Unit Tindakan Cepat - History

History

The organization of special police forces formed in the early 2000s, arrived at the law enforcement scenes and replaced roles with the Pasukan Gerakan Khas (main elite Counter-Terrorist units) which was the main SWAT duty team throughout Malaysia. It has been formed also for enhancing the capabilities of Criminal Investigation Division (which the UTC is a division of) in facing and handling all dangerous criminal activities; from both individuals and groups. There has always been a rising requirement for a quick, always-ready unit in various city areas throughout Malaysia. The new units role is to handle cases of serious crimes in progress, particularly cases involving firearms, such as dealing with bank and jewellery robberies, murder, kidnapping, prison escapes, and raiding the hideouts of armed criminals.

This unit will aid the elite counter-terrorist force - the Pasukan Gerakan Khas - in handling situations more suited to normal SWAT units. Before the formation of the UTC, the Pasukan Gerakan Khas handled all serious situations from armed robberies to hostage rescue. Two states had recently set up UTC Headquarters of their respective areas - Terengganu and Johor.

The UTC are trained by the experienced Pasukan Gerakan Khas, and are fully and equipped for all situations of urban combat or CQB. This unit's rapid responses and deployments have been effective in capturing many criminals since its formation in the 2000s.