Special Task and Rescue

Special Task and Rescue Team
Pasukan Tindakan Khas dan Penyelamat (Malay) ڤاسوكن تيندقن خاص دان ڤڽلامت ماريتيم (Malay)
Special Task And Rescue Team's Special Operations Insignia
Active	31 March 2005; 19 years ago (2005-03-31)
Country	Malaysia
Agency	Malaysia Coast Guard
Type	Special operations command
Headquarters	Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency Headquarters, Putrajaya
Motto	Bersatu & Berjuang Unite & Fight
Common name	"STAR Team", "PTK", "Komando Maritim",[1] "Penyelam Penyelamat"
Abbreviation	STAR
Structure
Squadrons	3
Commanders
Current commander	Capt. (M) Syuzefril bin Mat Noor
Notable commanders	Capt. (M) Abim Sungom
Notables
Significant operation(s)	2013 Lahad Datu standoff 2017 MT Orkim Harmony hijacking 2018 MT Tanker MGT1 hijacking[2]
Anniversaries	31 March

The Special Task and Rescue Team (Malay: Pasukan Tindakan Khas dan Penyelamat, Jawi: ڤاسوكن تيندقن خاص دان ڤڽلامت ماريتيم), abbreviated as STAR, serves as the command for elite maritime special operations and underwater divers within the Malaysia Coast Guard. It was established as a rapid reaction force for emergencies within the maritime zone of Malaysia.^[3][4]

STAR plays a crucial role alongside the Royal Malaysian Navy's Naval Special Forces (PASKAL) and the Royal Malaysian Police's Marine Assault Team (UNGERIN) in addressing piracy, terrorism, and robbery threats at sea, responding promptly before reinforcements arrive from the Royal Malaysian Police's Marine Operations Force, Malaysia Coast Guard, and the Royal Malaysian Navy.^[3]

Additionally, STAR shares responsibilities in maritime search and rescue with the Royal Malaysian Air Force's RMAF Special Forces (PASKAU) Maritime Para Rescue Squadron.

On 31 March 2005, the Pasukan Tindakan Khas Agensi Penguatkuasaan Maritim Malaysia (Abbr. PTK-APMM, lit. 'Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency Special Operations Force') was founded. Several commandos from the Royal Malaysian Air Force's (RMAF) PASKAU and the Royal Malaysian Navy's PASKAL were reassigned to the Malaysia Coast Guard (MCG) to constitute the inaugural STAR team.^[5][6] The concept of MCG's special operations is modelled after the United States Coast Guard's (USCG) Maritime Safety and Security Team and Maritime Security Response Team, as well as the Japan Coast Guard's Special Security Team.

For a few years, recruitment was exclusively open to special forces from any service within the Malaysian Armed Forces. However, the PTK-APMM later decided to recruit its members internally within the agency. In April 2008, 25 coast guard members successfully completed the preparatory course held at Pulau Indah in Selangor. This included one commissioned officer, three senior non-commissioned officers (SNCO), and one non-commissioned officer (NCO). The trainees for this course were selected from the PTK-APMM selection test held from 19 to 24 December 2008.^[7]

In July 2009, 24 trainees successfully completed the RMAF Basic Commando Course, forming the pioneer team of homegrown STAR special operations operators.^[1][8] According to the Deputy Director Chief of Malaysian Maritime Operations, VAdm. (M) Dato' Noor Aziz Yunnan, the team needed an additional 200 members by the end of the year.^[8]

On 25 March 2009, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) assumed control of the Malaysia Rescue Coordinating Centre (MRCC) from the Marine Department Malaysia (Malay: Jabatan Laut Malaysia). Subsequently, the MMEA became responsible for managing all emergency calls and providing appropriate responses to emergencies within the Malaysian maritime zone. The centre was renamed the 'Malaysia Maritime Communication Centre' (MMCC), and its sub-centres were designated as 'Maritime Rescue Sub-Centres' (MRSC). To avoid confusion with international shipping operators, the name was later changed to the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), maintaining the same abbreviation as the original name.^[9]

