RMP recognises women's role, participation in the force

IPOH: There has been a significant increase in women's participation in the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP), which reflects the commitment of the federal government in implementing the women's empowerment agenda.
The policy and efforts carried out by the Barisan Nasional-led government have changed the perception of the society towards women, who now can venture into any field usually dominated by men, including the police force.
More women are holding important positions in the RMP, including its head of Corporate Communications Datuk Asmawati Ahmad, Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department deputy director (Enforcement/Prevention/General Policing) SAC Sharifah Hawariah Syed Idrus, as well as Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department (Strategic Planning) deputy director Datuk Fatimah Abd Hamid.
According to statistics, as of May 2017, the total number of policewomen in Malaysia is 13,348 and in Kuala Lumpur alone there are 1,118 personnel.
In Perak, Administrative Staff Officer of the state police contingent headquarters, Supt Lai Lee Ching, a mother of three sons, started her career as an Inspector at the Penang Police contingent headquarters in 1988.
Lai, 53, who hailed from Kedah, said the government commitment to ensuring women were given equal opportunities had unleashed their 'hidden' powers.
"Men and women have their own unique strengths. The combination of ideas, concept and power of both men and women will bring about a high impact that benefits the society," she told Bernama here recently.
Even though she has a diploma in secretaryship from Stamford College Kuala Lumpur, she chose to be in the police force because it is a noble job.
"I love to serve the community and it has encouraged me to pursue a career as a police officer," she said.
Meanwhile, Perak Police contingent headquarters head of Strategic and Technology Resources Department (StaRT), Supt Wan Nornidawati Wan Abdul Ghani, said many opportunities had now been opened to raise the involvement of women in top positions in any department.
Wan Nornidawati, 51, and her team mates, Siti Aisah Sudin and Noresah Abd Rashid, were the country's first female archery team to win the bronze at the Sea Games in Singapore in 1993.
Starting her career as a Constable in 1987, Wan Nornidawati said the BN manifesto for the 14th General Election showed a great promise for the upliftment of women at the state and federal levels.
"This initiative that recognises the contributions of women is very much appreciated," she said.
Efforts to ensure that women in the country continue to be empowered are among the matters outlined in the manifesto, which was launched on April 7. — Bernama