Malaysia Tenders for 150 GPMGs in $9.6M Police Deal

Malaysia Issues Tender for Infantry Support Weapons in MYR 42.9 Million (US$9.6 Million) Programme

Mohd Hanif Ismail - : Nov 22, 2025 - : 2:01 pm

The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has initiated a significant procurement programme to modernise the firepower of its paramilitary wing, the General Operations Force (Pasukan Gerakan Am - PGA). The service has issued a tender for the supply and delivery of...

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The acquisition highlights a continued focus on strengthening internal security capabilities within the Asia Pacific region, where paramilitary forces increasingly bridge the gap between policing and military operations. The PGA, functioning as the light infantry arm of the police, is primarily tasked with securing Malaysia’s porous borders against transnational crime, smuggling, and potential insurgent threats—a mission profile that demands robust, sustained-fire capability.

According to the official solicitation documents published on the Malaysian Treasury's MyProcurement portal, the tender (reference KDN/PL 60/2025-PT) was opened on 20 November 2025 and will accept bids until 30 December 2025. The procurement is classified as an open tender, inviting suppliers registered with the Malaysian Ministry of Finance under the defence and security code for firearms and ammunition.

Technical Requirements and Ammunition Package

The technical specifications detail a requirement for a gas-operated, open-bolt weapon system chambered in the standard 7.62x51mm NATO calibre. The weapons must feature a quick-detachable barrel, an integrated MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny rail for optics, and a polymer buttstock to reduce weight. The PDRM has stipulated a cyclic rate of fire between 650 and 1,000 rounds per minute, ensuring the platform can deliver effective suppressive fire at ranges up to 1,050 metres.

A significant portion of the contract value is attributed to a comprehensive ammunition and logistics package. The winning bidder is required to supply 375,000 rounds of M13 link-belted ammunition—calculated as 2,500 rounds per weapon—along with an additional 10,000 rounds for training and 15,000 rounds for pre-acceptance testing. This "total package" approach suggests the PDRM is seeking immediate operational readiness upon delivery.

Evaluation and scoring

The evaluation criteria places a heavy emphasis on the bidder's technical capability and track record. According to the scoring documentation, 60% of the evaluation weight is assigned to the company's profile and experience, while the financial element accounts for 40%. Notably, the tender includes a rigorous testing regime, requiring a Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) at the manufacturer's facility by PDRM technical officers, followed by local functioning tests.

The General Operations Force has historically relied on platforms such as the FN MAG and HK11. This new tender likely aims to replace ageing inventory to maintain parity with regional security challenges. With the tender closing in late December, an award is anticipated in early 2026, with a warranty period of 12 months stipulated post-acceptance.