The Abode of Faith – Malaysia’s East Coast Gem of Islands, Culture & Islamic Heritage
Terengganu — officially Terengganu Darul Iman — is one of Malaysia’s most beautiful states, known for its crystal-clear islands, Islamic heritage, royal traditions, traditional crafts, and rich marine biodiversity. It is home to some of the world’s most stunning beaches and marine parks.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Terengganu has one of the earliest verified Islamic histories in Southeast Asia.
Key Historical Timeline:
| Year/Period | Major Event |
|---|---|
| 1303 | Discovery of Batu Bersurat – earliest Islamic inscription in Malaysia |
| 16th–18th century | Malay sultanate established |
| 1725 | Official installation of Terengganu Sultanate |
| 1909 | Under British protection (Bangkok Treaty) |
| 1942–1945 | Japanese occupation |
| 1948 | Joins Federation of Malaya |
| 1957 | Independence |
| 1963 | Becomes part of Malaysia |
Terengganu’s cultural history is rooted in maritime trade and Islamic scholarship.
🧭 Basic State Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Terengganu Darul Iman |
| Capital | Kuala Terengganu |
| Largest Cities | Kuala Terengganu, Kemaman, Dungun, Besut |
| Sultan (2025) | Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin |
| Chief Minister | Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~1.3 million |
| Area | 13,035 sq km |
| Time Zone | UTC +8 |
| Main Languages | Malay (Terengganu Malay dialect), English, Mandarin |
| ISO Code | MY-11 |
⚖️ Government & Administration
| Position | Officeholder (2025) |
|---|---|
| Sultan | Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin |
| Menteri Besar | Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar |
| State Legislature | Terengganu State Assembly |
| Local Councils | MBKT, MP Kemaman, MP Dungun, MP Besut ইত্যাদি |
Terengganu is known for strong Islamic administration and cultural preservation.
🗺️ Administrative Districts of Terengganu
Terengganu has 8 administrative districts:
| District | Administrative Centre |
|---|---|
| Kuala Terengganu District | Kuala Terengganu |
| Kuala Nerus District | Kuala Nerus |
| Hulu Terengganu District | Kuala Berang |
| Kemaman District | Chukai |
| Dungun District | Dungun |
| Marang District | Marang |
| Besut District | Jerteh |
| Setiu District | Chaluk |
Kuala Nerus is Malaysia’s newest district (formed 2014).
🌐 Geography & Environment
Region: East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia
Borders: Kelantan (north), Pahang (south)
Coastline: 244 km along South China Sea
Natural Highlights:
Perhentian Islands
Redang Island
Lang Tengah Island
Kenyir Lake (Malaysia’s largest man-made lake)
Setiu Wetlands
Taman Negara overlaps (Hulu Terengganu)
Climate: Tropical monsoon, with rainy season (Nov–Feb)
Terengganu is known for turquoise waters, coral reefs & marine parks.
🏘️ Local Government Structure
Major municipal councils:
MBKT – Kuala Terengganu City Council
MPK – Kemaman Municipal Council
MPD – Dungun Municipal Council
MPB – Besut Municipal Council
They oversee zoning, tourism zones, island operations & coastal management.
🧩 State Development & Priorities
Key development focuses:
Islamic tourism & cultural heritage
Marine tourism & island preservation
Industrial development in Kemaman & Kerteh (Petronas hub)
Agriculture & fisheries modernization
Eco-tourism (Kenyir, Setiu Wetlands)
Terengganu is strong in both petroleum industry and tourism.
🛡️ Law Enforcement & Safety
| Agency | Function |
|---|---|
| PDRM Terengganu | State policing |
| Marine Police | Island & coastal security |
| Fisheries Enforcement | Marine park protection |
| Immigration | Coastal & workforce monitoring |
Islands and marine parks receive high levels of protection.
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religions | Islam (majority), Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity |
| Cultural Groups | Malay (majority), Chinese, Indian, Siamese |
| Unique Identity | Strong Malay-Islamic culture |
| Traditions | Boat-making, batik, wau-making, gamelan |
Kuala Terengganu is home to the iconic Crystal Mosque.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| Oil & Gas | Kerteh petroleum hub |
| Tourism | Islands, beaches, cultural sites |
| Fisheries | Coastal economy |
| Agriculture | Coconuts, paddy, fisheries, cocoa |
| Manufacturing | Traditional crafts & small industries |
Islands tourism is one of the state’s strongest contributors.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Universities | Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), UniSZA |
| Colleges | Politeknik, community colleges |
| Hospitals | Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah, HT Kemaman |
Terengganu is known for marine sciences and Islamic studies.
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport | Sultan Mahmud Airport (Kuala Terengganu) |
| Ports | Kemaman Port |
| Roads | East Coast Expressway (LPT2) |
| Ferries | Merang Jetty → Redang & Lang Tengah |
| Tourism Access | Kuala Besut Jetty → Perhentian Islands |
Tourism infrastructure is rapidly developing.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top Attractions:
Redang Island
Perhentian Islands
Lang Tengah Island
Crystal Mosque
Kenyir Lake
Chinatown (KT)
Pasar Payang
Tengku Tengah Zaharah Floating Mosque
Marang River Cruise
Terengganu is one of the world’s most beautiful beach destinations.
🌍 Global Role & Relations
Major marine park and coral conservation center
Global diving & snorkeling hotspot
Petroleum & energy export contributor
📝 Summary
Terengganu is a state of breathtaking natural beauty, Islamic culture, and world-class islands. With rich traditions, maritime heritage, and fast-growing tourism, Terengganu is one of Malaysia’s most unique and vibrant states.
📢 News & Articles
“Perhentian Islands Coral Restoration Success”
“Kerteh: The Petroleum Hub of East Coast”
“Crystal Mosque – A Modern Islamic Icon”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, delivering accurate, structured & globally useful state profiles.