IPOH: In a historic move, four women have become the first female pilots in the police air wing operations unit. Inspectors Nur Hidayah Mohd Aisa, 33, Wan Aulia Hami Fariheen Wan Azulkefeli, 31, Siti Nabilah Abdullah, 33, and Yeoh Yee Chee, 31, were among 12 trainees who recently obtained their private pilot licences.
The honorary wing badges were officially awarded by Deputy Inspector-General of Police Comm Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay during the wing’s training base 44th anniversary event in Ipoh on Monday (Sept 11).
Prior to applying for the air wing programme, the four women had served in various departments and states within the police force for several years.
Insp Nur Hidayah, who was based in Kapit, Sarawak prior to her training, was also named the best female trainee for the flying course.
She described the training, which began in 2021 and concluded in July this year, as a challenging experience. “After fulfilling the selection criteria, the rest of the women and I had to prove our abilities and capabilities,” she shared. She also mentioned that there was a condition of not getting married during the 18-month training period.
Insp Yeoh, who originated from Penang and had spent seven years attached to the Commercial Crime Department in Kedah, decided to seize the opportunity when she first became aware of the opening for female pilots. “After meeting all the requirements and going through the necessary stages, I am truly proud to be selected. I am excited for my first official working flight and I can start considering starting a family thereafter,” she expressed.
Insp Siti Nabilah, who has been in the police force for the past six years, said that her most terrifying moment during training was her solo flight. “During the first solo flight, I was both excited and nervous, as it involved taking off and landing safely. Now that our training is over, those of us in relationships can start thinking about marriage and starting a family,” she amusingly added.
During an earlier press conference, unit commander Deputy Comm Datuk Noor Sham Md Jani stated that there were previously constraints in accepting female pilots, including concerns about pregnancy. However, terms and conditions were established before the selection process for female trainees, such as prohibiting marriage during the training period. He stated, “Out of 36 applicants, the final four were chosen, and they are the pioneer pilots for the air wing. Currently, there are also six female pilots in training for the wing’s helicopter unit. We are actively encouraging more women to join the training programme.”
Credit: The Star : News Feed
