It is situated on the north-eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, and is bordered on the north and west by Kelantan, the south by Pahang, and the east by the South China Sea. The Pulau Perhentian are also a part of the state. The state has a total area of 12,955 km².

The ethnic composition in 1995 was: Malay (859,402 or 94%), Chinese (42,970 or 5%), Indian (4,355), Others (3,238).

The coastal city of Kuala Terengganu, at the mouth of the broad Terengganu River, is both the state and royal capital and is the largest city in Terengganu.

History

Terengganu emerged as an independent sultanate in 1724. The first Sultan was Tun Zainal Abidin, the younger brother of a former sultan of Johor, and Johor strongly influenced Terengganu politics through the 18th century. However, in the book Tuhfat al-Nafis written by Raja Ali Haji, in the year 1708, Tun Zainal Abidin was installed as the Sultan of Terengganu by Daeng Menampuk also known as Raja Tua under the rule of Sultan Sulaiman Badrul Alam Shah. In the 19th century, Terengganu became a vassal state of Siam, and sent tribute every year to the Emperor of Siam in the form of bunga mas (a tree with flowers and leaves made of gold). Under Siamese rule, Terengganu prospered, and was largely left alone by the authorities in Bangkok. The terms of the Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 saw power over Terengganu transferred from Siam to Great Britain. A British advisor was appointed to the sultan in 1919, and Terengganu become one of the Unfederated Malay States. The move was highly unpopular locally, and in 1928 the British used military force to suppress a popular uprising. During World War II, Japan transferred Terengganu back to Siam, along with Kelantan, Kedah, and Perlis, but after the defeat of Japan, these Malay states returned to British control. Terengganu became a member of the Federation of Malaya in 1948, and a state of independent Malaya in 1957.

In 1999, following decades of rule by UMNO—the senior partner in the Barisan Nasional (National Front) coalition —the Islamic Party of Malaysia (PAS) won the 1999 local election, making Terengganu the second state in Malaysia to be ruled by PAS (the first being neighboring Kelantan). However, in the general election of 2004 Terengganu was recaptured by UMNO.

The hereditary Sultan of Terengganu since 1998 has been Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, who is concurrently Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia. The Chief Executive or Menteri Besar is currently Dato' Idris Jusoh of Barisan Nasional, a businessman.

Administration

Terengganu is divided into seven administrative districts, namely:

(Administrative towns are in parentheses)

• Dungun (Kuala Dungun).
• Besut (Kampung Raja).
• Setiu (Bandar Permaisuri).
• Kemaman (Chukai).
• Marang (Bandar Marang).
• Hulu Terengganu (Kuala Berang).
• Kuala Terengganu (Kuala Terengganu).

Economy

One of Terengganu's main industries is now petroleum. There are huge petrochemical complexes near Paka and Kijal, involving many joint ventures between the Malaysian national oil company, Petronas, and foreign multinationals. Tourism and fishing are also major industries in Terengganu, a state with a long coastline. Agriculture also remains important, with banana, rambutan, durian, watermelon, and various other fruits and vegetables available in season. Terengganu was traditionally famous for boat-building, with highly decorated carved wooden boats called bangau to be found in the harbor of every village and town in days not so long gone by, before electric motorboats became standard equipment for the state's fishermen.

Culture and attractions

Terengganu did not receive many Indian or Chinese migrants, and therefore Malay cultural influences predominate. Traditional pursuits such as kite-flying contests, top-spinning contests, and traditional arts & crafts, such as batik and songket are still very much alive. Terengganu has always had a reputation for being socially conservative and deeply Islamic in religion.

The most famous local food is Keropok Lekor, which is made primarily from a combination of dough (sago flour) and pounded fish mainly from mackerel and sardines, fried and served with hot chilli sauce for afternoon tea. Keropok Keping (fish crackers) are made from sun-dried slices of Keropok Lekor. Numerous keropok stalls are to be found on the side of the highway that passes through coastal communities.

Budu, a very pungent and salty anchovy sauce is also popular among the locals. It is often mixed with sliced onions and chillies as condiments.

Laksang or Laksam; a modified version of Laksa is made from rice flour (thick and soft slices). It is served in a bowl of light fresh coconut milk mixed with boiled fish flesh (mainly mackerel), finely chopped cucumbers, chillies, onions and long beans. It is eaten cold at breakfast.

The major tourist attractions in the state include: Kuala Terengganu, the capital; Tasik Kenyir, a large artificial lake; Sekayu Waterfalls; Kuala Ibai Lagoons; Batu Burok Beach, Pantai Rantau Abang and several offshore islands such as Pulau Redang, Pulau Lang Tengah, and Pulau Kapas, and the Pulau Perhentian, which attract beachgoers and snorkelers. Many travelers find the relatively rural and tranquil atmosphere in the state conducive to a relaxing holiday.

Sources, References and External links

• Terengganu State Government Information Portal
• Articles on Terengganu
• Caves of Tasik Kenyir
• RoyalArk- Malaysia- Trengganu website on the dynastic history and traditions

States of Malaysia | Terengganu

ترنجانو دار الإيمان | Terengganu | ترنگگانو | Terengganu | Terengganu | Terengganu | トレンガヌ州 | Terengganu | 丁加奴