Kuala terengganu: Police have recorded statements from three individuals in connection with the boat capsizing incident off Pulau Perhentian waters last Saturday, which claimed three lives. Terengganu police chief Datuk Mohd Khairi Khairuddin said the statements were recorded from three individuals, two men and a woman, aged between 22 and 39, to assist in the investigation.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the statements were taken from one of the passengers, the boat skipper, and the boat skipper’s brother. More witnesses will be called in to assist with the investigation. “All survivors will be called in to provide statements so we can determine what truly happened. Much of what’s being circulated now is based on hearsay. Through this investigation, there may be additional evidence we can document,” Mohd Khairi stated during the duty handover ceremony for the state deputy police chief at the Terengganu contingent police headquarters (IPK).
During the ceremony, ACP Arsad Kamaruddin was appointed as acting state deputy police chief, replacing Datuk Wan Rukman Wan Hassan, who went on compulsory retirement. Mohd Khairi mentioned that police are currently preparing the investigation papers related to the case, which are expected to be completed within a week. The investigation is focused on determining whether any criminal elements contributed to the incident. Other aspects, such as boat or licence violations, fall under the jurisdiction of the Marine Department.
The tragic incident occurred at 10.30 pm on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of S. Arumugam, 40, his three-year-old daughter A. Sarrvihka, and a 10-year-old relative, V. Vennpani. Two others were injured, while 10 passengers survived the tragedy. All the boat passengers, aged between three and 40, were returning from Pulau Perhentian Kecil to Pulau Perhentian Besar after dinner when their boat was suddenly struck by large waves, causing it to capsize.
Besut police chief Supt Azamuddin Ahmad@Abu confirmed that the boat skipper tested positive for drugs and has five prior records related to drug offences. Azamuddin, when contacted by Bernama, said the 22-year-old suspect is currently under remand to facilitate investigations under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and is expected to be charged in court tomorrow.