THE boat operator at the centre of the recent Pulau Perhentian capsizing tragedy that claimed three lives has pleaded guilty to drug use, the Magistrates’ Court here heard today.
Azrie Yazid, 22, admitted to consuming a substance believed to be Nimetazepam, listed under Parts III and IV of the First Schedule of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
He was charged with committing the offence at the Narcotics Office, Besut District Police Headquarters, at 10.05am on 29 June — the morning after the fatal incident.
According to Bernama, the charge was brought under Section 15(1)(a) of the Act, which provides for a fine of up to RM5,000, a maximum two-year prison sentence, or both. Offenders may also be placed under mandatory supervision.
Bail was set at RM2,500 with one surety, and the court fixed 4 September for case mention. Inspector Mohd Zaidi Mat Yasin appeared for the prosecution, while Azrie was represented by Norhuda Mohamed Khan of the National Legal Aid Foundation.
The tragedy unfolded around 10.30pm on Saturday, when a boat ferrying 15 passengers — aged between three and 40 — capsized while travelling from Pulau Perhentian Kecil to Pulau Perhentian Besar after dinner.
A sudden large wave is believed to have overturned the vessel, resulting in the deaths of three family members: S. Arumugam, 40; his three-year-old daughter A. Sarrvihka; and his niece V. Vennpani, 10.
Two others were injured, while ten passengers survived.
Besut District Police Chief Superintendent Azamuddin Ahmad\@Abu previously confirmed that the boatman had tested positive for drugs and had five prior records related to drug offences. - July 3, 2025
