1987 - TERENGGANU

BY HJ ZULHEIMY MAAMOR

14 JUNE 2024

TERENGGANU - GEM OF THE EAST COAST

A treasure trove of natural and cultural wonders,Terengganu is often fittingly referred to as the "Gem of the East Coast". Visitors will be captivated by its unspoiled landscape, dotted with quaint small towns, rustic coastal villages and verdant greenery. 

Located on the East Coast region of Peninsular Malaysia, Terengganu borders with the state of Kelantan to the north and Pahang to the West and south, while the east of Terengganu is South China Sea. 

Ref: Wikipedia - Terengganu

My first memory in Terengganu was in the 80s when I served with the Royal Malaysian Navy. While serving with KD Panah and KD Sri Negri Sembilan, RMN patrol boats, I frequently patrolled the waters of Terengganu, particularly around Bidong Island.

KD PANAH

14TH SQUADRON PATROL CRAFT

TG.GELANG, KUANTAN, PAHANG

30 MARCH 1987 - 11 OCTOBER 1987

I serve with the KD Panah,  Royal Malaysian Navy patrol craft from 14th Squadron Patrol Craft, based in Tanjung Gelang, Kuantan, Pahang.

Ships often perform patrol duties in the South China Sea, and there are times when we have rest and recreation on nearby islands such as Tioman Island, Perhentian Island, Redang Island,Pulau Kapas and so on.

RMN Jetty at Tanjung Gelang, Kuantan, Pahang

Pulau Perhentian located 2 km off the coast of Terengganu, Pulau Perhentian is made up of 2 main islands, namely the larger and more developed Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil which is popular among budget travellers. 

Access to Pulau Perhentian is by ferry or by boat from Kuala Besut, 110 km from Kuala Terengganu. 

Perhentian Island is one of the islands that we often stop by to rest after a few days of patrolling the South China Sea. This photo was taken on the night of Hari Raya Aidilfitri. To alleviate our sadness, we had fun together by dancing on the deck of the ship.

KD SRI NEGRI SEMBILAN

12TH SQUADRON PATROL CRAFT

LUMUT, PERAK

12.10.1997 - 18.3.1988

I served with KD Sri Negri Sembilan from the 12th Squadron Patrol Craft, Royal Malaysian Navy based in Lumut, Perak.

This ship also often patrols in the South China Sea, especially around Bidong Island, Terengganu, which, at that time, housed Vietnamese refugees.

PULAU BIDONG - THE BOAT PEOPLE

An island in Kuala Nerus District of Terengganu. Pulau Bidong is accessible from the coastal town of Merang in Setiu district. 

From 1978 until 2005 Pulau Bidong was a Vietnamese Refugee Camp with a population reaching at its peak as many as 40,000 refugees. 

On 30 Apri 1975, the Vietnam War ended with the fall of Saigon to the North Vietnamese Army. In May 1975, the first boat with 47 refugees arrived in Malaysia from Vietnam. They were called "The Boat People". 

In October 1978, the Hai Hong attempted to land 2,500 refugees in Malaysia. But Malaysian government declined to allow them to enter their territory and the ship sat offshore. 

Pulau Bidong was closed as refugee camp on 30 October 1991, with the last refugees departed for Vietnam on 28 August 2005. In 1999, the island was opened for tourism. 

I also have a memories to share of Pulau Bidong, where I was once involved with KD Sri Negri Sembilan, guarding along the coast of Bidong Island in 1987. And now, Bidong Island is only left with memories and traces of the history of Vietnamese refugees.

My experience in Terengganu in the 80s is a memory that is hard to forget. Experience teaches us the true meaning of life: long journeys, wide views, and many experiences from which we can learn.

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Lembah Keramat, K.L

15 June 2024 : 8 Zulhijjah 1445H: 1.13 p.m