JMF to make history with first National Day parade appearance

Johor Military Force (JMF), a venerable entity dating back 141 years, will etch its name into the annals of history by participating in the National Day parade for the very first time on August 31, 2024. This momentous occasion, coinciding with the 69th National Day celebration, will see the JMF join other military and security contingents at Dataran Putrajaya, bringing Johor's unique institutions to the forefront of national attention.

Approximately 100 JMF personnel, accompanied by their operational assets, will take part in the grand procession. This significant milestone underscores the force's deep-rooted ties to Johor's sovereignty and royal institutions. The JMF was established in late 1885, during the reign of Sultan Abu Bakar Daing Ibrahim, following the Treaty of Amity between Johor and Britain.

Initially formed to bolster the police force's security capabilities, the JMF was initially commanded by the police commissioner and comprised 60 young Malays recruited from the palace. Over time, the force evolved into an infantry unit, with additional personnel, including 20 Kabuli men serving as palace guards, some of whom were trained in artillery.

Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Abu Bakar assumed full control of the JMF in 1895, modernizing it through regular weapons training and joint exercises with British forces. Throughout history, the JMF has played a pivotal role in both World Wars and participated in the suppression of the 1915 Singapore Rebellion, where Indian troops revolted against British rule.

Today, the force primarily serves to safeguard the Sultan of Johor, his Crown Prince, the royal family, and royal guests, as well as supporting palace operations and royal ceremonies. Led by HRH Major General Tunku Mahkota Ismail, the Regent of Johor, the JMF's debut at the National Day parade transcends mere ceremonial significance, symbolizing a centuries-old institution stepping into the national spotlight.