Father's lessons in resilience paved way for Nurhidayah's success
KUALA LUMPUR: A resilient spirit instilled in her from childhood helped Superintendent Nurhidayah Damanhoori prove that women can lead the police mounted unit, a role demanding physical endurance, specialised skills and discipline.
Nurhidayah Damanhoori, a Superintendent in the police mounted unit, credits her early life and her father's influence for her success. Born in Johor Baru, she grew up in a rural setting, often accompanying her father on outdoor activities. Her father, Damanhoori Salikin, instilled in her a strong sense of physical and mental resilience.
From a young age, Nurhidayah learned to grow crops, raise livestock, and spend days at sea. She played war games and was interested in activities traditionally associated with boys. Her father encouraged her to apply for a position as a police inspector or a captain in the armed forces, which she did in 2007. After several years of training and serving in various departments, she joined the police mounted unit in 2018 as the first woman to hold the position of commanding officer.
Her father's teachings and her own determination paved the way for her achievements, including mastering various specialised skills like horse handling and leading personnel with extensive experience. Despite the challenges, she remains committed to serving her country and encourages young women to join the force, emphasizing the importance of making sacrifices for one's nation.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
