PETALING JAYA: The boat operator of the vessel that capsized in Pulau Perhentian had an expired licence while the skipper tested positive for drugs, says Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
The Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister said preliminary findings showed both the travel agency and the boat operator had violated several laws and regulations.
"These include operating with an expired licence since April, failing to ensure that passengers wore life jackets – and most alarmingly – the boatman tested positive for drugs," he said in a statement on Sunday (June 29).
"I am deeply angered and disappointed by the tragic incident off Pulau Perhentian, which resulted in three deaths and nine injuries. I have immediately instructed the ministry to conduct a thorough investigation," he said.
He said the boatman also had a record of drug-related offences.
"Hiring such a person to ferry passengers is gross negligence… and a complete disregard for human lives," he said.
Tiong warned all tourism operators not to compromise on the safety of tourists.
"Malaysia has already experienced numerous incidents that have cast a shadow over our tourism sector, damaging the country's reputation and in some cases, prompting foreign governments to issue travel warnings against certain destinations here. If left unchecked, this will severely affect our tourism industry," he said.
Tiong said the ministry is also focusing on tour bus safety management, while also emphasising the need for the Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) to closely monitor all vessels providing maritime activities.
"We are actively working towards transferring the regulatory authority over tourism-related transport vehicles from the Transport Ministry back to our tourism ministry. Once this is reinstated, we will undertake a comprehensive review of the regulatory framework to significantly reduce the occurrence of tour bus accidents," he said.
Two girls, aged three and 10, were among three people killed when a boat capsized off Pulau Perhentian on Saturday (June 28) night.
Besut police chief Supt Azamuddin Ahmad @ Abu said 12 others in the boat, including a six-year-old in critical condition, were rushed to Besut Hospital for treatment.
The boat, carrying 15 passengers, capsized during a storm, heavy rain and rough sea.
The skipper was also arrested.