In conjunction with this, the MMEA established the Maritime Search and Rescue (Malay: CARILAMAT Maritim) unit and initiated the formation of MMEA Rescue Divers, placing them under Maritime Search and Rescue to support the centre and sub-centres. The agency also planned to integrate the PTK-APMM into Maritime Search and Rescue, forming a unified unit that combined both PTK-APMM and MMEA Rescue Divers. As a result, PTK-APMM was renamed Pasukan Tindakan Khas dan Penyelamat Agensi Penguatkuasaan Maritim Malaysia in Malay, or Special Task and Rescue Team in English. Despite the renaming, the merger of the Malaysia Coast Guard Rescue Divers with the Special Task and Rescue Team did not occur until October 2023.^{[note 1]} Prior to 2023, the Malaysia Coast Guard Rescue Divers continued to operate under the MRCC and MRSC.^[9][10]

The Special Task and Rescue were elevated to the Special Operations Command for the Malaysia Coast Guard in September 2023. The commandos under STAR were divided into two squadrons: the Assault Squadron of the Malay Peninsula and the Assault Squadron of Sabah and Sarawak.^[11]

In October 2023, all rescue divers units were integrated into the Special Task and Rescue, forming the Malaysia Coast Guard Diving Squadron. With this integration, the number of squadrons under STAR increased to three.^[12]

In 2016, the main counter-terrorism operators in Malaysia were consolidated into one special operations task force.^[13] Several operators from the STAR were selected to be part of the National Special Operations Force (NSOF). The NSOF was disbanded in October 2018.^[14]

The Special Task and Rescue Team (STAR) was established to support the agency in enforcing laws and regulations in the Maritime Zone of Malaysia. The STAR is assigned two main tasks: special rescue operations and special operations for forced boarding. The primary functions of the STAR include:^[15]

1. Conducting search and rescue operations in challenging conditions.
2. Performing forced boarding operations on vessels.
3. Countering terrorism and piracy.
4. Conducting surface and underwater rescue operations.

The STAR Teams are trained to perform the following:

• Maritime interdiction and law enforcement
• Force protection
• CBRN-E (chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear) detection
• Maritime search and rescue
• Port Protection/Anti-Sabotage
• Underwater Port Security
• Canine Handling Teams (Explosive detection)
• Tactical Boat Operations
• Non-Permissive Boarding Capability
• Counter-Terrorism
• Vertical Insertion (Fast roping)
• Hook and Climb

The headquarters of the Special Task and Rescue Team (STAR) is located at the Malaysia Coast Guard Headquarters in Putrajaya. The STAR comprises three squadrons strategically distributed across Malaysia. Presently, there are three distinct units under the STAR command:^[15]

• Malaysia Coast Guard Special Operations Force (Malay: Pasukan Tindakan Khas Maritim Malaysia)
• Malaysia Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers (Malay: Perenang Penyelamat Maritim Malaysia)
• Malaysia Coast Guard Rescue Divers (Malay: Penyelam Penyelamat Maritim Malaysia)

Currently, the Special Task and Rescue consists of the following units:^[15]

• Headquarters, Special Task and Rescue. At the Malaysia Coast Guard Headquarters in Putrajaya
  • Assault Squadron of the Malay Peninsular (Maritime special operations). At Klang in Selangor
  • Assault Squadron of Sabah and Sarawak (Maritime special operations). At Kota Kinabalu in Sabah
  • Malaysia Coast Guard Diving Squadron
    • Diving School (Underwater rescue divers & training unit). At Sultan Ahmad Shah Coast Guard Academy in Pahang
    • Johor Diving Unit (Underwater rescue divers). At Johor Bahru in Johor
    • Perak Diving Unit (Underwater rescue divers). At Lumut in Perak
    • Sabah Diving Unit (Underwater rescue divers). At Kota Kinabalu in Sabah
    • Sarawak Diving Unit (Underwater rescue divers). At Kuching in Sarawak

