| Unit Name: | 8th Battalion (Parachute), Royal Ranger Regiment |
| Allegiance: | Yang di-Pertuan Agong ('King of Malaysia') |
| Type: | Airborne light infantry |
| Size: | 7 companies |
| Command Structure: | 10th Parachute Brigade |
| Garrison: | Wellington Camp, Malacca |
| Nickname: | "Airborne Ranger", "8 RRD", "8 Ranger", "8 Para" |
| Patron: | Putra of Perlis (until 16 April 2000) |
| Motto: | Anang Skali Ngalah ('Never Give Up') |
| Colours Label: | --> |
| Mascot: | Rhinoceros hornbill |
| Anniversaries: | 1 March |
| Battle Honours: | Daulat Feb 2013 |
| Current Commander: | Lieutenant Colonel Yusrin Azuan bin Abd Aziz |
| Commander2: | Warrant Officer I Sapolrizan Mat Abu |
| Commander2 Label: | Regimental sergeant major |
| Notable Commanders: | Lieutenant General Dato' Awie Suboh |
| Identification Symbol 2 Label: | Battalion's flag (2019-present) |
| Native Name: | Batalion Ke-8, Rejimen Renjer Diraja (Para) |
The 8th Battalion (Parachute), Royal Ranger Regiment, better known as the 8 RRD or 8 RRD (Para) – abbreviation from its local name, is a battalion-sized airborne infantry from the Royal Ranger Regiment of the Malaysian Army. On 10 October 1994 the 8 RRD became part of the 10th Parachute Brigade. The 8 RRD is the first infantry unit in the Malaysian Army transformed from a conventional to an airborne unit.[1] [2]
The unit was established on 1 March 1973, in response to a request from the Government of Sarawak to set up a military element in the Malaysian Army consisting of only Sarawakians. Named as 8th Ranger, its first role was as a training centre for the Ranger Regiment. Until 1973 Wellington Camp, Terendak, Malacca was the headquarters for the 1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (1RNZIR). The Commonwealth transferred the camp to the Malaysian Government in early 1973. The 8 RRD was the first local military unit based there.
On 12 March 1973, 500 recruits from Sarawak begin their six-month basic training at the newly formed training centre. On 4 September, the Malaysian Army dissolved the 8th Rangers as a training centre and reinstated it back as a full infantry battalion.
The Malaysian Army reinstated it as the 8th Battalion, Malaysian Ranger Regiment . Only some from 500 Sarawakian recruits stayed after they graduated from the training centre. Some posted to other units, and some officers and soldiers from other units volunteered to the newly formed battalion, thus the plan to set up a 100% Sarawakian military unit was not achieved. In November 1973, the battalion moved out from Wellington Camp and stationed in Sarawak.
Since the early 1970s the Malaysian Army had been planning to create an infantry brigade with parachute ability. However, the plan did not receive much support from the government due to concerns that such an airborne brigade might be looked on with suspicion by its neighbour, Singapore. On 1 January 1987, the Malaysian Army gave the green light for the 8 RRD to be re-constructed as an infantry airborne unit, possibly as an experimental airborne infantry element. The official name of 8 RRD changed to the current name — 8th Battalion (Parachute). The transition went smoothly and, in July 1990, the 8 RRD (Para) became a fully operational airborne infantry battalion. Later that year two more infantry battalions were given permission to re-construct into airborne battalions: 9th Battalion and 17th Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment.[3]
Also known as 'The Pioneer', one officer and nine other ranks is the first batch from conventional infantry unit to passes the Airborne Course at Special Warfare Training Centre in the year 1987. They are:
See main article: Rapid Deployment Force (Malaysia). The Malaysian Armed Forces intended to re-organize all military unit with airborne ability under one command. At the end of 1992, the 8 RRD (Para), at that time a part of the 10th Strategic Brigade of the Malaysian Army's 11th Division (Strategic) (Abbr.: 11 Div Stra), was invitated to become part of an independent military unit called the Rapid Deployment Force. On 10 October 1994, the 8 RRD (Para) officially was recognized as one of the three airborne infantry element in the Rapid Deployment Force, and the 10th Strategic Brigade was upgrading to an airborne brigade, the 10th Parachute Brigade.
