Historic first as JPJ includes women in m-cycle enforcement unit

By BERNAMA | 17 April 2019


Ismail with the first three women to join the Motorcycle Enforcement Unit (from left) Siti Syazwani, Wah Moliz and Asma Shafie.


KUALA LUMPUR: The Kuala Lumpur Road Transport Department (JPJ) has created history by including women in its Motorcycle Enforcement Unit (UPB), a first for the department nationwide.

Comprising just three women for a start, the idea was mooted by KL JPJ director Datuk Ismail Mohd Zawawi, who felt it was timely to take the first step to have women in the unit.

The three women are Wah Moliz Bah, 28; Asma Shafie, 24; and Siti Syazwani Hajizin, 27.

Wah Moliz, an Orang Asli from the Semai tribe in Gopeng, Perak, said she took on the director's suggestion because of her interest in high-powered motorcycles.

"The UPB only had men so far, but now the JPJ has opened opportunities for female members to join. It also proves that women are just as competent in operating big bikes,” she told reporters after the 73rd Kuala Lumpur JPJ Day celebrations here Wednesday (April 17).

"The courses and training that we undergo are the same as our male counterparts, but the main challenge is the high level of stamina and strength we need because the bikes are heavy," she said.

Siti Syazwani said she did not think she would have the chance to join the unit as she had only worked at the department for just two years, adding, however, that she was thankful for the opportunity.

"The thing that I remember most when I attended the course was when we were asked to lift the Kawasaki Versys 650cc motorcycle that weighs almost 200kg.

"We need to know how to lift the motorcycle and if it falls, we have to learn the technique of getting the machine up.

"So far, we have been riding our motorcycles to Melaka but there will be more training and courses for us to strengthen and hone our skills," she said.

Meanwhile, Ismail said that having the three women in the unit was to provide exposure to them.

"It was an idea that came up early this year and I challenge women to join the UPB because they can do it,” he said.

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