Malaysia’s last line of defence - History of the Unit Tindakhas (UTK)

ON Jan 1, 1975, some 100 men from the police force were grouped to form the elite Special Action Unit (Unit Tindakan Khas, or UTK, in Malay).

They were the best of the best – the strongest, toughest and bravest – specially hand-picked to carry out covert operations, take part in dangerous missions, and tackle any hostile situation.

The brainchild of then Inspector-General of Police Tun Hanif Omar, the UTK was formed to equip the Royal Malaysian Police with an elite squad should Malaysia fall victim to terror attacks.