The Malaysian security forces' leadership are called upon to appreciate and recognise the contributions of women in these forces by not sidelining them if they qualify for promotion.

Adviser on women entrepreneurship and professional development (KIW) in the Prime Minister's Department, Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said as members of the security forces, the women's contributions and sacrifices in safeguarding the nation's security were comparable to that of their male counterparts.

"Apart from shouldering their job tasks, their contribution in raising and caring for the family should not be forgotten," she said when officiating at the Kuala Lumpur Women Police @ ProBiz Klinik event, here, today.

Also present at the event organised by Kuala Lumpur Women Police Management Development Committee (JPPPW) and KIW, was Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Amar Singh Ishar Singh.

Shahrizat said the commitment of women members of the security forces in such a challenging environment currently should be given attention and recognition including promotion.

Besides that, their welfare and needs should also be cared for and improved from time to time.

Meanwhile, at a press conference after the event, Amar Singh said that out of the 24 police stations in the federal territory of Kuala Lumpur, three (Travers, Putrajaya and Cheras) were headed by women officers.

"These three police stations are main ones and we have confidence in women officers helming police stations," he said.

According to him, based on statistics, there are currently 13,348 women in the police force nationwide, including 1,118 with the Kuala Lumpur police.

-- BERNAMA