Within the Royal Malaysia Police, officers and personnel are routinely armed. Special police officers are usually trained to a higher standard than regular personnel, because they are likely to be the officers required to enter besieged premises. The vast majority of firearms used by the Royal Malaysia Police are semi-automatic and fully automatic.
Following an Inspector-General of Police Firm Order D222, firearms use was deemed as needed. For example, using firearms to dismiss an illegal assembly or riot as shown in the Public Security manual. Use of firearms may be needed to repel an attack on top police station or police observation posts. Also, firearms could be used when an officer and/or members may be killed or hurt or weapons seized/station or property captured or destroyed. Additionally, prisoner escape could warrant such use. Police officers can use the firearm during roadblock duty or Narcotics Department operations, Criminal Investigation Department, Traffic Police and all branches that are carrying out duties where policeman life or public property is in jeopardy.
Firearms in service vary between police forces in Malaysia, due to individual Constables and Police Authorities dictating the number of firearms officers and police firearms available to each force. Despite being armed, police constables still carry the standard issue T-batons, pepper spray and Hiatts Speedcuffs as well as the Walther P99 standard-issue sidearm. In some circumstances, special firearms can be authorised for use in police special operations and counter-terrorism unit.
The General Operations Force (GOF) and Marine Operations Force use a range of heavier weapons up to automatic cannon of 20mm calibre deployed on the armoured personnel carrier and patrol vessel.