New GOF battalions bolster Sabah and Sarawak security

The Star

18-05-2025

KOTA KINABALU: The establishment of three new General Operations Force (GOF) battalions, two in Sabah and one in Sarawak, marks a significant milestone in strengthening Malaysia's internal security preparedness, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Dubbed the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd GOF battalions, they are based in Sabah's interior Keningau, its east coast district Kunak, and Sarawak's Sri Aman, bringing the total number of GOF battalions nationwide to 23, with a combined strength of around 12,000 personnel.
"The significance of today's launch lies in reaffirming the Royal Malaysia Police's unwavering commitment to its core duty, safeguarding national security and public order," said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Speaking at the launching of the three battalions at the Sabah GOF Brigade in Papar on Sunday (May 18), he stressed three key aspects of the launch: the readiness of the police force to respond to any security threats, the government's continued investment in personnel welfare and operational facilities, and Malaysia's improved ranking in the Global Peace Index.
"First, this confirms our force's state of preparedness for any scenario. We must always be alert, especially in light of past incidents such as the 2013 Lahad Datu incursion," he said, referring to the security crisis in eastern Sabah over a decade ago.
Home Minister Datuk Seri SaifuddinNasution Ismail at the launching of 21st General Operations Force (GOF) Battalion Keningau, the 22nd Battalion Kunak, and 23rd Battalion Sri Aman at the Sabah GOF Brigade in Papar on Sunday (May 18).
Saifuddin noted that the new battalions enhance the GOF's elite operational capacity across land, sea, and air domains.
"These troops are highly trained. Their recent successes, including multi-billion ringgit seizures under operations like Op Hazard and E-Waste, speak volumes," he said.
Secondly, the Home Minister stressed the government's commitment to ensuring a conducive working environment through budget allocations for improved welfare, office infrastructure, and accommodation.
"A well-trained team with poor living conditions and inadequate assets will still be limited. So, we are also investing in new equipment and facilities, most of which will be rolled out this year," he said.
On Malaysia's security performance, Saifuddin noted that the country's standing in the Global Peace Index, currently ranked 10th among more than 160 countries.
"This is no coincidence. It is the result of strategic planning and uncompromising security policies. It's also crucial for investor confidence. Safety remains a key metric for any country hoping to attract foreign investment," he said.
Of the 23 battalions, seven are located in Sabah, four in Sarawak, with the remainder in Peninsular Malaysia.
Saifuddin explained that the placement of battalions was based on strategic assessments by police leadership.
Home Minister Datuk Seri SaifuddinNasution Ismail (centre) posed for a group photo at the launching of 21st General Operations Force (GOF) Battalion Keningau, the 22nd Battalion Kunak, and 23rd Battalion Sri Aman at the Sabah GOF Brigade in Papar on Sunday (May 18).
"It is not about why Keningau was chosen over Alor Setar or anywhere else. It is about the GOF's national responsibility. The Global Peace Index measures Malaysia as a whole, not Keningau or Kudat in isolation," he explained.
He also stressed the need for the GOF to embrace technological advancement to meet evolving security challenges.
"Security threats today are more complex. Our personnel must be equipped with knowledge in areas such as artificial intelligence. At the Home Ministry, our tagline is 'AI for KDN, KDN for AI'. Capability building cannot remain static," he said.
Earlier in his speech, Saifuddin said the government has approved the development of eight General Operations Force (GOF) posts, seven in Sarawak and one in Sabah, along the Malaysia-Kalimantan border, with an allocation of RM32mil.
He added that the construction of administrative complexes and staff quarters at Battalion 20 GOF in Beluran, Sabah, and Battalion 10 GOF in Sarikei, Sarawak, is underway. These projects, valued at RM400mil and RM200mil respectively, are expected to be completed within the year.
Saifuddin also announced that the GOF will replace its current operational uniforms with new camouflage attire that offers improved design, colour, and pattern. The upgrade aims to enhance the force's image and identity while ensuring greater comfort, suitability, and functionality for its paramilitary personnel.
He said that a total of RM88.5mil was approved in 2023 and 2024 for maintenance works and equipment procurement at GOF posts nationwide. This includes the provision of improved facilities and infrastructure to support the efficiency and welfare of frontline personnel.
Under the 12th Malaysia Plan, RM103mil was allocated to the GOF for infrastructure upgrades, post improvements, and asset procurement, including the enhancement of temporary deployments for the newly launched 21st, 22nd, and 23rd Battalions.