Historian Ranjit Singh Malhi's new book details the Malaysian Sikh community experience

In the 1960s, Kuala Lumpur’s High Street Police Station was manned almost entirely by Sikh policemen. Photo: Datuk Dr Surender Singh Cheema

The Sikh community has long played a crucial role in the development of this country. In the old days, Sikh bullock carters provided pivotal transport services, which boosted early tin mining and rubber industries.

From a pioneer immigrant generation starting off as policemen, soldiers, watchmen (jaga), milk men and mining labourers, many Sikhs in Malaysia are now professionals, academics, high-ranking civil servants and top businessmen.