP7 A1[26]	Personal defense weapon		Fitted with an Aimpoint CompM2 red-dot optics.
FN SCAR-H	Battle rifle		Fitted with Aimpoint CompM2 red-dot optics.
Heckler & Koch HK416 A3	Assault rifle		D10RS and D14.5RS, fitted with an Aimpoint CompM2 red-dot optics.
Ferfrans SCW	Assault rifle		Fitted with an Aimpoint Micro-T red-dot optics.
Accuracy International PM	Sniper rifle
Accuracy International AWSM	Sniper rifle
Accuracy International AX338	Sniper rifle
Barrett M107A1	Anti-materiel sniper rifle
Heckler & Koch PSG1[23]	Designated marksman rifle		Out of Service
Remington 700P	Sniper rifle
Heckler & Koch HK11	Light machine gun		Out of Service
Taser X26	Electroshock weapon

Close

Retired Weapons

•L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle variant British and Australia

•Steyr MPi 69

•Beretta M12

•MAC-10

•Heckler & Koch P9

•Lee–Enfield no.IV MK 1

Combat gear

• Communication equipment
• Tactical equipment
• Watch
  • Garmin UTK tactical-watch, with GPS functions.
• Helmet
  • Ops-Core FAST helmet SF Ops-Core

Tactical vehicles

As a special forces unit, the UTK employs a number of specialized vehicles to accomplish its missions. These include the Streit Typhoon, IAG Jaws, Commando V-150D and the GKN Sankey AT105 armoured personnel carriers equipped with M60s as assault vehicles in urban terrain as well as modified police MPV (Mobile Patrol Vehicles), vans, trucks, 4WD and buses for use as tactical vehicles. PGK also employs RHIB assault boats, jet-skis and Marine Subskimmer (DPV) in maritime missions and amphibious insertions.

For its airborne operations, UTK utilizes the Cessna 206G, Cessna 208 Caravan 1 and Pilatus Porter PC-6 aircraft as well as the E-Squirrel AS-355 F2/AS-355N helicopter.

Developments and acquisitions

UTK Operators will be sent to multiple training complex outside Malaysia to sharpen their skills.^[27]

In 2017, the then Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato' Seri Najib Razak, announced the UTK Headquarters would relocate from Bukit Aman to Semenyih, Selangor.^[28] The new base will cost 100 million Ringgit.

The hunts of Botak Chin

Early 1975 first task UTK is an hunt most wanted criminal Botak Chin in March 1975 three operative UTK gunfight with Botak henchmen in Sentul and two henchmen dead shot

Covert operations of CPM underground

In 1976 until 1977 UTK team conduct operation kill and arrest sub leader Communist Party Malaya (CPM) underground who active at Malacca and Johor, result a leader underground dead shot and arrest a few follower

The arrest of Mas Selamat Kastari

In February 2008, a major leader of the Singaporean Jemaah Islamiah (JI), Mas Selamat escaped from the Whitley Road Detention Center, a strict detention center in Singapore. A few months later, intelligence leads point out his location in a village house in Kampung Tawakal, Skudai, 40 km from the city of Johor Bahru.

On 1 April 2009 at 6 a.m., a UTK team were deployed to assist members of the Malaysian Special Branch in apprehending Mas Selamat. The two units surrounded the house as Mas Selamat was sleeping.

According to a 57 year old witness in the neighboring house, Mohd Saat Marjo, a two groups; one in gear (UTK) and one in plain clothes (Special Branch); stormed the house when Mas Selamat refused to surrender. The leader was handcuffed with a cloth bag placed over his head before being led out.^[29] Members of JI, Abdul Matin Anol Rahmat and Johar Hassan were also arrested there.^[30] Police had also seized a number of JI's documents and plans after sending the PDRM's Bomb Disposal Unit to secure the area of explosive threats. The involvement of UTK in the operation was not made public until recently because of the immediate need for secrecy at the time. The arrest was attributed to the Special Branch unit before the disclosure of UTK's involvement.

