Photo : Pulau Redang (Redang Island)

History

Historical records discovered at Kuala Berang showed that an Islamic State existed in Terengganu almost a century before Malacca was founded. Terengganu later became a vassal of Malacca and subsequently Johor. In the 1700s, the present royal family of Terengganu was founded when Mansur Shah became Sultan.

Although Terengganu tribute to Thailand in the 1800s during the reigns of Sultan Baginda Omar and Sultan Zainal Abidin III, it was nominal. As a result of the Aglo-Thai Treaty of 1909, however, the British exerted influence over Terengganu politics until 1941 when the Japanese took control. After World War II, Terengganu joined the Federation of Malaya.

Economy

Although fishing is the main economic activities, off-shore oil and gas installations have contributed greatly towards the State's Treasury. Currently, the Terengganu State Government is diversifying the economy's base away from basic industries towards more value-added, resource like manufacturing.

The agriculture, forestry, livestock and fishery's share of the State's GDP increased from RM535.5 million in 1990 to RM613.7 in 1996. The share of mining and quarrying sector in the State's GDP has been increasing from RM3,440.4 million in 1990 to RM4,830.4 in 1996. Meanwhile the share of the manufacturing sector tripled from RM450.9 million in 1990 to RM1,698.2 million in 1996.

Overall, the State's GDP increased from RM5,471 million in 1990 to RM11,627 million in 2000 - a growth of 8.2%. The Terengganu State Government is confidence the growth will maintain exceed 8% this year. The per capita income went up from RM6,993 in 1990 to RM11,209 in 2000.

Geography

Terengganu is one of the three east coast states in the Peninsular Malaysia. Covering an area of 12,995 sq km, it is bordered by Kelantan and Pahang on the north west and south west, and by the South China Sea on the east.

Climate

On the whole, Terengganu's climate is tropical monsoon. The temperature is relatively uniform within the range of 21°C to 32°C throughout the year. During the months of January to April, the weather is generally dry and warm. Humidity is consistently high on the lowlands ranging between 82% to 86% per annum. The average rainfall per year is 2,032 mm to 2540 mm and the wettest months are from November to January.