Besut district police chief Azamuddin Ahmad @ Abu said the man, in his 20s, has a criminal record for five drug-related offences.

Azamuddin identified the deceased in the 10.30pm mishap as S Arumugam, 40, his three-year-old daughter Sarrvihka, and a 10-year-old relative, V Vennpani.

He said 12 others in the boat were sent to Besut Hospital for treatment. They included a six-year-old who is in a critical condition.

“The boat, carrying 15 passengers, aged between three and 40 years, capsized during a storm and in rough waters,” Bernama quoted him as saying at the Besut district police headquarters today.

He said that based on an initial police investigation, all the passengers were not wearing life jackets.

Terengganu Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency director Hamiludin Che Awang said his team mounted a search and rescue operation at 11.17pm after receiving information about the incident at 10.55pm.

In a statement, he said all the victims have now been transferred to the Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital in Kuala Terengganu for further examination and treatment.

Bernama said an investigation would be carried out to identify the cause of the incident.

“Maritime Malaysia will also ensure that the safety aspects of sea transportation in the country, including in tourist areas, continue to be improved.

“This incident is  a reminder of the importance of safety aspects at sea, especially during uncertain weather,” he said.

“All boat operators must comply with safety instructions and check the weather forecast before embarking on any journey.”