Malaya has been in the midst of revolutionary conflict ever since the Malayan National Liberation Army took up arms against the British authorities in Malaya, raiding tin mines, plantations, and other key economic areas across Northern Malaya. In response, the British declared a state of emergency in the northern regions of Perak, Kelantan, Terengganu, and Kedah, establishing a State Emergency Management Committee on the affected regions. While concerning military matters, the SEMC is strictly a civilian affair where it would collaborate with Commonwealth forces, the Malayan Constabulary, and regional police forces in the fight against the Malayan National Liberation Army.

Curfews, Roadblocks, patrols and guard posts have been established in regions affected all over Northern Malaya reflecting the heightened state of security the British authorities have taken in denying any ground to the communists. This has considerably helped in reducing cross region raids and rebel attacks in more populated areas around the North like Kota Maru, Alor Setar, Sungai Petani, Ipoh and other areas, nevertheless plantations and mines in the rural areas continued to be raided, slowing down as Commonwealth patrols rose in intensity. To control the population most prone to Communist recruitment and counter the Min Yuen's pervasive influence, the British established “fortified settlements” and camps where they would be relocated and concentrated. The authorities attempted to keep the settlements well equipped, supplied, and organized, as well as provided amenities for the locals, but the quality of service strongly depended on the region and the nature of the situation was ripe for abuse towards the relocated population. Some camps followed protocol while others were utter nightmares to live under, breeding resentment. Nevertheless, the relocation program succeeded in curbing somewhat the activities of the Min Yuen, slowly cracking down on its activities while Commonwealth First Aid programs have helped in gaining the sympathy of those harmed by MNLA attacks.

As Commonwealth scouting missions deeper into the jungle made their presence known, the British stepped up their intelligence and reconnaissance campaign to find MNLA bases and destroy them in order to deny territory and kill their momentum. This was especially succesful in the region of Nevertheless the MNLA was quite adept at avoiding any confrontation with the Commonwealth wherever possible, switching strategy from holding territory as evidenced by the defeat at Gua Musang, to a organic people’s war where bases are to remain mobile and continue the campaign to pick fights against smaller Commonwealth contingents in the jungle, raid supply hubs and destroy economic productivity in the area. The Min Yuen, despite the coercive British policies against the Chinese and squatting population, continued to be a significantly important asset to the MNLA in the procurement of food, medicine, and black market weapons. The constant moving by the MNLA and their blending in with the local population frustrated Commonwealth operations leading to multiple incidents where airstrikes ordered to hit rebel-controlled rice paddies and farms, instead hit villages, farmlands, and areas “suspected” of harboring rebel activity, many of whom, being from the Osangi indigenous population, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of civillians in collateral damage. As a result, outreach to these populations has proven harder.

SAS raids against the MNLA have succeeded in gaining intelligence on key installations, leading to a Commonwealth assault on the region of Terengganu, The bitter fighting around the dense jungles and villages made distinguishing between friend and foe difficult leading to many bloody ambushes. The fighting got so intense, that isolated units in the jungle were forced to call for medical airlifts via helicopters for the first time in history. British helicopters served an important role as airlift and quick response medical evacuation units for commandoes and platoons under threat granting valuable experience for Commonwealth forces. Nevertheless, despite the brutal attrition endured by Commonwealth forces, the MNLA eventually decided to withdraw from the province as their overall strategic position in the area weakened.

CASUALTIES: (1950)

Commonwealth: 819 dead

MNLA: 1,607 dead

Civillians: 1,136 dead, tens of thousands relocated to camps

Momentum for MNLA: -10% Militancy: -10% Consciousness 10% Resources: -500 (MNLA) Money: -$500,000 (MNLA)

-2% GDP in Malaya lost https://imgur.com/KAEYoUM