The boat captain who caused three deaths near Perhentian Island admitted to taking illegal drugs. Azrie Yazid appeared before Magistrate Nurliyana Md. Zukri and confessed to drug abuse charges. The 22-year-old man had consumed Nimetazepam, a powerful sleeping pill that relaxes muscles and brain activity. Police caught him with the banned substance at their headquarters on June 29 at 10:05 in the morning. Courts can punish him with fines up to RM5,000 or two years behind bars.
The tragedy happened last Saturday night when huge waves smashed into the passenger boat. Three people drowned during the disaster at 10:30 that evening. S. Arumugam lost his life along with his tiny daughter A. Sarrvihka and young relative V. Vennpani. Two other passengers suffered injuries but survived the accident. Ten people made it through the terrifying ordeal alive.
The victims were heading back from dinner on Pulau Perhentian Kecil to Pulau Perhentian Besar. Everyone on board ranged from three years old to 40 years old. Large waves suddenly struck their boat and flipped it over. The group never expected such a peaceful evening trip could turn deadly. Police chief Supt Azamuddin Ahmad revealed shocking details about the boat operator.
The captain had tested positive for dangerous drugs after the accident. He carries five previous criminal records for drug crimes. The court granted Azrie bail for RM2,500 with one person standing as surety. His case returns to court on September 4 for further proceedings. Authorities need time to complete their pathology report before moving forward.
The tragedy happened last Saturday night when huge waves smashed into the passenger boat. Three people drowned during the disaster at 10:30 that evening. S. Arumugam lost his life along with his tiny daughter A. Sarrvihka and young relative V. Vennpani. Two other passengers suffered injuries but survived the accident. Ten people made it through the terrifying ordeal alive.
The victims were heading back from dinner on Pulau Perhentian Kecil to Pulau Perhentian Besar. Everyone on board ranged from three years old to 40 years old. Large waves suddenly struck their boat and flipped it over. The group never expected such a peaceful evening trip could turn deadly. Police chief Supt Azamuddin Ahmad revealed shocking details about the boat operator.
The captain had tested positive for dangerous drugs after the accident. He carries five previous criminal records for drug crimes. The court granted Azrie bail for RM2,500 with one person standing as surety. His case returns to court on September 4 for further proceedings. Authorities need time to complete their pathology report before moving forward.