Each STAR Assault team consists of 25 operators. The STAR teams are distributed across all Maritime Districts (MD, Malay: Daerah Maritim—DM) in the country.^[8]

STAR special operations operators wear scarlet-red berets to distinguish themselves from other Malaysian special operations units. The STAR berets use the same red colour as the MCG logo. Before adopting the current colour, STAR special operations operators used the 'Midnight Express' colour beret  .^[16]

As a maritime special operations unit unit, STAR draws influence from the Naval Special Forces (PASKAL). All STAR special operations operators wear the golden STAR Insignia above their left breast pocket, similar to how PASKAL wears the Trimedia (the RMN's version of U.S. Navy SEALs 'Trident' insignia).

The various components symbolise:

• Wing: The traditional symbol for airborne capability.
• Rope and Anchor: The traditional symbol for a naval unit.
• Two Bugis Badiks: Representing skilful sailors and fighters.
• Five-Pointed Star: Symbolising 'STAR', an acronym for 'Special Task and Rescue'.

The creation of the MCG Rescue Swimmer insignia was influenced by the United States Coast Guard and the Japan Coast Guard. The MCG has designed the Rescue Swimmer Insignia for rescue swimmers based on the Aviation Survival Technician's Rescue Swimmer Wings. The Malaysian version of the Rescue Swimmer Wings is in gold and is worn in a similar style as the STAR Insignia.^[17]

The various components of the Rescue Swimmer Insignia symbolise:

• Wing: The traditional symbol for airborne capability.
• Rope and Anchor: The traditional symbol for a naval unit.
• Lifebuoy: Representing their main task, which is to rescue people.
• Four-Pointed Star: Symbolising 'STAR', an acronym for 'Special Task and Rescue', and representing the compass rose.

STAR special operations operators wear a 'STAR' tab on the right shoulder of their uniform.

The STAR special operations commandos utilise the U.S. Army Universal Camouflage Pattern for their Battle Dress Uniform (BDU). STAR became the first unit in Malaysia to adopt digital camouflage in 2009.^[18] During the 2022 Merdeka Day, the STAR special operations commandos showcased their new dark blue camouflage pattern.

Distinguishing themselves, STAR Rescue Divers don papaya orange wetsuits, symbolising their affiliation with the Japan Coast Guard's Special Rescue Team. The choice of papaya orange aligns with the distinctive wetsuits worn by the Japanese unit.^[19]

The Special Task and Rescue Team comprises two distinct units, each with unique selection and training processes. The selection and training programmes for these units are outlined as follows:^[1][4][19]

Each candidate must successfully navigate through five stages of the Malaysian Armed Forces Special Forces Selection and undergo one mandatory advanced training session before being conferred with the STAR Scarlet Red Beret and STAR Special Operations Insignia. The stages are outlined as follows:^[1]

In the year 2011, instructors from PASKAU and STAR supervised the preparatory course, which took place at the RMAF Kuala Lumpur Airbase and lasted for one month. This standard orientation, a crucial step in the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) Special Forces selection process, was designed to identify and eliminate candidates who were not physically or mentally prepared before advancing to the subsequent stages of training. The programme adhered to the established standards of MAF Special Forces, including PASKAU, PASKAL, and the 21st Special Service Group.^[1]

In a contemporary setting, STAR conducts its own orientation training at MCG's base, station, and academy.^[20][21] Experienced STAR instructors lead this training, now referred to as the Kursus Pra Asas Komando STAR (lit. 'STAR Pre-Basic Commando Course').^[21]

Throughout the orientation course, candidates were required to pass three tests:

• Test 1: Physical Test (Water)
• Test 2: Physical Test (Land)
• Final Test: Fitness Test

