Complaints over a controversial RM5 charge for using a public toilet on Redang Island have prompted a response from the Terengganu government, which clarified that the facility is privately owned and not operated by local authorities.
Terengganu Tourism, Culture, Environment and Climate Change Committee chairman Datuk Razali Idris said investigations were launched after local and international tourists voiced their frustration on social media over what many described as an excessive fee for toilet access at Teluk Dalam Beach.
According to Razali, public toilets managed by the Kuala Terengganu City Council (MBKT) on Redang Island charge only RM1 per entry.
“The RM5 fee that has gone viral is not imposed by the local authority. Toilets managed by MBKT on Redang Island only charge RM1 per use,” he said when contacted on Monday.
He added that the same RM1 rate is also imposed at public toilets operated by the Besut District Council (MDB) on Perhentian Island.
Meanwhile, visitors to Kapas Island can continue to use public toilet facilities free of charge, with no entry fee imposed.
Razali, who is also the Kijal state assemblyman, said the state government takes tourist comfort seriously, as visitor satisfaction plays a crucial role in maintaining Terengganu’s reputation as a world-class tourism destination.
While acknowledging that operating costs on island destinations can be significantly higher due to maintenance expenses and clean water supply requirements, he urged private operators to ensure that charges remain reasonable.
“We understand that maintaining facilities on islands involves higher costs, but operators should set rates that are fair and acceptable to visitors,” he said.
Razali stressed that the tourism industry should not focus solely on immediate profits but also consider the overall visitor experience and the long-term economic benefits generated by a positive destination image.
The controversy has reignited discussions about tourism-related pricing practices in popular holiday destinations, with many travellers calling for greater transparency and fairer charges for basic public amenities.
