3RD BATTALION MALAYSIA RANGERS
ITS GLORIOUS YEARS
1965 – 1989
Dubbed as “Commando 33” by members of the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM), 3rd Battalion, Malaysia Ranger was the top fighting echelon of the Malaysian Army in the 70s when the CPM launched its second phase of the insurgency and the Sarawak Communist Party embarked on its military misadventure against the State of Sarawak.
The fateful ambush that killed seven of a Section of the Battalion in 1970 triggered the Agi Idup Agi Ngelaban spirits of the Battalion. A year later in 1971, near Kulim, Kedah, the Battalion avenged the death of their seven comrades by eliminating seven of the eight-member group of CTs in a cordon and search operation code-named Ops Radak.Catapulted to the top and into the limelight, 3rd Ranger was the best choice to be sent to Sarawak to deal with the worrying situation there. In 1973, the Battalion was sent there for a one year tour of duty. By the middle of the year, 3rd Company Pasukan Rakyat Kalimantan Utara (PARAKU) which was operating in the Serian District was eliminated. By October of the same year, the remaining 1st Company PARAKU under the leadership of their Political Commissar Bong Kee Chok found the situation untenable when his camp was attacked by Captain Robert Rizal Abdullah and his men. Nine days later, on 20 October 1973, they gave up their futile struggle and signed the Peace Accord in Sri Aman. That ended the CT threat in the First Division of Sarawak.
3rd Ranger had been the force behind this success. They had eliminated a total of 22 CTs, the highest kills in a single year by any Unit in the Malaysian Armed Forces.
Upon the unit return to Taiping after the one year tour of Sarawak, the operations conducted against the CTs of the Malayan Communist Party (MCP) in Perak and South Thailand resulted in a total of 5 CTs KIA and 1 CT captured. It enhanced the credibility of the unit’s fighting prowess and adding more feathers to its cap.
This book is the first-hand account told by the officers who had led their men to battle the enemies and disregarding the dangers and risks to their own lives. This is their stories of unparalleled bravery and sacrifices, never been told or narrated elsewhere before. It is a must-read for all Malaysians who want to know history and what had happened in the past and how the Nation had become what it is today.
3 RRR BOOK PROFILE
1. Content: Battalion history since its inception of 1 July1965, at Suvla Lines, Jalan Tambun, Ipoh. The various encounters with the CTs, and the operational successes after the infamous ambush by the CTs. Personal combat experiences shared by those who went through the terrifying moments of their lives. The success factors, which motivated the men to great heights. The recognition of its outstanding services with the award of the Regimental Colours. Walking down memory lane with visits to the areas and communities they once served and fought their battles, during the Communist insurgency. It is not all serious business, there were humourous moments, which had been part and parcel of the officer’s social life. The book’s final chapter pays tribute to the brave warriors, who gave their lives in the defense of the country. An ensuing poem amplifies the noble sacrifices made by all who were part of this adventure.
2. The Book Presentation: A great story is packed with a great presentation, in hard cover and glossy paper with lots of graphic illustrations and coloured photographs, spanning 175 pages.
The books were distributed to various military and civilian libraries throughout the country, the Army Museum and to individuals including VIPs from all walks of life. The marketing activityculminated with the book launch conducted on 28 Sep 2022 at Kuching, Sarawak, where the Battalion’s major operational successes had occurred in 1973. The publicity through the various media services helped create the awareness of the Battalion’s successes, which had eventually led to the surrender of the Communist terrorists and the demise of the Communist Party by 1989.
‘ Lest We Forget The Sacrifices Made By These Warriors, So That Peace Could Prevail’
Maj KD Richard (Rtd)
Secretary
The Red Hackles
👍🌸 This book is still available for purchase at RM 50. To those who would like to get a copy please contact Major K.D. Richard..OI2 2I499O9. Tq. Agi idup 🙏
