The 8th Battalion (Parachute), Royal Ranger Regiment (8th Ranger) (Malay: Batalion ke-8, Rejimen Renjer Diraja (Para)), commonly referred to as 8 RRD (Para), is a battalion-sized elite specialised light infantry unit of the Royal Ranger Regiment within the Malaysian Army. Specialising as a hybrid airborne-marine infantry unit since 2002, the 8th Ranger represents the pinnacle of tactical versatility and operational readiness within the Malaysian Army.[1][2]
Since November 1984, the 8th Ranger has been assigned to Task Force 083, which was later re-designated as the 10th Parachute Brigade (10 PARA BDE). This affiliation makes the 8th Ranger the most senior unit within the elite brigade and the first conventional infantry unit in the Malaysian Army to transition into an airborne role.[1][2]
The current commander of the 8th Ranger, Lieutenant Colonel Yusrin Azuan Abd Aziz, assumed command on 24 February 2023, succeeding Lieutenant Colonel Zahari Affandi Mat Nor.
History
Set up as infantry training centre
The unit was established on 1 March 1973, following a request from the Government of Sarawak to form a military element within the Malaysian Army composed exclusively of Sarawakians. Initially named the 8th Ranger, its primary function was to serve as a training centre for the Malaysian Ranger Regiment. Until 1973, the Wellington Lines at Terendak Camp in Malacca housed the headquarters of the 1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (1RNZIR). Early that year, the Commonwealth handed over the camp to the Malaysian government, making the 8th Ranger the first local military unit to be stationed there.[1][2]
On 12 March 1973, 500 recruits from Sarawak commenced six months of basic training at the newly established centre. However, by 4 September 1973, the Malaysian Army restructured the unit, dissolving its role as a training centre and reinstating it as a full infantry battalion.[2]
Transition to infantry role
The Malaysian Army restructured the unit as the 8th Battalion of the Malaysian Ranger Regiment (Malay: Batalion ke-8, Rejimen Renjer Malaysia). Following the graduation of 500 Sarawakian recruits from the training centre, only a portion remained with the battalion. Many were assigned to other units, and officers and soldiers from various units volunteered to join the newly formed battalion. As a result, the original plan to create a unit entirely composed of Sarawakians was not realized. In November 1973, the battalion relocated from Wellington Lines to a new base in Sarawak.[2]
Transition to airborne role
In the early 1970s, the Malaysian Army explored the idea of forming an infantry brigade with parachuting capabilities. However, the plan initially faced resistance from the government, which was concerned that such a development might cause unease in neighbouring Singapore.[2][4]
In November 1984, the 8th Ranger was attached to the 11th Strategic Division (XI DIV) and placed under Task Force 083, the predecessor of the 10th Parachute Brigade. The division's strategic defence role required experimentation in planning, doctrine, training, and other areas to ensure the Malaysian Army maintained a combat advantage. As part of these experiments, the 8th Ranger served as the primary unit for testing the feasibility of a non-conventional infantry capability. After several years of trials, XI DIV concluded that airborne units would provide a significant tactical advantage to the Malaysian Army.[2][4]
On 1 January 1987, the transformation plan was approved, and the 8th Ranger was officially restructured into an experimental airborne infantry unit, adopting the new designation of 8th Battalion (Parachute). The transition was executed smoothly, and by July 1990, the 8th Ranger had become a fully operational airborne infantry battalion. Later that year, two additional battalions—the 9th and 17th Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment—were authorised to undergo similar transformations, marking the expansion of the Malaysian Army's airborne capabilities.[2][4]
Airborne infantry pioneers
'The pioneer' memorial placard.
The first group to complete the Airborne Course at the Special Warfare Training Centre in 1987 included one officer and nine other ranks personnel from conventional infantry units. These pioneers, commemorated on a memorial placard known as "The Pioneer," marked the beginning of airborne capability in the Malaysian Army.[note 1][2][5] Their names are:
The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) aimed to unify all military units with airborne capabilities under a single command structure. By the end of 1992, the 8th Ranger, which were part of the 10th Strategic Brigade under the 11th Strategic Division (11 Div Stra) of the Malaysian Army, became the first unit to join an independent formation known as the Rapid Deployment Force.[note 2] On 10 October 1994, the Rapid Deployment Force and the 10th Parachute Brigade were officially introduced as components of the MAF by then Prime MinisterMahathir Mohamad during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA).[2]
Transition to a hybrid airborne-marine unit
A rise in kidnapping incidents by pirates and Abu Sayyaf terrorists along the eastern coast of Sabah prompted the Malaysian government to implement preventive measures. The MAF was tasked with enhancing security in the region, supplementing existing military and law enforcement efforts. As part of this initiative, Operation Pandanan/Sipadan (later abbreviated to Ops PASIR) was launched on 20 September 2000, focusing on securing the entire eastern Sabah coastline, from Kudat to Semporna. The operation also covered Malaysia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and airspace, encompassing the South China Sea, Sulu Sea, and Sulawesi Sea. This region became known as the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZONE), with military operations overseen by the Joint Forces Command.[6]
The 8th Ranger were deployed to cover the Kudat to Sandakan area, with a company designated as the Quick Reaction Force (QRF) for the entire ESSZONE. Although not originally a marine unit, the 8th Ranger quickly adapted to their new role and environment. In June 2002, the battalion underwent a week-long intensive amphibious warfare training program with the United States Marine Corps (USMC) in Pahang. Combining this training with their operational experience in ESSZONE, the 8th Ranger transformed into a hybrid airborne-marine unit. Other units deployed to ESSZONE, such as the 7th and 22nd Battalions of the Royal Malay Regiment, also participated in similar USMC training at later dates and locations.[2][7]
Female paratroopers
Pioneer team of female paratrooper memorial placard.