The primary objective of this two-week course is to expose and prepare candidates before they embark on the Basic Commando Course conducted across the three branches of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF).^[22] This training programme unfolds in Teluk Batik, Lumut, Perak, under the supervision of instructors from PASKAL and STAR.^[20]

Throughout this course, trainees will be equipped with the skills necessary to build mental and physical strength, fostering a sense of esprit de corps in anticipation of the forthcoming Basic Commando Course. The curriculum includes instruction on basic small arms operation, map reading, compass and protractor navigation, basic unarmed combat, swimming, long-distance running, navigation techniques, survival strategies, and fundamental marksman training. Additionally, the training covers essential areas such as first aid, resistance to interrogation, and amphibious assault tactics.

This three-week training is specifically designed for maritime special forces such as STAR and PASKAL. Trainees who successfully complete the Pre-Basic Commando Course proceed to this phase, which focuses on enhancing both land- and water-based physical capabilities. This training serves as the final step in the selection process before trainees are sent to the Basic Commando Course.

Trainees must successfully pass two fitness tests and one 'drown-proofing' test.

Extending over a period of 12 weeks, STAR candidates undergo training that culminates in their enrollment in either the PASKAL Basic Commando Course at the RMN Lumut Naval Base in Lumut, Perak, or the RMAF Basic Commando Course at RMAF Combat Training School in Rompin, Pahang.

The Basic Commando Course is structured into five phases:

• Phase 1: Camp Phase (5 weeks)
• Phase 2: Jungle Phase (2 weeks)
• Phase 3: Swamp Phase and Long Range March (1 week)
• Phase 4: Sea Phase (2 weeks)
• Phase 5: Escape and Evasion (E&E) (2 weeks)

Upon successful completion of the course, trainees are awarded berets corresponding to the commando school they attended. They receive either the Sky blue beret^[8] from the RMAF Commando School or the Magenta beret ^[22] from the RMN Commando School. At this juncture, the trainees are unofficially considered members of the STAR Team.^[1]

Upon completing the 12-week Basic Commando Course, each trainee is required to undergo a six-week Kursus Pengenalan Tindakan Khas (lit. 'Special Task Introduction Course') facilitated by the MCG. Throughout this course, trainees are immersed in various skills essential for special operations, including weapon handling, tower training, helicopter-borne exercises, land and water navigation, survival techniques, and other specialised operational skills.^[5]

In the culminating ceremony, trainees are honoured with the scarlet red beret and STAR Special Operations Insignia, signifying their official acceptance into this elite unit. This ceremony marks the transition of trainees into full-fledged members of the STAR Team.^[5]

The Malaysian Army and the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) training centre conduct advanced training for STAR special operations operators.

On 14 November 2009, 25 operators from the STAR team participated in joint training exercises alongside 11 operators from the PASKAL's Alpha Team. The training focused on close quarters combat and ship boarding, and rescue operations aboard the KD Panglima Hitam, situated at the RMN Lumut Naval Base. These exercises served to assess the STAR members' capability to execute their duties and responsibilities effectively. The training also encompassed the utilisation of coast guard's assets such as KM Gagah vessels and two Kilat boat classes from the Lumut Maritime District HQ (MD3).^[23]

Since the establishment of Rescue Divers in 2009, the Malaysia Coast Guard (MCG) has consistently sent its officers and sailors for training at the US Naval Dive and Salvage Training Center in Panama City, FL. Subsequently, recognising the geographical proximity, MCG began sending its rescue diver candidates to the Japan Coast Guard's training centre. In 2014, the curriculum, initially derived from the US Coast Guard Aviation Survival Technician, was enriched by incorporating elements from the Japan Coast Guard Special Rescue Team, including underwater rescue in confined spaces. The training programme continued to be conducted under the Japanese Coast Guard.^[24]

