Seitu Wetlands Links
http://www.umt.edu.my/
TERENGGANU
Terengganu today covers 12,995 square kilometers and comprises of seven districts:
Besut, Dungun, Kemaman, Kuala Terengganu , Marang, Setiu and Hulu Terengganu .
There is approximately 1 million of population in this state which 90% are Malays and
the reminder share among the Chinese and Indians and a very small percentage goes to
aborigines. Terengganu is located at the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. To the north
there lies the Kelantan state, then neigbouring with Pahang at the south.
History
History of Terengganu began long before the establishment of Melaka sultanate. The
archaeological evidences found in Bewah Cave in Kenyir Lake proven that this state has
already been resided since 4,000 B.C. However, the Sultanate of Terengganu began only
in 1724 with Sultan Zainal Abidin as the first sultan for this state.
During the early sultanate period, although Siam claimed that Terengganu was part of its
dominion resulted from the Bunga Emas and Bunga Perak sent by the latter in every 3
years, it was said that the gift was actually a present of courtesy and token of friendship
but not tributes as to prevent the interference of British in the state’s administration. Siam
handed over Terengganu to British in 1909 after signing the Bangkok Agreement but this
was rejected by Terengganu. Another agreement was then signed between Terengganu
and British in 1910 and thereafter Terengganu officially recognized the appointment of a
British Representative with the condition the British agent was not empowered to
interfere in the administration of the state. The British who was not satisfy with their
status continued to look for ways to get involve in the internal affairs of the state. In
1919, their attempt finally succeeded. Another agreement was signed between British and
Sultan Muhammad. Terengganu officially accepted a British advisor, seek and follow his
counsels in all administrative matters except religion issues.
Nevertheless, the involvement of British had brought to resistance from the people. The
patriotic awareness had spread among the state and led to the establishment of
Association of Young Malays (Kesatuan Melayu Muda, KMM) in 1937. A series of
campaigns was held by KMM during 1940-1941. In 1942 when the Japanese took the
control of Peninsular Malaysia, KMM was dissolved and Terengganu was under the
administration of Japanese Army until 1943 when the governance authority was
transferred to the Thai Army. Thai administration remained in Terengganu until Japan
conceded defeat to the alliance in August 1945, then it was again back to the hand of
British until the Federation of Malaya achieved her independence on 31 August 1957.
Today
Terengganu today covers 12,995 square kilometers and comprises of seven districts:
Setiu, Kemaman, Dungun, Marang, Hulu Terengganu and Kuala Terengganu. There is
approximately 1 million of population in this state which 90% are Malays and the
reminder share among the Chinese and Indians and a very small percentage goes to
aborigines.
Economy
The discovery of offshore oil in gas in 1974 has granted Terengganu a significant change
to its economic, technology and social structure. At current production, the oil and gas
reserves are estimated to last for another 13 years and 41 years respectively. Terengganu
has enjoyed considerable development over the past 30 years with its rapid
industrialization and growing economic activity after the discovery of these reserves.
Before this, farming and fishing were the main economic activities for the state. Even so,
45% of its land is still covered by lush pristine forests and rivers also home for some very
old Malaysia traditional culture whose practices and customs have been handed down the
generations. The 225 km of coastline is not only making Terengganu the state with the
longest coastline in Peninsular Malaysia but also contributing to the state GNP. As a
holiday destination, Terengganu is a neverending journey of discovery with its rich and
exotic culture, breathtaking wonders of nature and endless potential for adventure.
Conservation efforts
http://www.panda.org/about_wwf/where_we_work/project/projects/index.cfm?uProjectI
D=MY0209
http://www.wildasia.net/main.cfm?page=article&articleID=197