By: Zaki Salleh
IPOH – The 44th-anniversary celebration of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) Air Operations Unit (PGU) marked a historic moment as four female helicopter pilots were awarded their aviation wings.
The inclusion of these four female inspectors strengthens their role in aerial policing duties. The accomplished pilots are Inspector Wan Aulia Hami Fariheen Wan Azulkefeli, 31; Inspector Yeoh Yee Chee, 31; Inspector Siti Nabila Abdullah, 33; and Inspector Nur Hidayah Mohd. Aisa, 33.
These four female pilots are among the 12 officers who received their aviation wings during the ceremony. They all previously completed the Private Pilot’s License (PPL) Course No. 19, Series 01/2021, held at the PGU Ipoh.
In a proud moment, Inspector Nur Hidayah was also announced as the Best Aviation Trainee. The aviation wings were presented by Deputy Chief of Police, Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, who graced the occasion.
Apart from the pilots, 12 instructors who completed the air observer course also received their wings.
Commander of PGU, Datuk Noor Sham Md. Jani stated that the four female police officers would now serve alongside other officers and crew members.
He noted that the last intake of female pilots among police officers took place in 2004. However, during that time, PGU selected only two female candidates but faced various limitations.
“Now, we have taken a different approach by informing the female pilot candidates about the existing regulations before they become pilots. These four successful female pilots were chosen from a pool of 36 applicants.
“They are the first group for fixed-wing aircraft pilots, and next month, we will welcome six more female helicopter pilots,” he said.
He further added that the unit plans to increase the participation of female police pilot trainees in future intakes.
