Instituted by the King of Malaysia for award to British Commonwealth personnel who served during the Malayan Emergency and the Confrontation. In 2005, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II approved its acceptance and wear by eligible New Zealand personnel.

The Pingat Jasa Malaysia (PJM) medal is awarded to those who served in Malaya / Malaysia for at least 90 days, between 31 August 1957 and 31 December 1966. Service in Singapore between 31 August 1957 and 9 August 1965 is also recognised by the PJM medal.

The start date for the medal is 31 August 1957, because this is the date that Malaya / Malaysia became an independent nation.

Since 2005, the PJM has been issued to more than 3,800 New Zealanders. NZDF estimates that at least another 1,000 eligible ex-New Zealand military personnel have not yet applied for the award of the PJM.