World · Malaysia Bureau
Coal pollution fouls Terengganu beach for second time in 2024
Teluk Kalong Beach in Chukai has been hit by coal contamination again, marking the second such incident to affect the popular coastal area this year. The pollution, which persisted for three days, has raised fresh concerns about industrial oversight in the region.
LSN Malaysia ·
CHUKAI — Teluk Kalong Beach in Terengganu's Chukai district has been affected by coal pollution for the second time this year, with contamination persisting across a three-day period. The incident has reignited concerns among residents and environmental advocates about the protection of the state's coastal resources.
The beach, a significant recreational destination for locals and tourists, bore visible signs of coal residue, affecting both the shoreline and water quality. Authorities have yet to provide a definitive source for the pollution, though industrial operations in the vicinity remain under scrutiny.
This recurrence within the same calendar year underscores ongoing challenges in managing industrial waste and preventing environmental degradation in Terengganu's coastal areas. Environmental groups have called for strengthened enforcement of pollution controls and stricter monitoring of facilities operating near sensitive marine ecosystems.
The incident has prompted discussions among state officials regarding enhanced preventive measures and accountability mechanisms to safeguard the beach and protect the livelihoods of fishing communities dependent on the area's marine resources.