TAWAU: The 13th Malaysian Infantry Brigade (Briged 13) is putting its combat readiness to the test in a joint 10-day Exercise Tiger Gold (ETG) with the United Kingdom Army, aimed at strengthening cooperation and jungle warfare expertise.
The exercise, held in the Tajong Tawau Forest Reserve until Nov 14, involves 500 personnel, comprising members of the 26th Battalion Royal Malay Regiment (26 RAMD) representing Briged 13, and the 2nd Battalion Royal Gurkha Rifles (RGR) from the British Army.
Briged 13 Commander, Brigadier General Datuk Jagjit Singh Indar, said the bilateral exercise aligns with the Malaysian Army’s fifth core pillar under the Commander’s Directive, the Defence Diplomacy Shift to enhance training collaboration with regional and international partners.
He said the exercise includes theory classes, cross-training, and field drills focusing on counter-insurgency (COIN) operations in jungle terrain.
“This marks Briged 13’s first experience training with a European force, although the Malaysian Army has previously conducted similar joint exercises with the British Army, the last being in 2018 at Lubuk Antu Forest Reserve in Sarawak,” he said after officiating the ETG opening ceremony at the 26 RAMD Parade Ground in Kukusan Camp here, Wednesday.
Jagjit said the exercise not only sharpens military skills but also highlights Malaysia’s long-standing reputation as one of the most successful nations in overcoming insurgency threats during the communist era.
“Both armies will learn from each other by identifying doctrines, improving weaknesses, and strengthening cooperation, particularly in times of need,” he said.
British Defence Adviser Colonel James Green described ETG as a significant milestone in Malaysia–UK defence ties, built on decades of cooperation.
“As members of the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA), it’s vital that we continue to understand each other’s operational methods and find ways to work together effectively,” he said.
James said the Malaysian Army shares many traditions and military customs with the British Army, forming a strong foundation for collaboration despite operating in different environments.
“Our troops may be focused on Europe due to the war in Ukraine, but we remain committed to this region and continue to learn from Malaysia’s expertise in jungle operations,” he said, adding that Malaysia too could gain insights from Britain’s battlefield experiences in Ukraine.
He said such exercises strengthen not just defence cooperation but also broader ties between the two nations in areas such as the economy and politics.
The current exercise involves about 400 Malaysian Army personnel and 34 members of the Royal Gurkha Rifles based in Seria, Brunei Darussalam.
