History
The Marine Police used to be known as the Malay Water Police and its responsibility was to maintain security in Penang and the Straits of Johor. Owing to the increase in marine activities, the marine police was formed on September 1, 1947 in Batu Uban, Penang before being transferred to Gelugor, Penang with 19 boats contributed by the Customs Development and the Royal Malaysian Navy Reserve with 90 personnels.
During the Malayan Emergency, three members of the marine police perished in the battle of Bukit Kepong while fighting against the Communists.
During the Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation, the marine police also played a role in the crisis. The marine police co-operated with the navy in patrolling the coastal and riverine areas of the Malaysian Peninsula. Indonesian Irregular forces tried to infiltrate into Malaysia over water, especially using fishing boats and trawlers but many were successfully captured by the navy and the marine police. Some of the Indonesian Irregulars were shot dead when trying to escape from the Malaysian security forces, as well as having their weapons and equipment captured.
With the rapid development of Malaysia, the Marine Police expanded in terms of logistics and men. The expansion was notable during the 1960s, with a marked increase of 40 wooden PX class patrol boats and the addition of personnel. Subsequently, the duties of the Marine Police also expanded.
In 6 February 2009, the name of Malaysian Marine Police was changed to Pasukan Gerakan Marin (English: Marine Operations Force) with the aim of making the force more sensitive, progressive and innovative in their service to the community. The renaming was launched by the Minister of Home Affairs, Dato' Seri Syed Hamid Albar at PULAMAR (Abbreviation of Pusat Latihan Marin or Marine Police Training Centre), Tampoi, Johor Bahru and witnessed by Tan Sri Musa Hassan, the Inspector General of Police, the Director of Internal Security and Public Order, Dato' Hussin Ismail and all senior police officers and Malaysian media. In addition to functioning as regular police stations and huts, the Marine Police also took over police shacks located on islands, lakes, coastal and river areas. On November 24, 2008, a total of 41 marine police bases in the country were upgraded to Beach Police Stations and Beach Police Shacks.
Read more about this topic: Marine Operations Force
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