Publicly known missions

• 5 August 1975: UTK deployed in the first mission during the AIA building hostage crisis when the Japanese Red Army terrorists held approximately 50 civilians including members of the US consulate and the Swedish chargé d'affaires as hostages within the AIA building housing several embassies in Kuala Lumpur.
• October 1985: Special Actions Unit (UTK) was involved in hostage rescue operations involving one doctor and one medical assistant by six armed convicts led by Jimmy Chua in Pudu Jail, Kuala Lumpur. Six days later, hostages were successfully rescued, while Jimmy was captured and sentenced to death.
• 29 June 1993: UTK stormed a hiding place of criminal P. Kalimuthu "Bentong Kali", who gained notoriety for being a serial killer, at Medan Damasara, Selangor. In the shoot-out with the police, Kalimuthu was successfully killed.
• 1998: The Pasukan Gerakan Khas and the Grup Gerak Khas were deployed to provide security and were on standby for hostage rescue, close protection and counter-terrorism duties during the 1998 Commonwealth Games held at National Stadium, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur on 11 to 21 September 1998.^[31]
• 18 January 2000: Involved in an operation to arrest the Geng Steyr, the armed criminal group which was led by ex-special forces personnel named Mohd Hizan Jaafar, along with 5 men after they robbed a bank in Sri Serdang Road, Selangor. During the operation, two criminals including Mohd Hizan and Abu Hasan were killed at Majidee Malay Village and two more were killed in a shoot-out with the police at Tol Plaza Kempas, Johor Bahru. Police recovered 4 Steyr AUG rifles, a Smith & Wesson .22 handgun, one Remington shotgun, 85 rounds of 5.56×45mm, 3 rounds of .22 LR, a few firearm cartridges and RM291,000. The police also launched an operation to hunt down the other two members of the gang.^[32]
• 2001: Arrested two individuals who were suspected to be Jemaah Islamiyah terrorists in the list of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT): Yazid Sufaat and Suhaimi Mokhtar, and detained them at the Kamunting Detention Center under the Internal Security Act (ISA) 1960 related to involvement with the activities of Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and al-Qaeda other 11 September attacks and Bali bombings.^[33][34]
• 2002: Arrested six individuals who were suspected to be Jemaah Islamiyah terrorists: Abdullah Daud, Shamsuddin Sulaiman, Mat Shah Mohd Satray, Abdul Murad Sudin, Zaini Zakaria and Zainun Rashid.^[33]
• 27 September 2002: Hunted down Geng M16, the then Most Wanted criminals of Malaysia responsible for the armed robbery at the Bank of Tokyo in 1985, 16 other armed robberies in jewellery shops and pawn shops, escaping with loot whose value was estimated to be around RM 21.28 million. It was reported that all the members of this group were Chinese. The group leader was Elvis Keh Jiang Long; known locally as Ah Po; who was an ex-Singaporean National Service man (Singaporean Army). He was an expert in various firearms and was responsible for training the group for the robberies. During the gunfight with the UTK in Batu 5, Jalan Seremban-Mantin, near the Galla Recreational Park, Mantin, Negeri Sembilan, two of the Geng M16 members, identified as Sunny Chai @ Sum Wing Chang and his right-hand man, known as Hew Yau, were shot dead. However, Chang Kew Yin who was another gang member managed to escape. One UTK officer was wounded in the shootout. Police recovered an M16 rifle with two rounds of ammunition, a Colt semi-automatic handgun with 16 rounds of ammunition, a Smith & Wesson revolver and three ski-masks from the suspects' vehicles. On 28 December at 2 a.m., Chang was gunned down in the ensuing shootout at Jalan Keris, Taman Sri Tebrau, Johor Bahru. A Chinese-made Norinco pistol with three rounds of ammunition from Chang's body was found. Federal CID Director, Datuk Salleh Mat Som (late), said the police were always hunting down the Geng M16 members who were still at large, including sending their officers to Singapore and Thailand to track Keh down. They had also requested the assistance of the Australian police to locate another gang member, Hew Soon Loong @ Hong Kong Chai, who was believed to have fled to the country.^[35][36]
• 2003: Arrested six individuals who were suspected to be Jemaah Islamiyah terrorists: Mohd Khaider Kadran (JI leader), Wan Amin Wan Hamat, Sulaiman Suramin, Sufian Salih, Ahmad Muaz Al Bakry and Hasim Talib.^[33]
• 16 October 2003/17 October 2003: Involved in VIP protection of the Islamic leaders during the tenth Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) in Putrajaya.
• 2004: Arrested three Indonesian individuals who were suspected to be Jemaah Islamiyah terrorists: Zakaria Samad, Ahmad Zakaria and Terhamid Dahalan.
• 2004: Arrested three Indonesian individuals who were suspected to be Jemaah Islamiyah terrorists: Mahfudi Saifuddin, Mulyadi and Arifin who were believed to be involved in the Bali bombings in 2004.
• 2005: Undertook VIP escort missions to protect ex-Prime Minister Tun Mahathir Mohamad when he visited Johor.
• 2006: Deployed as part of the United Nations (U.N.) INTERFET to support the Operation Astute. It consisted of Malaysian U.N. 10th Parachute Brigade, Grup Gerak Khas, Australian and New Zealand U.N Armed Forces in Timor Leste.^[37]
• 2007: Arrested four alleged Jemaah Islamiyah members: Zulkifli Marzuki, Mohd Nasir Ismail, Ahmad Kamil Hanafiah and Muhd Amir Hanafiah.^[33]
• 16 July 2008: Arrested the PKR de facto leader, Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim in front of his house at Bukit Segambut after sunset, similar to what happened in 1998, for investigations under Section 377C of the Penal Code for alleged "carnal intercourse against the order of nature" with his former aide, Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan. However, CID director Commissioner Dato' Mohd Bakri Zinin claimed that the arrest was not carried out by the UTK, but by the Bukit Aman's Serious Crimes Division (possibly by the Unit Tindakan Cepat, UTC).^[38]

