Special Branch (Malaysia)

Special Branch
Cawangan Khas
AbbreviationSB
Agency overview
Formed1948
Preceding agency
EmployeesClassified
Annual budgetClassified
Jurisdictional structure
National agencyMalaysia
Operations jurisdictionMalaysia
Primary governing bodyGovernment of Malaysia
Secondary governing bodyRoyal Malaysia Police
Constituting instrument
  • Section 3(3) and Section 20(3) Police Act 1967
General nature
Operational structure
Overseen byMinistry of Home Affairs (Malaysia)
HeadquartersBukit Aman
Minister responsible
Agency executive
  • CP Dato' Sri Mohd Khalid bin Ismail[2], Director of Special Branch
Notables
Significant operations
  • Malayan Emergency
  • Second Malayan Emergency

The Special Branch or SB (Malay: Cawangan Khas) is an intelligence agency attached to the Royal Malaysia Police.[3] The SB is empowered to acquire and develop intelligence on internal and external threats to the nation, subversive activities, extremist activities and activities of sabotage and spying. The SB has also been accused of carrying out unlawful enforced disappearances.[4]

The SB is responsible for analyzing situations and advising on the necessary courses of action for various departments and agencies, both within the police department and in coordination with other related agencies. In the past, they have worked together in reforming the Thai Special Branch.[5]

  1. ^ Comber, page 3
  2. ^ "Baharuddin dilantik Pengarah Cawangan Khas Bukit Aman" (in Malay). Berita Harian. 23 September 2022. Retrieved 26 November 2022.
  3. ^ "Special Branch". Archived from the original on 21 February 2013. Retrieved 11 July 2010.
  4. ^ "National & Public Inquiry Reports – SUHAKAM: Public Inquiry Into The Disappearance of Pastor Raymond Koh And Amri Che Mat (Final Decision) 2019". Retrieved 30 April 2022.
  5. ^ Comber, 257.