GEORGE TOWN, Nov 4 — Penang police will launch a special team comprising female officers and staff to handle violent crime cases involving women in the operation dubbed ‘Ops Cantas Wanita’.

Penang police chief Datuk Abdul Rahim Hanafi said the team, which would be led by an officer with the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and supported by an Inspector and 18 members of other ranks, would be launched on November 15.

“They will be equipped with a special gear and weapon, just like our men’s team. This is to make it easier for us to handle cases involving female criminals,” he told reporters after attending the Penang police monthly assembly here today.

Abdul Rahim said although the number of female criminals was relatively small, he hoped that the team would complement the crime prevention operation, dubbed Ops Cantas, in a bid to combat crime and triad activities in the state.

Under the Ops Cantas, which began on August 17, police had arrested 1,162 suspects believed to be involved in various crimes in the state and 165 of them were found to be members of triad gangs.

Abdul Rahim said following the arrests, a total of 4,381 weapons, including firearms, machetes, samurai swords and bombs believed to be used in criminal acts, were seized.

In another development, he said the Crime Index in Penang had increased by 0.8 per cent or 52 cases between January and October this year compared to the corresponding period last year.

“The Seberang Perai Tengah area recorded the highest number of cases, while other areas recorded a significant decline. However, we are confident that we will be able to reduce the rate to three per cent by end of this year,” he said.

At the assembly, 500 individuals, including members of the public, received a letter of appreciation from the Penang police. — Bernama