1952: FIJI INFANTRY REGIMENT AT MALAYA

I came across an old photograph in the NZ History archive recently — a group of Fijian soldiers waiting for an airdrop deep in the jungles of Malaya in 1952. It reminded me that many Malaysians today don't realize Fiji once sent a full battalion to help us during the Malayan Emergency.

According to Digital Pasifik records, the First Battalion, Fiji Infantry Regiment arrived in Singapore on the troopship Asturias on 19 January 1952. The commanding officer at that time was Lieutenant-Colonel R. A. Tinker. From Singapore, they redeployed to Batu Pahat, Johor, where they camped alongside other Commonwealth units.

What makes this story personal for both countries was highlighted by Fijian newspaper The Jet. Veteran Manu Korovulavula, who served with the 1st Battalion, said this is a chapter that both Fijians and Malaysians should understand — a story of sacrifice. About 40 officers and NCOs from New Zealand also served with the Fijian battalion between 1951 and 1956.

At that time, there were over 32,000 regular troops in Malaya. About three-fifths were Europeans from the UK, Australia and New Zealand. The rest were Gurkhas, Fijians, the King's African Rifles, seven battalions of the Malay Regiment, and Dayak trackers from Borneo. The Fijians in Batu Pahat were part of this larger Commonwealth effort.

I am still trying to trace the exact location of their camp in Batu Pahat. If any reader has old photos, or if your father or grandfather served alongside the Fiji Battalion, please share your story in the comments below.

References:

1. NZ History - Members of the Fiji Infantry Regiment, 1952
2. Digital Pasifik - Fiji Battalion in Malaya (1 February 1952)
3. The Jet Newspaper - Veterans Pay Tribute to Fallen Fijian Soldiers at Malaysian Memorial

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

3 September 2026: 2.33 a.m