A 22-YEAR-old boatman implicated in the recent Pulau Perhentian tragedy that claimed three lives has been remanded for three days to assist investigations under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, following a positive drug test.
The remand order, which runs until Wednesday, was issued today by Magistrate Nurliyana Md Zukri at the Setiu Magistrate’s Court.
The incident, which occurred at approximately 10.30pm on Saturday, resulted in the deaths of S. Arumugam, 40, his three-year-old daughter A. Sarrvihka, and their 10-year-old relative V. Vennpani. Two others sustained injuries – one of them critically – while 10 more passengers were rescued.
The victims, aged between three and 40, were part of an extended family returning from dinner on Pulau Perhentian Kecil to Pulau Perhentian Besar when their boat capsized after being hit by a large wave.
Besut District Police Chief Superintendent Azamuddin Ahmad@Abu confirmed that the boat operator tested positive for drugs and had five prior drug-related offences on record.
“Investigations are ongoing under the Dangerous Drugs Act. The suspect was detained after testing positive and is being remanded to facilitate further enquiries,” he said.
The tragedy has raised serious concerns over passenger safety, maritime enforcement, and drug use among transport operators in tourism areas. Authorities have yet to confirm if the vessel was properly registered or if safety protocols were followed.
Police and maritime authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the capsizing. - June 30, 2025
