Terengganu’s Teluk Kalong Beach hit by coal pollution again, second incident this year

CHUKAI, Aug 23 — The Malaysian coastal town of Teluk Kalong Beach has suffered a second coal pollution incident this year, as a barge broke apart near the beach last January, releasing a toxic black substance onto a 300-metre stretch of shoreline. Local resident Azhar Ngah, 64, expressed his hope that authorities would promptly clear the debris to preserve the beach's cleanliness and safety for both fishermen and visitors.

Fisherman Mohamad Azrul Naim Rahim, 36, noted that while the current pollution was less severe than last year's incident, the authorities must take immediate action to prevent further deterioration of the coastal area. Terengganu's Tourism, Culture, Environment, and Climate Change Committee chairman, Datuk Razali Idris, has ordered the Kemaman Municipal Council, Department of Environment, and Marine Department Malaysia to investigate the source of the pollution and clear the debris from the beach, emphasizing that the beach is a popular tourist destination.