KUALA LUMPUR – The local boat skipper involved in the capsizing incident at Pulau Perhentian last night has tested positive for drugs and has a record of five previous drug offenses.
The driver, who is in his 20s, has been taken into custody to aid in the investigation.
During the incident, which occurred around 10:30 pm, three people lost their lives, including two girls aged three and ten. The victims have been identified as S. Arumugam, 40, his three-year-old daughter A. Sarrvihka, and a 10-year-old relative named V. Vennpani.
According to Besut police chief ,Azamuddin Ahmad @ Abu, 12 other passengers on the boat, including a six-year-old in critical condition, were taken to Besut Hospital for medical care.
He said that the boat, which was carrying 15 passengers ranging from three to 40 years old, capsized due to a storm, heavy rain, and rough seas.
“None of the passengers were wearing life jackets at the time of the incident,” he said at the conference at the Besut District Police Headquarters, here today.
He urged the public to prioritise the safety of their families while at resort beaches and reminded boat operators to ensure tourist safety by adhering to all regulations, particularly the mandatory use of life jackets. – June 29, 2025