Kuala lumpur: Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) pilots are urged to remain committed to serving the force instead of leaving for commercial airlines after obtaining their licences. Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail emphasized that such decisions have serious operational and financial implications for PDRM and the country.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Khalid stated that the departure of trained pilots disrupts the force's operations and represents a significant loss when the return on investment cannot be realized through continued service. Additionally, the force incurs substantial costs to train new pilots. He urged the pilots to remember and appreciate the opportunities provided by PDRM during the Wing Awarding Ceremony and the official closing of the Private Pilot's Licence (PPL) Course No. 20 Series 1/2023 (Helicopter) at the PDRM Air Operations Force Training Base (PLPGU).
During the event, Air Operations Force (PGU) commander DCP Datuk Noor Sham Md Jani was also present. Mohd Khalid highlighted that with the issuance of licences and completion of training, participants are now entrusted with operating police aviation assets worth hundreds of millions of ringgit. He stressed the importance of prioritizing the safety of lives and assets when handling these aircraft.
Meanwhile, Noor Sham mentioned plans to strengthen PLPGU's training capacity with the aim of extending training up to the Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) level. He noted that PGU is considering enhancements through strategic collaboration between KOP Aviation and Gading Air Services Sdn Bhd, focusing on human capital, particularly on the instructor aspect and the acquisition of critical training assets. This initiative aims to meet current needs and prepare PLPGU to become a competitive and credible aviation training center.
At the ceremony, nine senior police officers, including six women, became the first batch of PPL (Helicopter) graduates to complete their training. The graduates are Insp Muhammad Syafiq Rosli, Insp Nur Nazarith Sofia Abdul Malik, Insp Norashikin Jamid, Insp Nur Izzati Bohari, Insp Faten Nabela Rashdi, Insp Norfazilah Md Zaki, Insp Muhammad Muzzamer Mohd Rasid, Insp Mohammad Azim Fiqri Jamaludin, and Insp Nursairah Farhana Mohd Noor. The course ran from November 6, 2023, to November 24, comprising academic modules and flight training using the EC120B helicopter.