KUALA BERANG: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) will fully investigate the boat capsize incident in Pulau Perhentian, Besut on Saturday night (June 28), which resulted in three deaths, including two family members.
Its director-general Admiral Maritime Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah said that although the incident was reported to have occurred when the boat carrying 15 passengers was hit by a storm, his department will conduct a thorough investigation, including the boat's licences, cargo carried, and ensuring all regulations were complied with.
"We will contact the victims involved and carry out a detailed investigation in various aspects," he said when met by reporters after a People's Volunteer Corps (Rela) event here on Sunday.
Mohd Rosli added that his team always intensifies control and enforcement, especially since tourism activities on the beach and at sea are becoming more vibrant after the Northeast Monsoon season has ended.
In the boat incident that happened at 10.30pm on Saturday, S. Arumugam, 40, and his daughter A.Sarrvihka, 3, as well as female relative V. Vennpani, 10, died while two others are still hospitalised, including one in critical condition. There were 10 other survivors.
All the boat's passengers, aged three to 40 years old, were said to have been on their way back from Pulau Perhentian Kecil to Pulau Perhentian Besar after dinner when a big wave suddenly hit the boat and caused it to capsize.
In the same development, Terengganu police chief Datuk Mohd Khairi Khairuddin said his team, together with the MMEA and Malaysian Marine Department, always collaborate to ensure law enforcement, including among tourist boat operators.
He also reminded all boat operators to ensure that all boat drivers are not involved in any crime, especially drug-related ones.
"This is because, based on the investigation, the 20-something boat driver has five previous criminal records related to drugs. So, the police and other agencies will continuously enhance law enforcement from now on," he said when met by reporters at the same event. - Bernama
