Island Paradise Choked by Trash Ahead of Tourism Year

Pulau Redang, a popular tourist destination in Terengganu, is facing a severe garbage problem that could tarnish Malaysia's image as Visit Malaysia Year 2026 approaches. Observations in Kampung Baru revealed large piles of trash near the fishing jetty, a situation attributed to the cleaning contractor's inefficient collection system over the past few years.

While similar issues have been resolved previously after complaints, the problem has resurfaced. Reports suggest the contractor is only disposing of a portion of the waste. Beyond domestic refuse, Mingguan Malaysia observed that the Kampung Baru jetty is also contaminated with waste from Vietnam and Thailand, carried by ocean currents.

The island's natural beauty, crucial for its tourism appeal, is at risk. Urgent intervention is necessary to prevent the picturesque scenery from becoming merely a visual element in promotional materials. The presence of plastic waste in the sea and wildlife scavenging from garbage heaps highlight the severity of the environmental degradation.