To experiment with the effectiveness of female paratroopers in airborne combat roles, the Malaysian Army allowed a batch of female soldiers to enters Airborne School and Basic Rapid Deployment Course (— APAC) of 10th Parachute Brigade. Ten female paratroopers passed the course and were experimentally attached to the 8 RRD (Para) from 30 December 2005 to 22 August 2008. The pioneer female paratroopers were:
The 8 RRD (Para) is based at Wellington Camp, Terendak, Malacca since November 1984. There are 7 paratrooper companies and 1 welfare organisation under 8 RRD.
| Battalion HQ | Battalion's management and administration | |
| Alpha Company | Airborne light infantry company | |
| Bravo Company | Airborne light infantry company | |
| Charlie Company | Airborne light infantry company | |
| Delta Company | Airborne light infantry company | |
| Support Company | Mortar, heavy machine-gun, anti-tank and communications support | |
| HQ Company | Service support | |
| BAKAT 8 RRD PARA | Family welfare support for the battalion |
The Platun Ngelaban ('Lightning Platoon',) of the 8 Ranger was a strike team for the 8 Ranger. Each battalion in the Ranger Regiment has their own Platun Ngelaban. This platoon disbanded on 8 August 1978 and succeeded by the UCIS Platoon, 8 Ranger. Became famous after one of its members awarded with the 2nd highest award for valour in Malaysia – the Star of the Commander of Valour (– PGB).
The Unit Combat Intelligence Section (UCIS) Platoon of the 8 Ranger was a combat intelligence and reconnaissance platoon for the 8 RRD. This platoon became famous after two of its members awarded with the 2nd highest award for valour in Malaysia – the Star of the Commander of Valour (PGB). Established on 8 August 1978, this platoon is the successor for Platun Ngelaban, gets its fame during military operations in Perak-Kelantan borders in the year 1979 to 1980. Later, all UCIS Platoons in Malaysian Army disbanded and replaced with Reconnaissance Platoon and Sniper Platoon.[5] [6]
Rifle green beret with black hackle
The rifle green beret and black hackle symbolised the light infantry status of the Royal Ranger Regiment. The Malaysian Ranger Regiment (the then name for Royal Ranger Regiment) functions initially as light infantry and scouts thus, the regiment influenced by the Royal Irish Fusiliers (later become Royal Irish Rangers in 1968) of British Army. Today, non-RDF trained members of 8 RRD (Para) wore this beret. Before 10 October 1994, all 8 RRD members wore this beret.
Maroon beret
The maroon beret symbolised the airborne ability of this battalion. The Parachute Regiment of the British Army heavily influenced the Malaysian Army airborne force establishment. All RDF trained 8 RRD members to start wearing this beret since 10 October 1994.
HRH Putra of Perlis' Bronze Cup
The main ceremonial objects of the 8 RRD (Para). Granted by HRH Putra of Perlis to 8 RRD on 5 October 1989. The bronze cup symbolised the battalion's readiness to bear any responsibility given by higher command to them. Made with pure bronze, the cup is 24.5cm (09.6inches) tall and weight 2.76kg (06.08lb).
Battalion's steel helmet
Steel helmet is a military attire that hand out by the Malaysian Army to military units that attached under Rajang Area Security Command (RASCOM) during Communist insurgency in Sarawak. 8 RRD stationed there for a few years. 8 RRD silver plated a steel helmet and made it as battalion's ceremonial objects.
Ceremonial weapon
The ceremonial weapon of 8 RRD (Para) is a silver kris. Granted by HRH Putra of Perlis on 29 June 1999 to celebrate 8 RRD become a part of a Malaysian Army elite unit. Symbolised of a warrior.
Commander's parachute wings
The latest ceremonial objects for 8 RRD (Para). It is a ceremonial object granted by the 24th Commander of 8 RRD, Lieutenant Colonel Zulkifli Raub, on 1 March 2020 to the battalion because of the 8 RRD is the pioneer airborne element in the 10th Parachute Brigade.
