TAWAU: The bilateral exercise between the Malaysian Army (TDM) and the British Army (UKA) through Exercise Tiger Gold (ETG) 2025 marks a new era in defence relations between the two nations, resuming after a six-year hiatus.
This year’s ETG, held from Nov 3 to 13, involved 43 officers and 345 personnel from the Malaysian Army, alongside two officers and 39 personnel from the British Army. It continues from a similar exercise last conducted in 2018 in Sri Aman, Sarawak.
Fifth Division Commander Major General Datuk Noorrul Azril Ariffin expressed satisfaction with the success of the exercise, describing it as well-executed and achieving its objectives, particularly in strengthening defence cooperation between Malaysia and the United Kingdom.
“ETG is now being held once again on a biennial basis, reflecting the strong defence partnership between Malaysia and the UK,” he said during the ETG Closing Ceremony at Sungai Tajong Forest Reserve here Thursday.
Noorrul Azril said the joint training between Malaysia’s 13th Infantry Brigade (represented by the 25th Battalion Royal Malay Regiment) and the 2nd Battalion of The Royal Gurkha Rifles (RGR) has further reinforced Malaysia–UK defence relations.
He said the focus on Counter-Insurgency Warfare (COIN) operations in the forested area proved to be more than just a technical exercise testing the readiness of both forces – it also highlighted the strategic importance of defence diplomacy between the two countries.
“We see ETG as having successfully enhanced interoperability between the Malaysian Army and the British Army in military operations, while also improving the competence of officers and personnel in carrying out COIN operations and preparing for deployment.
“At the same time, the knowledge and field skills of the officers and personnel were put to the test, including staff proficiency at the battalion level in planning and executing COIN exercises,” he said.
He expressed optimism about the continuation of ETG, noting that such joint exercises also serve as a valuable test of command and control across all levels of company leadership.
He added that the exercise serves as an important platform for both forces to exchange technical expertise and military doctrine, particularly in counter-insurgency operations.
“More importantly, it provides both sides with the opportunity to assess and improve upon their weaknesses to strengthen future cooperation.
“Training in a jungle environment is equally significant as it mirrors real challenges that may be encountered during future local operations in Malaysia,” he said.
Also present were British Deputy High Commissioner David Wallace and 13th Brigade Commander Brigadier General Datuk Jagjit Singh Indar Singh.
