Coastal Industry Meets Academic & Adventure Harmony
Dungun, located on the southeastern coast of Terengganu, is a district that blends economic drive with natural beauty. From industrial fishing ports to educational institutions and eco-tourism, Dungun stands tall as a symbol of balanced development.
Historical & Cultural Background
- Once a mining town (Bukit Besi iron ore mines operated during British rule)
- Evolved into a fishing and industrial hub in the 20th century
- Today, known for UiTM campus, beautiful Teluk Lipat beach, and cultural heritage
Basic Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| District Name | Dungun District |
| State | Terengganu |
| District Capital | Dungun Town |
| Other Towns | Paka, Bukit Besi, Kuala Abang, Rantau Abang |
| Area | Approx. 2,735 sq. km |
| Population (2025 est.) | Approx. 180,000 |
| Local Authority | Majlis Perbandaran Dungun (MPD) |
Key Areas & Subdistricts
- Dungun Town – Administrative & commercial center
- Paka – Petrochemical town with major industries (near Kerteh)
- Bukit Besi – Former mining town turned eco-tourism zone
- Rantau Abang – Turtle nesting beach (historically)
- Sura, Kuala Dungun, Jerangau – Villages, schools, fishing areas
Government & Representation
| Position / Role | Name (2025 est.) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| District Officer (DO) | Encik Ahmad Safuan bin Mohamad | Oversees land, development & coordination |
| Yang Dipertua MPD | Tuan Haji Azmi bin Ibrahim | Local council governance |
| MP & ADUNs | Represent Paka, Rantau Abang, Sura, Bukit Besi |
Education & Institutions
- Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Dungun Campus
- Politeknik Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin (PSMZA)
- Vocational colleges, MARA skills institutes
- Religious schools (SMKA Dungun), tahfiz centers
Healthcare Facilities
- Hospital Dungun – Main government hospital
- Klinik Kesihatan in Paka, Kuala Abang, and Jerangau
- Private clinics and mobile health units in kampungs
Economy & Livelihood
- Petrochemical industry:
- Paka industrial zone, gas plants, contractors
- Fishing:
- Major coastal fisheries & anchovy industry
- Tourism:
- Eco-tours, turtle conservation (Rantau Abang), beaches
- Retail:
- Night markets, town shops, and coastal tourism outlets
Transport & Connectivity
- Accessible via Federal Route 3 (East Coast Highway)
- Buses and vans to Kuala Terengganu, Kuantan
- Inland roads to Bukit Besi, Jerangau, and Hulu Terengganu
- Marine jetties for local boat activities
Tourism & Attractions
- Teluk Lipat & Teluk Bidara Beaches – Long sandy stretches, sea breeze
- Bukit Bauk Forest Reserve – Trekking, forest exploration
- Bukit Besi Mine Museum – Historic site of Terengganu’s mining era
- Rantau Abang Turtle Sanctuary – Former nesting site, now conservation awareness
- Fishing villages – Kuala Abang, Kampung Sura Jetty tours
Culture & Local Cuisine
- Strong Malay-Muslim culture with coastal lifestyle
- Signature dishes:
- Nasi Dagang Dungun, Sata, Ikan Bakar Paka, Keropok Lekor fresh, Laksam
- Traditions:
- Kenduri kampung, Silat, Quran recitations, artisanal fishing practices
Summary
Dungun District is a land of contrast and connection—linking industry and intellect, history and horizon, tradition and transformation. It’s a place where waves hit the shore, and young minds build futures, all under the warm sun of Terengganu’s vibrant east coast.