Army may enlist female commandos in future

Fighting force: Gen Zulkiple (centre) and Malaysian army officers looking at the newly-launched book in Wisma Pertahanan in Kuala Lumpur. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: The army is open to the idea of recruiting women into the elite commando unit but more research is required.

Army chief General Tan Sri Zulkiple Kassim said: “This is not out of the question as it has already been implemented by the armed forces in several countries.

“Yes, we are looking into it. I am sure that if given the opportunity, our women personnel will rise to the challenge.

“However, we have to study it first in terms of infrastructure, logistics and even if it is culturally acceptable,” he said.

Gen Zulkiple was speaking after launching a book titled Army Heroine (Srikandi Tentera Darat) that depicts the deeds and achievements of women in the army since their first involvement in 1963.

The book, which is not for sale, will be made available at the armed forces’ libraries.

Meanwhile, Army women’s affairs committee chairman Brigadier-General S. Suriakala also said that women personnel should be given the same opportunity as men in the armed forces.

“We are definitely considering and open to the idea but the matter needs to be studied thoroughly,” she said.