To evaluate the effectiveness of female soldiers in airborne combat roles, the Malaysian Army allowed a group of female soldiers to enrol in the Airborne School and the Basic Rapid Deployment Force Course (Kursus Asas Pasukan Aturgerak Cepat—APAC) under the 10th Parachute Brigade. Ten women successfully completed the course and were experimentally attached to the 8th Ranger (Para) from 30 December 2005 to 2 August 2008. These pioneer female paratroopers are commemorated on a memorial placard recognising their groundbreaking contributions to the Malaysian Army.[2] The pioneer female paratroopers were:
Ranger Hazlinah Saiful
Ranger Quenty Ajie
Ranger Pria Grey
Ranger Agilendeswiraraj Moganaraja
Ranger Norbaizura Md Nordin
Ranger Noreen A. Kadir
Ranger Nurul Sakinnah Ahmad
Ranger Rosmidah Suman
Ranger Siti Hajar Yaakub — Killed during parachuting exercise on 2 December 2007[8]
Ranger Suraya Ali
Upgraded to Specialised Light Infantry
Initially, the infantry battalions under 10 PARA BDE, including the 8th Ranger, were designated as conventional infantry units tasked with standard infantry duties.[note 3] These units were classified as Batalion Infantri Standard (Standard Infantry Battalion) by the Malaysian Army Commands. However, on 9 October 2020, the Chief of Army, General Zamrose Mohd Zain, announced an upgrade in the status of 10 PARA BDE to that of specialised light infantry. This significant reclassification relieved the brigade of conventional infantry responsibilities typically assigned to standard battalions.[9]
The 10 PARA BDE now holds a status comparable to the U.S. Army's 75th Ranger Regiment and the British Army's Specialised Infantry Group (currently the Army Special Operations Brigade). The brigade is primarily focused on conducting airborne, air assault, and amphibious operations, with additional capabilities to undertake special operations or to function as special operations-capable infantry. This shift underscores the brigade's enhanced role in the Malaysian Army's rapid deployment and specialised warfare capabilities.[9]
Structures
The 8th Ranger (Para) has been based at Terendak Camp, Malacca, since November 1984. There are 7 companies and 1 welfare organisation under 8th Ranger.
The 8th Ranger (Para)'s BAKAT oversees the family welfare support for the brigade. The organisation is under the leadership of the spouse of the Commander of 8th Ranger (Para), with the commander serving as the patron for this organisation.
Disbanded units
Ngelaban Platoon, 8th Ranger
The Platun Ngelaban (Lightning Platoon, Malay: Platun Kilat) served as the strike team for the 8th Ranger. Each battalion within the Ranger Regiment maintained its own version of this elite platoon. The Platun Ngelaban was disbanded on 8 August 1978, and succeeded by the UCIS Platoon of the 8th Ranger. The unit gained fame when one of its members was awarded the Star of the Commander of Valour (Pingat Gagah Berani—PGB), Malaysia’s second-highest honour for valour.[2]
UCIS Platoon, 8th Ranger
The Unit Combat Intelligence Section (UCIS) Platoon of the 8th Ranger (Platun Risik Tempur 8 Ranger) was established on 8 August 1978, as the successor to the Platun Ngelaban. This platoon specialised in combat intelligence and reconnaissance missions. Its members gained renown during military operations along the Perak-Kelantan border between 1979 and 1980, with two members receiving the prestigious Star of the Commander of Valour (PGB) for their acts of bravery.
Eventually, all UCIS Platoons across the Malaysian Army were disbanded and replaced by dedicated Reconnaissance Platoons and Sniper Platoons, streamlining the roles and capabilities of combat support units.[2][10][11]
Customs and traditions
HRH Putra of Perlis' Bronze Cup.8th Ranger's silver-plated steel helmet.
