TERENGGANU : KEMAMAN

BY HJ ZULHEIMY MAAMOR

15 JUNE 2024

Kemaman is a district in Terengganu, Malaysia. It is bordered by Dungun District to the north and the state of Pahang to the south and west. It is the southern gateway to the state of Terengganu. Located 302 km from Kuala Lumpur and takes 4 hours to travel.

Kemaman is one of my favorite spots in the 80s when I was serving in Kuantan, Pahang. Kemaman borders with Kuantan, so sometimes my colleagues and I would wander around the town of Kemaman. Kemaman is famous for its delicious Keropok lekor, a traditional Malay fish cracker snack originating from the state of Terengganu in Malaysia.  

KEROPOK LEKOR

Photo was taken from my room at Pok Eng Tin Hotel

Yayasan Jantung Malaysia in collaboration with the Lions Club of Chukai, Kemaman organized a Heart Disease Awareness Program which took place at SRJK (China) Chukai, Kemaman on 26 October 2013. The program, which ran from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm, was attended by a total of 111 people nearby.

SRJK (China) Chukai, is a Chinese National type school located in Jalan Jakar, Chukai, Terengganu. 

Throughout the program we stayed at Pok Eng Tin Hotel located in Taman Chukai Utama, Chukai, Kemaman, Terengganu. It is 2.4 km to SJK (Cina) Chukai.

LEBUHRAYA PANTAI TIMUR

Lebuhraya Pantai Timur or East Coast Highway is an interstate controlled-access highway running parallel to the northeastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The currently operational 433 km segment of the expressway through Karak, Pahang and Kuala Lumpur. 

The LPT begins from the eastern end of Kuala Lumpur - Karak Expressway at Karak, Pahang, then runs through Lanchang, Mentakab, Temerloh, Chenor, Maran, Sri Jaya, Gambang, Kuantan, Jabur, Cheneh, Chukai, Kijal, Kerteh, Paka, Dungun, Bukit Besi, Ajil and Telemong ending in Kampung Gemuruh near Kuala Nerus in Terengganu. 

Kemaman is a beautiful upcoming tourist attraction that is worth to visit. It may not be as popular as other cities in Malaysia, but don't let that fool you. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destinations. 

Hj Zulheimy Bin Maamor

Lembah Keramat, K.L

15 June 2024 - 9 Zulhijjah 1445H: 11.28 p.m

TERENGGANU (1987)

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