The Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) Drone Unit was established in May 2015 to use drone technology to safeguard the country and cope with various threats, disasters, and terrorist crises. The unit has achieved significant successes in dealing with the seizure of smuggled goods, contraband, weapons, drugs, and illegal immigrants, especially at the national borders. Drones are highly effective as they are the first responders in crime and human life cases. In addition to saving time, human resources, and cost, using drone technology for the police has been a game changer, whereby anyone who possesses and succeeds in mastering this technology can achieve impressive results. 

The RMP Drone Unit is involved in various operations, including Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, Search and Rescue (SAR), Crime Scene Investigation, Border Patrol, Crime Prevention, Disaster Management, Hostage Crisis, Bomb Disposal, Traffic Management, Mapping, and Geospatial Data. 

Drones have been particularly effective in SAR cases, where they have achieved many successes in the search for missing persons, drowning victims, and natural disasters. They are seen as more practical and suitable than manned aircraft for searches in some instances and areas. During some SAR cases, drones can operate faster, continuously day and night, and do more thorough searches than manned aircraft. 

The RMP is convinced that drone technology can indirectly consolidate the effectiveness of operations at the country’s land and maritime borders and assist all departments and units in guaranteeing sovereignty, national security, and tranquillity for the public at the highest level. The government’s purchase and use of drone technology has shown high success and significant savings, yielding a return on investment of over 1,000% for the government from January 2020 to December 2023.