Robiah first female CPO

The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Robiah Abdul Ghani (pic) has created history by being appointed as the country’s first female state Chief Police Officer.

Robiah, 56, would assume duties as Pahang CPO today with the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police. She had acted CPO since July 8.

The mother of three, whose husband was also a former top cop, is regarded as one of the toughest female officers in the force.

She joined the force in 1971 as a Probationary Inspector and created history when she became platoon commander of the first women Police Field Force (PFF) that was formed in 1973.

She spent seven years in the PFF and was promoted to the rank of Asst Superintendent before being transferred to Bukit Aman to serve in the management department.

Robiah has the experience and expertise to lead the state as she has served in almost every department in the force.

She was in the CID (serious crimes division), narcotics and management departments, headed the Disciplinary department and several other departments.

Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan described Robiah’s appointment as a victory for women police officers.

“I want to congratulate her for being the first woman CPO of a state. It is not going to be easy for her but I know she can deliver.

“She must work sincerely, be trustworthy, and most of all carry herself with integrity to lead such a big state,” he said.

Robiah said she would do her best to repay the confidence the IGP and other top brass had in her.

“This is a very big challenge for me and I need the support of everyone to ensure we achieve our aim of reducing crime in the state,” she said.

Robiah said her appointment should be a morale booster for other female police officers.

She said women officers should work hard and stay focused to achieve their ambitions, as there was ample opportunity for them to reach greater heights.