KUALA TERENGGANU — The Marine Department has suspended the licence of the skipper involved in the Pulau Perhentian boat accident that killed three people, including two children, last Saturday night.

The boat’s operating licence has also been revoked due to severe damage, said Eastern Region deputy director Mohamad Halizam Samsuri.

A special committee has been set up under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 to investigate the cause of the tragedy. Authorities are also probing suspected drug use by the skipper and possible breaches of licence conditions, including night operation and overloading.

The 7.9m boat was only permitted to carry 10 passengers and 2 crew, but exceeded that limit. None of the passengers were reportedly wearing life jackets.

Halizam urged strict adherence to safety regulations, adding that inspections are regularly conducted in collaboration with other agencies.

The incident occurred around 10:30pm as 15 passengers were returning from Pulau Perhentian Kecil to Besar when strong waves capsized the vessel, killing a man, his 3-year-old daughter, and a 10-year-old relative. Two others were injured.