BANDAR PERMAISURI: A boatman involved in the tragic accident that claimed the lives of three passengers near Pulau Perhentian on Saturday night has been remanded for three days starting Monday (June 30).

The remand order, effective until Wednesday (July 2), was issued by Magistrate Nurliyana Md Zukri at the Setiu Magistrate’s Court.

The remand was to facilitate an investigation under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, after the 22-year-old man tested positive for drugs.

In the 10.30pm incident, S. Arumugam, 40; his daughter A. Sarrvihka, 3, and another female relative, V. Vennpani, 10; died, while two others were injured, including one in critical condition. Another 10 passengers survived.

The victims, aged 3 to 40, were family members returning from dinner on Pulau Perhentian Kecil to Perhentian Besar when a large wave suddenly hit the boat, causing it to capsize.

Besut police chief Supt Azamuddin Ahmad @ Abu said on Sunday (June 29) that the boatman not only tested positive for drugs but also has five prior drug-related offences on his criminal record. – Bernama