| Rank | Name | Year of Death | Circumstances | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lance corporal | Abd Wahid Daing Malinda | 24 February 1976 | Step on landmine during an operation in Lundu, Sarawak | |
| Ranger | Hamdan Kuncit | 24 February 1976 | Step on landmine during an operation in Lundu, Sarawak | |
| Ranger | Jus Kisu | 8 April 1976 | Fall from military vehicle during an operation in Lundu, Sarawak | |
| Ranger | Mohd Seruji Harun | 3 July 1977 | Hit by booby trap while in combat during Operation Cahaya Bena Satu in Southern Thailand | |
| Ranger | Vasant Singh | 12 February 1978 | Drown during an operation in Julong, Perak | |
| Second lieutenant | Abdullah Saad | 19 June 1978 | Killed in action (KIA) during Operation Setia 12 in Keramat Pulai, Perak | |
| Lance corporal | Mohammad Ali | 19 June 1978 | KIA during Operation Setia 12 in Keramat Pulai, Perak | |
| Ranger | Saimon Jalal | 15 September 1978 | KIA during Operation Sawadee in Southern Thailand | |
| Ranger | Ramli Othman | 1 June 1979 | KIA during Operation Setia 8 in Korbu Lasah, Perak | |
| Ranger | Baharuddin Yahaya | 1 June 1979 | KIA during Operation Setia 8 in Korbu Lasah, Perak | |
| Ranger | Talip Tibong | 24 February 1980 | KIA during Operation Setia 2/80 in Tanah Hitam, Perak | |
| Lance corporal | Jihed Nyamoi | 10 March 1980 | Food poisoning during Operation Setia 3/80 in Gopeng, Perak | |
| Lance corporal | Lemon Rona | 5 April 1980 | KIA during Operation Setia 3/80 in Gopeng, Perak | |
| Ranger | Jackson Samuel | 24 April 1983 | KIA during Operation Jala Aman 1 in Naman Asan, Sibu, Sarawak | |
| Ranger | Jalal Kadir | 24 April 1983 | KIA during Operation Jala Aman 1 in Naman Asan, Sibu, Sarawak | |
| Ranger | Norizan Abdul Rahman | 15 August 2001 | Suffering from Pulmonary Haemorrhage during Operation KOTA Foxtrot Series 2/2001 | |
| Ranger | Siti Hajar Yaakub | 2 December 2007 | Drown during the parachute rehearsal for the LIMA[7] | |
| Corporal | Mohamad Safuan Hassan | 25 June 2018 | 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 |
On 2 October 1975, a section from Ngelaban Platoon, 8 Ranger led by Sergeant Gandat Merdan were conducting a manhunt mission at Mount Penrissen, Sarawak, near to Malaysia-Indonesia border. The section split into two teams, the main team and one small patrol team consisting of three soldiers, Ranger Beliang, Ranger Frederick and Ranger Baru. The team of three soldiers then came across an enemy camp. While the team was scouting the camp, the enemy ambushed them. Even though outnumbered, Ranger Beliang led the team and killed one enemy. Hearing the sound of a gunfight, Sergeant Gandat with the main team came to give fire support and defeat the rest of the enemy. Later, they found that the enemy killed by Ranger Beliang is Lee Lip Pong, the leader Sarawak Communist and the most wanted person in Sarawak. Ranger Beliang was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal for this battle. He was later awarded with the second-highest decorations for valour, the Star of the Commander of Valour for heroism at the Battle of Gopeng 1977.
In December 1977, during Operation Tanduk at Gopeng, Perak, Captain Patrick Wong Sing Nang led a squad of 10 men conducting a routine patrol in the jungle. He split his squad into two smaller 5-men teams, and the second team is a recce team led by Sergeant Gandat Merdan. When patrolling, Captain Patrick Wong and his 5-men team were under attack. He has been shot at the chest and three others seriously wounded from been shot. Only Lance Corporal Beliang unharmed. During the panic, one soldier from Sergeant Gandat's team wounded after step on a booby trap. Captain Patrick Wong then ask for medevac via helicopter. While waiting for medevac, Lance Corporal Beliang is alone defending his injured teammates from enemies fire. Even though he is seriously injured, Captain Patrick Wong stays with Lance Corporal Beliang and they providing cover fire for the medevac. He is the last man among the casualties been evacuated. Because he prioritises his men over himself, Captain Patrick Wong is mentioned in dispatches (Malay: Kepujian Perutusan Keberanian — KPK) by His Majesty the King of Malaysia.[8] Lance Corporal Beliang Bali awarded with the second-highest decorations for valour, the Star of the Commander of Valour (PGB) for his heroic defending his injured teammates.
On 1 June 1979, the UCIS Platoon of 8 Ranger led by Second Lieutenant Govinda Raj Kanappan and one company from 8 Ranger led by Captain Othman conducting a raid on enemy camp in Korbu Reserve Forest, Fort Legap, Perak. The UCIS Platoon split into two groups. The second group is a recce team led by Sergeant Kanang Langkau. One of recce's member is Corporal Micheal Riman. The recce team went ahead to scouts the area and markings the enemy sentries' locations. Captain Othman and his soldiers approaching the recce team before raiding the camp. The recce team initiated the raid after Sergeant Kanang shoots a sentry with an M79 grenade launcher. Even though outnumbered, the recce team managed to capture the camp, with the cover fire support from Captain Othman's company. Corporal Micheal Riman has been shot at his right arm. During the raid, they killed five enemies, while losing two soldiers. Sergeant Kanang and Corporal Micheal Riman awarded with the second-highest decorations for valour, the Star of the Commander of Valour (PGB) for this raid.
