Terengganu

Terengganu is a coastal state in the northeastern part of Peninsular Malaysia. It is bordered by Kelantan to the north, Pahang to the west and south, and the South China Sea to the east. The state capital is Kuala Terengganu. The population is predominantly Malay, with minorities of Chinese, Indian, and various indigenous groups. Malay is the predominant language, with English widely used in business and education. Islam is the state’s official religion.

Geography and economy: The state has a tropical climate with a long east coast shoreline and offshore islands such as Redang, Perhentian, Kapas and Lang Tengah. The Terengganu River and other waterways shape its low-lying coast. The economy is based on oil and gas from offshore fields, fishing, agriculture (palm oil, rubber), and growing tourism centered on beaches, diving and island resorts.

History and government: Historically part of the Malacca and then the Terengganu Sultanate. It became a British protectorate in 1909 and joined the Federation of Malaya in 1948; it became a state of Malaysia in 1963. Terengganu is a constitutional monarchy led by a sultan, with a state government headed by a Menteri Besar and an elected legislative assembly.

Cultural and notable sites: The state is known for Islamic heritage and traditional crafts such as songket weaving. Notable places include Istana Maziah, Kuala Terengganu, and the Crystal Mosque (Masjid Kristal). Coastal towns and islands offer beaches and snorkeling, while turtle nesting and marine conservation projects operate around Redang and nearby islands. Key tourist centers include Besut and Dungun districts.

Education and infrastructure: Terengganu hosts Universiti Malaysia Terengganu and Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, among other institutions. Transportation networks connect major towns by road, with ferries to island destinations and a domestic airport serving Kuala Terengganu and surrounding districts.