Colours
Green – Symbolise of battalion's readiness
Red – Symbolise of always prepared
Uniforms
Rifle green beret with black hackle
The rifle greenberet with a black hackle symbolises the light infantry heritage of the Royal Ranger Regiment. The regiment's initial role as light infantry and scouts was influenced by the Royal Irish Fusiliers, later known as the Royal Irish Rangers, of the British Army. Prior to 10 October 1994, all members of the 8th Ranger wore this beret. Today, it is worn exclusively by non-Rapid Deployment Force (RDF)-trained personnel of the battalion.[2][4]
Maroon beret
The maroon beret represents the battalion’s airborne capability. The establishment of Malaysia's airborne forces drew significant influence from the Parachute Regiment of the British Army. Since 10 October 1994, all RDF-trained members of the 8th Ranger (Para) have adopted the maroon beret, signifying their status as airborne troops.[4]
Ceremonial objects
HRH Putra of Perlis' Bronze Cup
This bronze cup, standing 24.5 centimetres (9.6 in) tall and weighing 2.76 kilograms (6.1 lb), serves as one of the primary ceremonial objects of the 8th Ranger (Para). It was granted by Putra of Perlis on 5 October 1989 to symbolise the battalion's readiness to accept and fulfil any responsibilities assigned by higher command.[2]
Battalion's steel helmet
The steel helmet holds historical significance, as it was issued by the Malaysian Army to units stationed under the Rajang Area Security Command (RASCOM) during the Communist Insurgency in Sarawak. The 8th Ranger, stationed in this region for several years, later silver-plated one of these helmets to serve as a ceremonial object.[2]
Ceremonial weapon
The silver kris, the ceremonial weapon of the 8th Ranger (Para), was granted by Putra of Perlis on 29 June 1999 to commemorate the battalion's inclusion in Malaysia's elite military units. The kris symbolises the spirit of a warrior.[2]
Commander's parachute wings
Introduced on 1 March 2020, this ceremonial object was granted by the 24th Commander of the 8th Ranger, Lieutenant Colonel Zulkifli Raub. It honours the battalion's role as the pioneering airborne unit within the 10th Parachute Brigade.[2]
Crushed by tree during Operation KOTA Foxtrot Series 2/2018
Lance corporal
Fahrurozi Abd Manaf
25 June 2018
Crushed by tree during Operation KOTA Foxtrot Series 2/2018
Notable battles
Battle of Mount Penrissen (1975)
On 2 October 1975, a section from the Platun Ngelaban of the 8th Ranger, led by Sergeant Gandat Merdan, was conducting a manhunt near Mount Penrissen, Sarawak, close to the Malaysia-Indonesia border. The section split into two teams, with one small patrol team consisting of Rangers Beliang, Frederick, and Baru. While scouting, the patrol encountered an enemy camp but was ambushed during reconnaissance. Despite being outnumbered, Ranger Beliang led his team in the skirmish, killing one enemy combatant.[2]
Hearing the gunfire, Sergeant Gandat and the main team rushed to support, ultimately defeating the remaining enemies. Among the deceased was Lee Lip Pong, the most wanted Sarawak Communist leader. For his bravery, Ranger Beliang Bali was promoted to lance corporal and later awarded the Pingat Gagah Berani (PGB) for his heroism during the Battle of Gopeng in 1977.[2]
Battle of Gopeng (1977)
In December 1977, during Operation Tanduk in Gopeng, Perak, Captain Patrick Wong Sing Nang led a squad of 10 men on a jungle patrol. The team split into two smaller groups, with one under the command of Sergeant Gandat Merdan. During the mission, Captain Patrick Wong’s team was ambushed, resulting in his chest injury and serious wounds to three others, leaving only Lance Corporal Beliang unscathed.[2]
Amid the chaos, one soldier from Sergeant Gandat’s team was injured by a booby trap. Captain Patrick Wong called for a medevac and, despite his injury, provided cover fire alongside Lance Corporal Beliang to protect the wounded until evacuation was complete. For prioritising his men over himself, Captain Patrick Wong received a Kepujian Perutusan Keberanian (KPK). Lance Corporal Beliang Bali was honoured with the Pingat Gagah Berani (PGB) for his extraordinary defence of his injured comrades under fire.[2]
Raid on Korbu Reserve Forest (1979)
On 1 June 1979, the UCIS Platoon of the 8th Ranger, led by Second Lieutenant Govinda Raj Kanappan, and one company under Captain Othman launched a raid on an enemy camp in the Korbu Reserve Forest, Fort Legap, Perak. The UCIS Platoon divided into two groups, with the reconnaissance team led by Sergeant Kanang Langkau and Corporal Micheal Riman scouting and marking the enemy sentry positions.[2]