In February 1980, Sergeant Kanang Langkau commanding a platoon from Charlie Company, 8 Ranger for a manhunt mission at Tanah Hitam, Chemor, Perak. The platoon came across a group of enemy and manages to kill one. A few days later, on 19 February, Sergeant Kanang spotted a booby trap. While stopping to check the trap, a group of enemy ambushed the Sergeant Kanang's platoon. The ambush injured three members of the platoon, a sergeant, a medic and Sergeant Kanang. Even though been shot at chest and stomach, Sergeant Kanang takes the command and led his platoon to counter the ambush and won the battle. Sergeant Kanang awarded with the highest decorations for valour, the Grand Knight of Valour for this battle.
See main article: Kanang anak Langkau. Warrant Officer I (Rtd.) Temenggung Datuk Kanang anak Langkau,, (2 March 1945 – 3 January 2013) was the most well-known Malaysian heroes. He won the highest Malaysian decorations for valour, the Grand Knight of Valour (— SP) and the second-highest military award, the Star of the Commander of Valour (— PGB) during two operations at Perak-Kelantan borders in 1979 and 1980. He was the only Malaysian awarded with both decorations. Born in Sarikei, Sarawak, he enlisted to British Army on 21 April 1962 (at that time, British rules Sarawak). Kanang assigned to the 42 Commando as Iban Tracker (Scouts unit that only consists of soldiers from Sarawak) during Communist insurgency in Malaysia (1968–1989). He later transferred to the 1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (1RNZIR) and then absorbed to the Malaysian Army in 1973. He was the UCIS Platoon 8 Ranger's Platoon sergeant and 8 RRD's Regimental sergeant major. After retiring from armed services with the rank of Warrant Officer I (WO1; NATO: OR-9), he then elected as the Temenggung ('Paramount Leader') of Iban people.[9]
Major (Rtd.) Quartermaster Micheal Riman anak Bugat,, (born on 8 March 1954, in Saribas, Sarawak) is one of the Malaysian heroes from the Malaysian Army. He won the Star of the Commander of Valour (PGB) during Raid on Korbu Reserve Forest 1979 in Perak. At that time, his rank is corporal and together with Sergeant Kanang Anak Langkau, they are members of UCIS Platoon, 8 Ranger. Enlisted to Malaysian Army on 22 June 1973, he then assigned to the 8 Ranger. He later commissioned as an officer. Retired from the Malaysian Army with the rank of Major Quartermaster (NATO: OF-3) after serving for 31 years.
Warrant Officer I (Rtd.) Beliang anak Bali,, (born on 6 October 1953, in Sri Aman, Sarawak) is one of the Malaysian heroes from the Malaysian Army. He won the Star of the Commander of Valour (PGB) during Battle of Gopeng 1977 in Perak. During the battle, Lance Corporal Beliang, who is a members of Ngelaban Platoon, and his 5-men team came under attack by communist terrorist. Except him, all of his teammates have an injury, including the commanding officer, Captain Wong Sing Nang. With the help en route, Lance Corporal Beliang is alone while defending his injured teammates from the insurgents while waiting for incoming help. He retired from the Malaysian Army with the rank of Warrant Officer I (WO1; NATO: OR-9) after serving for 21 years.
Lieutenant General (Rtd.) Dato' Awie bin Suboh,, (born in 1953, in Sri Aman, Sarawak) is the first Sarawakian be promoted to a 3-star general in the Malaysian Armed Forces. He enters the armed forces on 1 December 1972. Commissioned as an army officer on 15 May 1975, his first unit is 4th Battalion, Malaysian Ranger Regiment. He later volunteers and passes the commando course. Awie assigned as the Commander of 8 RRD after promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel. In 1987, Awie and 9 other ranks from 8 RRD pass airborne course and became the pioneer infantry paratrooper in the Malaysian Army. He then became the Commander of 9th Infantry Brigade in 2004, and later as the Commander of 21st Special Service Group in 2006. He retired as the Commander of 1st Division (1 Div) on 13 November 2011, with the rank of Lieutenant-general (NATO: OF-8) after serving for 38 years, 11 months and 12 days. His past positions including Deputy Chief of Army.[10]