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

Chukai, Aug 23 — Teluk Kalong Beach has suffered a second coal pollution incident this year, with black solid material washing ashore over a 300-metre stretch of coastline over the past three days. Local resident Azhar Ngah, 64, stated that the beach was similarly affected in January following a coal spill from a barge, though cleanup operations were subsequently conducted. He urged authorities to promptly clear the debris, preserving the beach's cleanliness, safety, and appeal for fishermen and visitors.

Fisherman Mohamad Azrul Naim Rahim, 36, voiced concern over the current condition, noting that while the beach had previously been pristine, it had been covered in black solid material for the past three days. He acknowledged that the current pollution was less severe than last year's incident, with a smaller volume of debris and a more limited affected area. However, he emphasized the necessity for immediate action, as the coal spillage from the barge could worsen if left unresolved.

Terengganu Tourism, Culture, Environment and Climate Change Committee chairman Datuk Razali Idris directed the Kemaman Municipal Council, Department of Environment, and Marine Department Malaysia to investigate the source of the coal pollution, which has now occurred twice at the beach this year. He emphasized that cleanup operations must commence immediately, as the beach is a popular tourist destination.

The January 12 media reports indicated that Teluk Kalong Beach had been polluted by coal originating from a cargo spill following a barge's drifting and sinking in the area.