Galeri Darurat Bukit Kepong in Muar, Johor, is a tribute to the bravery and resilience of those who defended Bukit Kepong in 1950. Photos: Cheah Phaik Kin
Everything was burnt to the ground. The police station and the living quarters were all reduced to ashes. There was nothing left.
Today marks the 75th anniversary of the Bukit Kepong incident, a moment in history that many younger Malaysians may not fully know or understand. Three-quarters of a century ago, on Feb 23, 1950, Bukit Kepong in Muar, Johor, was not just a town. It was a battleground.
In the pre-dawn darkness, as Bukit Kepong lay in uneasy silence, an army of over 180 communist insurgents crept through the dense jungle. Their target was the Bukit Kepong Police Station. This attack was not random, but an act of vengeance. The communists had suffered a major defeat in Labis prior to this, and now, they sought to retaliate.
Inside, a small but resolute group of police officers kept watch, unaware that they were moments away from an attack that would become one of the most harrowing battles in Malaysian history.
Gunfire shattered the silence as the defenders – vastly outnumbered – fought back with every round of ammunition they had. Frustrated by the fierce resistance, the communists resorted to a brutal tactic by setting the station and barracks ablaze, determined to leave no officer alive.
As flames engulfed the wooden structure and the roof began to collapse, the officers were left with an agonising choice: To be consumed by the fire or run straight into a hail of bullets.
Bukit Kepong was too remote for reinforcements to arrive in time. Situated deep in the interior, the town was accessible only by river, making reinforcements difficult to send.
The villagers from nearby settlements tried to help, but they, too, were blocked by the communists, resulting in casualties beyond the police station. The battle raged on for four hours.
When morning broke, nothing remained but smouldering ruins and the acrid scent of gunpowder in the air.
The communist insurgents, having suffered heavy losses of their own, retreated into the jungle, leaving behind devastation and grief.
A total of 14 regular police officers, five auxiliary police officers, two police wives, two children, and two villagers had perished. Many others lay wounded. The town, once peaceful, was left in shock – its families torn apart and its people forever scarred by tragedy.
The sacrifice of the officers was not the last in the line of duty. Today, regular police officers continue to put themselves in harm’s way, ensuring public safety despite the risks. Equally vital were the auxiliary police officers, volunteers recruited during the Emergency to support law enforcement.
Today, officers of the Royal Malaysia Police Volunteer Reserve (PVR) continue the legacy of service and sacrifice, upholding the spirit of duty and patriotism.
In 1948, an estimated 17,000 auxiliary police officers served across Malaya, taking up arms to defend their communities. Though not professional officers, they performed essential duties and faced the same dangers as full-time police. Their legacy continues through the Royal Malaysia Police Volunteer Reserve, whose volunteers today balance careers and family commitments while serving the nation.
Today, this tragedy serves as a warning of the dangers of extremism and ideological influence. The communists used propaganda to justify violence and turn communities against each other. This reminds us that Malaysians must remain united, regardless of race, religion, or background, and reject any ideology that promotes hatred and division.
The attack also revealed gaps in law enforcement at the time. The officers faced overwhelming odds, with limited weapons and resources compared to their attackers. This highlights the need for continuous improvements in training, equipment, and strategy to ensure officers are well-prepared for evolving threats. Intelligence failures allowed the insurgents to launch a large-scale ambush undetected, emphasising the importance of gathering intelligence and collaboration among security agencies to prevent future attacks.
Another critical issue was the delayed emergency response. Reinforcements arrived too late to save those inside the station. Moving forward, modern policing must prioritise faster response times, effective communication systems, and coordinated efforts among security forces to handle crises more efficiently. No officer should ever be left to fight alone.
The Galeri Darurat Bukit Kepong (Bukit Kepong Emergency Gallery) stands as both a memorial and an educational space, preserving the memory of those who fought, and helping future generations understand the price of peace. Walking through its halls is not just about learning history – it is about standing on the very ground where courage was tested and unity prevailed.
As we mark the 75th anniversary of Bukit Kepong this year, let us reflect on, and renew, our commitment to the values of those who fought till the end. We remember the police officers, their families, the volunteer officers in the auxiliary police force, and the villagers who stood their ground. They were outnumbered, outgunned, yet unshaken. We remember their courage, their final stand, and the ultimate sacrifice they made, holding firm until their last breath.
For those of us who serve, whether as regular officers or volunteers, their sacrifice is a solemn reminder of the duty we have sworn to uphold. May their bravery and dedication be remembered for generations to come.
Lest we forget.
Prof Dr Cheah Phaik Kin of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman is a Lance Corporal in the Royal Malaysia Police Volunteer Reserve (Sukarelawan Simpanan Polis Diraja Malaysia).
