The Terengganu government has directed the Department of Environment (DOE) to investigate allegations that a hotel on Pulau Perhentian was discharging what is believed to be domestic wastewater directly into the sea.
State Tourism, Culture, Environment and Climate Change Committee chairman Datuk Razali Idris said the agency is currently conducting a detailed investigation into the matter following public concern over the incident.
According to Razali, he first became aware of the allegation after a video clip showing the suspected discharge went viral on social media.
“I only learned about the matter after watching the video circulating online,” he said.
He added that preliminary explanations from parties involved indicated that repair and upgrading works on the hotel’s wastewater disposal system were currently being carried out.
However, Razali stressed that the state government would not tolerate any actions that could harm the environment, regardless of the reasons provided.
“Whatever the explanation may be, the Terengganu government will not compromise on any violations involving environmental pollution, especially in tourism hotspots,” he said.
The alleged incident has sparked concern among environmental advocates and tourism stakeholders, as Pulau Perhentian is one of Malaysia’s most popular island destinations, renowned for its crystal-clear waters, marine biodiversity and coral reefs.
Authorities are expected to determine whether any environmental regulations were breached and whether enforcement action will be taken once investigations are completed.
The state government reiterated its commitment to protecting Terengganu’s natural assets and ensuring tourism development does not come at the expense of environmental sustainability.
