Two women cops make nation proud by flying Malaysian flag at Women's FIFA World Cup

Malaysia may not have qualified for the men's or women's World Cup but two Malaysian women referees created history by making it to the World Cup.

Cpl Rita Ghani and Sgt Widiya Shamsuri, both from the Malaysian police force, will be match officials at the Women's FIFA World Cup in Canada from June 5 to July 6.

Rita, 38, voted the Best Women's Referee in Asia in 2014, said her success was due to the motivation and support from various people.

"I must thank the Kuala Lumpur Football Association (KLFA), Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and Police for supporting me and providing me the opportunities to officiate locally and internationally," she told reporters when met in Wisma FAM, Kelana Jaya, here on Thursday.

The referee from Sabah had been involved in officiating matches since 2004 has vast experience at local and international competitions.

Meanwhile, Widiya, 38, from Seremban, Negeri Sembilan was among eight assistant referees selected by FIFA from Asia.

"I am proud and happy to represent Malaysia in the World Cup, after having gone through very tough selection process at various phases. My most difficult hurdle was the physical and fitness test in Zurich, Switzerland, because of the cold weather," she said.

In the Women's World Cup hosted by Canada and played at six cities, namely Edmonton, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Vancouver, Moncton and Montreal, 24 teams will be taking part.