How the Inspector-General of Police Leads the National Force

When we talk about keeping Malaysia safe, the Royal Malaysia Police—or Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM)—is the main team on the ground. They are our primary federal law enforcement agency, responsible for keeping the peace and ensuring our security across the country .

One big, national team

Unlike some countries that have many different police departments, Malaysia keeps things simple with one centralised organisation. The force is based at Bukit Aman in Kuala Lumpur and is led by the Inspector-General of Police . As of 23 June 2025, this role is held by Mohd Khalid Ismail .

What do they actually do?

The PDRM follows the Police Act 1967, which sets out their rules and powers. Their job is huge—it covers everything from catching criminals and handling prosecutions to helping with immigration, quarantine, and maritime laws . At the end of the day, their main goal is to protect our lives, our property, and our national security .

Working together, at home and abroad

With over 130,000 officers, the PDRM doesn't work alone. They often team up with other local agencies like the customs and maritime departments to get the job done . They also work closely with police forces in neighbouring countries—including Indonesia, the Philippines, Brunei, Thailand, Singapore, and Vietnam—to tackle security issues that cross our borders .

A proud history

The "Royal" title isn't just a name; it was a special honour given to the force on 24 July 1958 by the King of Malaya. This was to recognise their hard work during the Malayan Emergency . The modern PDRM we know today was formed in 1963, when the Federation of Malayan Police, the North Borneo Police Force, and the Sarawak Constabulary all merged into one unified force .