GEORGE TOWN, Malaysia – Penang became the first state with an all-woman police squad as it introduced Op Cantas Khas Wanita Tuesday (November 26th) before about 1,000 spectators at Penang Times Square, local media reported.

A group of 20 women in the 40-member squad demonstrated their crime-fighting abilities in a simulated chase, showed their martial arts skills and paraded the mall with submachine guns, New Straits Times reported.

Penang police chief Datuk Abdul Rahim Hanafi said the squad would be stationed at locations such as malls, beaches, bus and ferry terminals and tourist destinations to protect women in particular.

"The group has undergone special training to handle machine guns and tackle all forms of criminal activities, including gangsterism and all acts of violence against women," he said. "These women were handpicked for their agility and physical strength. Rest assured they are as strong and capable as their male counterparts."

He added they will also assist the state's existing 20-man squad, according to The Star.