THE licence of the skipper involved in last Saturday’s fatal boat tragedy near the Perhentian Islands has been suspended pending the outcome of an investigation, the Marine Department has confirmed.
Marine Department Eastern Region deputy director Mohamad Halizam Samsuri said the licence for the ill-fated tourist boat had also been revoked, as the vessel was found to be severely damaged.
A committee has been established under Section 334 of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 to determine the exact cause of the incident, which claimed three lives, including two children.
“The Marine Department has also suspended the boat driver's licence, pending the outcome of the police investigation into the suspected drug abuse offence.
“We will also investigate possible violations of laws or licence conditions. If any are found, stricter action will be taken, including the permanent revocation of the licence,” he said when met at the Terengganu Marine Department office today.
Mohamad Halizam urged both boat operators and passengers to comply strictly with safety requirements and licensing conditions.
He stated that, although the boat’s licence remained valid until March next year, preliminary findings revealed clear breaches of regulations, including operating at night and carrying more passengers than permitted.
“A small boat measuring 7.9 metres is only allowed to carry two crew members and a maximum of 10 passengers. Based on the police statement, none of the passengers were wearing life jackets. The skipper should have been more firm in ensuring that all passengers followed safety regulations,” he said.
He added that regular inspections of passenger vessels are conducted in cooperation with the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and the Fisheries Department.
“All boat operators must undergo stringent tests before being granted a licence. Likewise, licensed boats must be properly inspected and equipped with adequate safety gear for passengers,” he said.
The tragedy occurred at around 10.30pm on Saturday, when a boat carrying 15 people capsized after being struck by large waves while travelling from Pulau Perhentian Kecil to Pulau Perhentian Besar. The group was returning after dinner.
Among the victims were S. Arumugam, 40, his three-year-old daughter A. Sarrvihka, and a 10-year-old relative, V. Vennpani. Two others sustained injuries, while ten passengers survived. All on board were aged between three and 40. - July 1, 2025
