New Zealand Special Air Service (SAS) soldiers practise jumping from a Vickers Valetta of the Royal Air Force Far East Transport Wing. Original caption reads: ‘800ft to ground in 45 seconds. Chute opens in 5 secs.’ The Malayan Emergency (1948–60) from NZ. Gov. The Malayan Emergency (1948–60) arose out of an attempt by the Malayan Communist Party to overthrow the British colonial administration of Malaya. Over the 12 years of conflict, New Zealand soldiers, sailors and airmen made a significant contribution to the Commonwealth effort to defeat the communist insurgency. Fifteen New Zealand servicemen had lost their lives in the region by the end of 1960 – three as a result of enemy action.