MMEA’s First Female Pilot Marks Milestone In Air Operations

KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) achieved a historic milestone with Sub-Lieutenant Nurul Alifa Alias becoming its first female officer to be awarded pilot wings.

MMEA deputy director-general (Logistics) Maritime Vice Admiral Datuk Saiful Lizan Ibrahim said Nurul Alifa earned her wings after completing 20 months of intensive helicopter pilot training.

“This achievement reflects MMEA’s capability to produce its own pilots without relying on officers from other security agencies.

“It also marks a significant step in strengthening the agency’s air operations and promoting greater inclusivity, especially among female officers,” he said at the MMEA pilot wings presentation ceremony in Putrajaya today.

He said the training aims to produce maritime pilots who are not only skilled in operating aircraft, but also capable of handling increasingly complex enforcement and rescue operations at sea.

Saiful Lizan added that the MMEA Air Operations Division plays a vital role as the “eyes in the sky” in enhancing the nation’s maritime enforcement capabilities.

“This allows MMEA to expand surveillance coverage and improve operational success, particularly in search and rescue missions, tackling cross-border crimes and addressing encroachment by foreign fishermen.

“Nurul Alifa’s success is expected to encourage greater participation of female officers in air operations in the future,” he said.

Nurul Alifa was among eight trainees in the Helicopter Pilot Series 3/2024 programme, which included survival training, underwater escape, simulator sessions and actual flight operations, with up to 155 flight hours.

Seven other trainees awarded pilot wings were Maritime Lieutenant Mohd Al Azlan Shah Harun and Sub-Lieutenants Muhammad Firdaus Faisal, Awangku Mohd Farid Awang Engko Tajudin, Mohamad Ehram Mohd Noorlee, Muhammad Firdaus Ab Aziz, Muhammad Luqman Bahari and Faqrul Shafiq Mohd Fadzludin.

At the ceremony, six Air Systems Officer trainees from Series 2/2024 and five flight instructors also received certificates of completion, and four trainees were recognised as the best in their respective categories.

-- BERNAMA