• 2009: In February 2008, a Singaporean Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) leader, Mas Selamat Kastari escaped from Whitley Detention Center, the strictest detention center in Singapore. A few months later, he was found to be hiding at a village house in Kampung Tawakal, Skudai, 40 km from Johor Bahru. Following intelligence shared with the police forces of Indonesia and Singapore led to the deploying of a UTK counter-terrorist unit at the dawn of 1 April 2009 at 06:00 a.m. to assist police Special Branch agents recapture the militant leader in the village house.
• 2010: Intercepted the Sultan of Kelantan's motorcade (escorts) 30m outside of the Kelantan Royal Palace as they were heading for the Sultan Ismail Petra Airport to depart for Singapore pending further treatment at Mount Elizabeth Hospital. The team then brought the Sultan, himself not willingly, to the nearby hospital (HUSM) somewhere 200m from the Palace.^[39]
• 8 July 2011: Deployed in a hostage rescue mission in which a preschool located at Sungai Abong Park, Sakeh Street near Muar in southern Johore state was taken by a 40-year-old man. The man named Loi Hui Chung, who was suspected to be a drug addict and mentally-deranged, was armed with a hammer and machete. The suspect threatened to kill the hostages if his demands was not met. The siege ended at exactly 3:41 p.m. after UTK members stormed the building with tear gas and shot the suspect. He had a critical head injury and died later at the Sultanah Fatimah Specialist Hospital at 9:15 p.m.^[40][41][42]

• 7 February 2013: Arrested a former Internal Security Act (ISA) detainee Yazid Sufaat and two of his friends, including a woman, in the Klang Valley, Selangor in separate operations. The unit nabbed Yazid and Mohd Hilmi Hasim at a canteen in the Jalan Duta court complex whilst the woman, Halimah Hussin, was picked up from her house in Kajang. They became the first few to be arrested under the new Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA) which replaced the ISA. They were alleged to have been promoting terrorism, and had allegedly been linked to terrorist activities in Syria.^[43][44][45]
• 2013: Deployed in Lahad Datu, Sabah during the Lahad Datu conflict. The VAT 69 Commando members were involved in hunting down a terrorist group, numbering approximately 200 in strength, from the self-styled "Royal Security Forces of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo," while UTK members were deployed in urban and populated areas to defend them. The commandos were the main assault team during the early stage of the conflict. Two officers were gunned down and three more wounded in an unexpected "white flag" ambush by the Sulu terrorists, while 12 of the terrorists were shot to death in retaliation and three other terrorists were fatally wounded.^[46]