History

The Malaysian government awards the Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal to Australian Defence Force personnel who aided their country during the Malayan Emergency and the Indonesian Confrontation, which occurred between 31 August 1957 and 31 December 1966.

In order to qualify for this Medal, personnel were required to have served in the Malaysia from 31 August 1957 to 12 August 1966. Personnel who served until 31 December 1966 are also eligible if they were posted in Malaysia prior to 12 August 1966. The Medal is also awarded to personnel who served in Singapore from 31 August 1957 until 9 August 1965, the year Singapore became a city-state separate from the Federation of Malaysia.

ADF members who were unable to meet these service requirement due to death or injury are still eligible to receive this award. Australian citizens who were recruited into the Malaysian Police Force also qualify for this Medal.

Potential recipients must have served for at least 90 days if they actively supported operations in the area. Personnel who provided indirect support were required to have rendered at least 180 days of service in the prescribed area.

The obverse of the medal features the Republic of Malaysia's Coat of Arms with the inscription ‘JASA MALAYSIA’ underneath. The obverse of the medal features a map of Malaysia with the letters P.J.M.’ underneath. The medal’s suspension bar is fashioned after two crossed palm fronds. The recipient's service number, initials, and surname is pantographed on the medal's rim. The ribbon has a large red centre strip, with a blue stripe on each side, and a yellow stripe on each exterior edge.

Around 8,000 Medals have been issued to Australian Defence Force personnel.