Malaysia's tourist islands lack sewage systems, state plans pilot project

Terengganu's popular tourist islands, including Redang, are still without complete solid waste management and sewage treatment facilities, the state government confirmed. The state is initiating a pilot sewage treatment plant project on Pulau Perhentian to address these issues, with completion anticipated by 2030. This project is intended to serve as a model for improving sewage systems on other tourist islands.

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The state government is always paying serious attention to the issue of solid waste management and sewage systems on all tourist islands, including Pulau Redang.

Datuk Razali Idris, Terengganu's Exco for Tourism, Culture, Environment, and Climate Change, stated that the state government is seriously addressing waste management and sewage systems on all its tourist islands. The Pulau Perhentian project aims to strengthen existing sewage management and meet the area's needs. This comes after reports revealed significant garbage accumulation on the seabed and shores of Kampung Baru Pulau Redang, with some waste potentially originating from outside Malaysia.

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For the sewage aspect, the construction of a sewage treatment plant in Pulau Perhentian, which is currently underway, is expected to strengthen the existing sewage management system and meet the sewage needs in the area.

In response to the waste problem, the Kuala Terengganu City Council deployed two 12-ton capacity boats for a cleanup operation around the island. Looking ahead, Razali indicated that the state might consider limiting tourist numbers to Pulau Redang if future technical monitoring reveals that visitor numbers are negatively impacting the marine ecosystem. However, he noted that a daily quota system, similar to Pulau Sipadan in Sabah, is not yet necessary as carrying capacity studies show current visitor numbers are within recommended limits.

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The state government will consider appropriate management measures based on scientific assessments and advice from technical agencies.

The state government is committed to preserving the marine ecosystem of Pulau Redang to protect biodiversity, natural beauty, and ensure the sustainable tourism industry. The Terengganu Islands and Marine Park Development Master Plan 2030 includes carrying capacity studies for major islands. Findings suggest current visitor numbers are acceptable. If future monitoring indicates a threat to the ecosystem, the state will implement appropriate management measures based on scientific assessments and technical advice. Additionally, the federal government has approved RM900,000 for the repair and upgrade of the Pulau Redang Kampung Jetty to support Visit Malaysia Year.

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The state government is committed to ensuring the sustainability of the marine ecosystem in Pulau Redang continues to be preserved to protect marine biodiversity, natural beauty, and the sustainability of the tourism industry.