The recce team initiated the raid when Sergeant Kanang fired an M79 grenade launcher, followed by Captain Othman's company providing cover fire. Despite being outnumbered, the team captured the camp. Five enemies were killed, while the 8th Ranger suffered two fatalities. Corporal Micheal Riman was injured during the operation. For their valour, Sergeant Kanang Langkau and Corporal Micheal Riman were both awarded the Pingat Gagah Berani (PGB).[2]
Battle of Tanah Hitam (1980)
In February 1980, Sergeant Kanang Langkau led a platoon from Charlie Company, 8th Ranger, on a manhunt mission in Tanah Hitam, Chemor, Perak. The platoon encountered an enemy group, killing one combatant. A few days later, on 19 February, they were ambushed while investigating a booby trap. The attack injured Sergeant Kanang and two others, including a sergeant and a medic.[2]
Despite being gravely wounded in the chest and stomach, Sergeant Kanang took command, rallying his platoon to counterattack and secure victory. For his extraordinary leadership and bravery, Sergeant Kanang was awarded Malaysia’s highest decoration for valour, the Grand Knight of Valour (Malay: Darjah Kebesaran Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa — SP).[2]
Warrant Officer I (Rtd.) Temenggung Datuk Kanang anak Langkau, SP PGB PGBK PBS, (2 March 1945–3 January 2013) is one of Malaysia's most celebrated war heroes, known for his extraordinary bravery during the Communist insurgency in Malaysia. He is the only Malaysian to be awarded both the highest decoration for valour, the Grand Knight of Valour (SP), and the second-highest, the Star of the Commander of Valour (PGB). These were awarded for his heroic actions during operations at the Perak-Kelantan border in 1979 and 1980.[13]
Born in Sarikei, Sarawak, Kanang enlisted in the British Army on 21 April 1962, serving as an Iban Tracker in the 42 Commando. He later joined the 1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (1RNZIR) before transferring to the Malaysian Army in 1973. He served as the UCIS platoon sergeant and regimental sergeant major for the 8th Ranger. After retiring as Warrant Officer I (WO1), he was elected as the Temenggung ("Paramount Leader") of the Iban people.[13]
Micheal Riman Bugat
Major (Rtd.) QuartermasterMicheal Riman anak Bugat, PGB, (born 8 March 1954, Saribas, Sarawak) is a distinguished hero of the Malaysian Army, recognised for his valour during the Raid on Korbu Reserve Forest (1979), where he earned the Star of the Commander of Valour (PGB). At the time, Corporal Micheal served in the UCIS Platoon, 8th Ranger, alongside Sergeant Kanang Langkau.[13]
Enlisting in the Malaysian Army on 22 June 1973, Micheal began his career with the 8th Ranger. He was later commissioned as an officer and retired with the rank of Major Quartermaster (NATO: OF-3) after 31 years of service.[13]
Beliang Bali
Warrant Officer I (Rtd.) Beliang anak Bali, PGB, (born 6 October 1953, Sri Aman, Sarawak) is a Malaysian hero celebrated for his role in the Battle of Gopeng (1977), during which he displayed exceptional courage as a member of the Ngelaban Platoon. Despite being heavily outnumbered, Lance Corporal Beliang defended his wounded teammates, including his commanding officer, Captain Patrick Wong Sing Nang, until reinforcements arrived. His actions earned him the Star of the Commander of Valour (PGB).[2]
Beliang retired as Warrant Officer I (WO1) after 21 years of service in the Malaysian Army.[2]
Awie Suboh
Lieutenant General (Rtd.) Dato' Awie bin Suboh, DPMJ, (born 1953, Sri Aman, Sarawak) is the first Sarawakian to rise to the rank of 3-star general in the Malaysian Armed Forces. Joining the Army on 1 December 1972, he was commissioned on 15 May 1975 and initially served with the 4th Ranger.[5][14]
Awie passed the Malaysian Special Forces Selection and later commanded the 8th Ranger, where he became a pioneer infantry paratrooper after completing the airborne course in 1987. He held several key positions, including Commander of the 9th Infantry Brigade and the 21st Special Service Group. Awie retired as Commander of the 1st Infantry Division (1 Div) on 13 November 2011, with a distinguished career spanning nearly 39 years.[5][14]
His roles also included serving as the Deputy Chief of Army, further solidifying his legacy in the Malaysian Armed Forces.[5][14]
Notes
^Malaysia already had airborne units before this, but they were more focused on special forces than airborne infantry.
^The 10th Parachute Brigade is an independent formation reporting directly to the Chief of Army, not under any field command.
^At the time, the battalions were similar to other conventional infantry units in Malaysia but had additional insertion methods. On 9 October 2020, the brigade transitioned into a special unit.