In 2023, MCG took a significant step by organising its first rescue diver selection and training, with supervision provided by a representative from the Japan Coast Guard. The MCG Rescue Divers' pipeline spans approximately three months and is structured into three stages:^[25]

This stage is divided into two components: the Rescue Diver Qualification Test and the Compression Chamber Qualification Test.^[26]

The Special Task and Rescue Team administers the test, commonly known as the Ujian Kelayakan Penyelam Penyelamat in Malay, over approximately two weeks. The evaluation utilises the physical training standards employed by Special Forces in Malaysia. This rigorous test is carried out at both garrisons of the Special Task and Rescue Assault Squadrons.^[26]

Known as the Ujian Kelayakan Kebuk Mampatan in Malay, this test spans approximately one week and includes both physical training and medical evaluations. Depending on where candidates commence their Rescue Divers Qualification Test, they are transported to the Royal Malaysian Navy's medical facilities, located either at RMN Lumut Naval Base or RMN Kota Kinabalu Naval Base. At these facilities, candidates undergo thorough assessments of their physical abilities to determine their suitability for work as divers. The test adheres to the standards set by the Royal Malaysian Navy Mine Warfare and Diving Centre (KD Duyong).^[25][26]

This stage serves as a warm-up phase for the forthcoming Search and Rescue Diver Course.^[26]

The Malaysia Coast Guard Rescue Divers, operating as part of the special operations command within the Malaysia Coast Guard, undergoes rigorous training commensurate with their elite status. This course, also known as Kursus Penyelam Penyelamat Maritim Malaysia (lit. 'Malaysia Coast Guard Rescue Diver Course'), extends over approximately two months. Combining elements from the curriculum of the US Coast Guard Aviation Survival Technician and the Japan Coast Guard Special Rescue Team, this course is divided into four phases:^[25][27]

• Qualification phase (4 weeks)

Modelled after the Water Competency Training of the Special Forces Selection.

• Pool phase (2 weeks)

Candidates receive theoretical instruction on rescue divers techniques, search and rescue procedures, surface water rescue, underwater rescue, rescue in confined spaces, and more.

• Practical phase: Port (1 week)

Candidates are sent to MCG Kemaman Maritime Zone HQ in Kemaman, Terengganu, where they undergo practical training at a naval port.

• Practical phase: Sea (1 week)

Candidates are subsequently deployed onboard a Coast Guard ship to the area around Tioman Island, where they engage in practical training at sea.

Throughout the Search and Rescue Diver Course, candidates are required to pass tests evaluating their diving abilities, underwater confined space rescue skills, and SCUBA deep diving capabilities.^[28]

Graduates of the Search and Rescue Diver Course are sent to the MCG Diving School, situated in the Sultan Ahmad Shah Coast Guard Academy in Kuantan, Pahang. At this facility, they showcase their acquired skills and demonstrate rescue diver capabilities, including activities such as jumping from high platforms and executing sea rescues of downed pilots.^[25]

Upon completion of the Search and Rescue Diver Course, qualified rescue divers have the opportunity to advance their skills through specialised training as rescue swimmers. This advanced stage involves exposure to aviation (helicopter) operations, where individuals are trained to become integral members of helicopter crews. The training encompasses roles such as paramedics and helicopter-borne rescue divers.^[29]

After successfully passing all aspects of the training, these divers are awarded the MCG Rescue Swimmer Insignia. Subsequently, they may be stationed at any airbase operated by the Malaysian Coast Guard.^[29]

Name	Type	Origin	Notes
SIG model GL 5040	Semi-automatic pistol
Glock 19	Semi-automatic pistol
Heckler & Koch SFP9	Semi-automatic pistol		[30]
Remington 870	Shotgun
Heckler & Koch model UMP 9	Submachine gun
Scorpion model Evo 3	Submachine gun		[31]
Colt model CM901	Assault rifle		[31]
Adcor A-556	Assault rifle		[31]
SIG model SG 553 SB	Assault rifle		[31]
Accuracy International Arctic Warfare	Sniper rifle
Denel model SS-77	Machine gun
Blaser model R93	Sniper rifle		[31]

On 7 September 2017, the STAR team from the Malaysia Coast Guard (MCG) thwarted a plan by 13 Indonesian pirates to rob and hijack a Thailand-registered oil tanker near Tenggol Island. The vessel in question, MT Tanker MGT1, carried 14 crew members, all of whom were Siamese. The ship was transporting approximately 2.2 million litres of diesel, valued at around 7 million ringgit (approximately 1.66 million US dollars), when it disappeared from the Automatic Identification System on Wednesday afternoon. The vessel was en route from Thailand to deliver fuel to Johor.^[32]

Upon receiving a report from a local fisherman who had spotted pirates boarding the Tanker MGT1 about 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) from Yu Besar Island, the MCG deployed a STAR team for a rescue mission. Although the team departed for the tanker's last known location via helicopter, they discovered the tanker was missing upon arrival. However, a subsequent operation led to the arrest of 10 pirates off the coast of Terengganu.^[32]

Following the pirates' arrest and subsequent interrogation, Malaysian authorities apprehended the mastermind, an Indonesian man in his 50s, at a hotel in Johor Bahru at noon.^[32]

On 1 June 2018, a STAR team arrested 14 pirates aboard the MT Bright, located 25 nautical miles (46 km) off the coast of Mersing within Malaysian waters, during a pre-dawn raid. Prior to this arrest, the command centre had reported that these pirates were in the process of robbing the Mongolian-registered merchant vessel, MT Lee Bo, and confiscating all personal items from the crew. However, they were unsuccessful in stealing any cargo since the ship was empty.^[33]

Subsequently, the KM Sebatik was assigned to tail the Lee Bo and gather additional information on the pirates. Upon approaching the Lee Bo, the Sebatik crew discovered 12 ship crew members on board, along with crucial information that the pirates were armed with machetes. This information, along with their last known location, was relayed to the command centre. In response, a team of seven STAR commandos was swiftly mobilised using AW139 helicopters to pursue the pirates.^[34]

Identifying the pirates' vessel as the MT Bright, the STAR team descended from their helicopter and successfully arrested all 14 individuals on board. During the interrogation that followed, the pirates divulged information about their mastermind. Acting on this intelligence, the Malaysia Coast Guard's strategic partner, the Indonesian Western Fleet Quick Response - Angkatan Laut (WFQR-AL), was alerted. As a result, two masterminds were apprehended in Batam, Indonesia.^[35]

Film & television

• 2017: "Ops Maritim" is a reality TV series highlighting the daily activities of the Malaysia Coast Guard, Marine Operations Force and the STAR Team's operations, broadcast on TV3. This show is a spin-off from the Malaysian TV series "999", which draws inspiration from the American documentary-style legal show "COPS".
• 2019: "TQ Captain" is a romantic TV series adapted from the 2018 Malay novel "TQ Kapten!" by Qash Irdina. It features Hisyam Hamid, Mawar Rashid, and Mark Adam. It aired on Astro Ria from 9 December 2019 to 9 January 2020. The show follows Mikayla Mirza (played by Mawar Rashid), a TV journalist assigned to film a documentary about the Malaysia Coast Guard, including STAR's operations.
• 2023: "Coast Guard Malaysia: Ops Helang" (lit. 'Operation Eagle') is a 2023 action movie featuring Saharul Ridzwan. He plays the main character, an officer from the STAR Team.^[36]

Featured on:

• 999 (Malaysian TV series)
• Malaysia Hari Ini

• Elite Forces of Malaysia
  • Malaysian Army 21st Special Service Group
  • Malaysian Army 10th Parachute Brigade
  • Royal Malaysian Navy PASKAL
  • Royal Malaysian Air Force PASKAU
  • Royal Malaysia Police Pasukan Gerakan Khas

• Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency