KUALA TERENGGANU, 6 October - Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) activist, Mohd Asmawi Mukhtar, has revealed the inhumane treatment he endured when he was forced to prostrate on scorching tar under the blazing sun after being detained and beaten by Israeli forces. "We were forced to kneel, face down on the tar, all of this directly under the hot sun," he recalls the ordeal whilst detained by the regime. According to Asmawi, the activists were abducted immediately after their flotillas were intercepted and ordered to dock at the port of Ashdod before being taken about 200 meters away from the harbor area. "When we arrived at this specific location, the regime's soldiers told us to prostrate on the asphalt. "I quickly slide my passport where my face was going to face down. "Most of the others didn't have time to react, and their faces were pressed directly onto the burning surface," he said. He added, they were positioned with their hands on their back, although not restricted, forced to stay in that humiliating position for three grueling hours under the intense heat. Throughout the ordeal, armed commandos closely guarded them, preventing any movement. "The women were cying in pain. The soldiers showed no sense of remorse at all," Asmawi lamented. After hours under the sun, the detainees were transferred to another location resembling an immigration control centre, where their personal belongings were thoroughly searched and confiscated. "The Zionist soldiers took our personal items, including documents and clothing, to look for any information related to the flotilla mission," he added.

KUALA TERENGGANU, August 3 – Syarikat Air Terengganu Sdn Bhd (SATU) has maintained the free water subsidy for B40 households as well as registered mosques and suraus, despite the water tariff adjustment taking effect on August 1, 2025. SATU Chief Executive Officer, Ts. Abdul Karim Endut, said the Cabinet has approved the tariff adjustment for all states in Malaysia under the Tariff Setting Mechanism (TSM) for the second implementation period, affecting both domestic and non-domestic users. However, he explained that in efforts to safeguard the welfare of the people, the state government has retained the 20 cubic meters of free water per month for eligible B40 households. "At the same time, water usage in mosques and suraus registered with the Terengganu Department of Religious Affairs (JHEAT) will continue to be fully subsidised by the Terengganu State Government. "This subsidy is not only continued but increased from RM2.5 million to RM3.0 million annually," Abdul Karim said in a statement to the Terengganu Information Secretariat (UPDI) today. For the record, a total of 13,715 accounts have benefited from the 20 cubic meters of free water monthly since 2019, amounting to RM2.5 million annually. As for mosques and suraus, the subsidy covers 1,883 accounts with a total cost of RM1.5 million per year. Commenting on the new tariff adjustment, Abdul Karim said domestic users with individual meters consuming up to 20 cubic meters of water per month will see a rate increase of 8 sen per cubic meter. Meanwhile, for non-domestic categories such as industrial and commercial users, the revised rates reflect actual operating costs while remaining competitive compared to other states. “Tariffs for places of worship and charitable institutions remain unchanged as a sign of the government’s support for the social and religious roles played by these institutions. “SATU has also allocated approximately RM50 million annually to improve water supply infrastructure, including the construction and upgrading of treatment plants, distribution systems, and efforts to reduce Non-Revenue Water (NRW),” he added. According to a report by Malaysiakini, Johor retains the highest water tariff at RM1.05 per cubic meter (0-20 m³), followed by Melaka at RM0.94, and Labuan at RM0.92.

KUALA TERENGGANU, August 3 – The Terengganu state government, through the Terengganu Entrepreneur Development Foundation (YPU), has allocated RM844,000 under the Zero-Interest Motorcycle Financing Scheme to assist low-income individuals in acquiring motorcycles for business and employment purposes. Chairman of the State Committee on Entrepreneurship, Human Resources, and Consumer Affairs, Dato’ Ariffin Deraman, said the initiative aims to ease the financial burden of individuals who rely on motorcycles as a primary tool for their daily operations. He explained, as a start, the scheme is expected to benefit 160 recipients across all 32 state constituencies (DUN), with five eligible individuals to be selected from each area. “Each constituency coordinator will identify five qualified entrepreneurs within their respective areas, verify their backgrounds, and ensure that applicants meet all criteria outlined under the Motorcycle Financing Scheme. “The target group includes gig economy workers such as food delivery riders, couriers, and those involved in e-commerce services, as well as individuals starting small businesses who require a motorcycle as their main operational asset,” he said. Ariffin added that the assistance not only helps increase income opportunities but also contributes to the state's economic growth by supporting the development of micro and small enterprises. “With access to motorcycles, entrepreneurs can expand their market reach, participate in services like e-hailing or delivery, and manage their daily operations more efficiently, ultimately paving the way for more stable and sustainable incomes,” he said.

HULU TERENGGANU, July 17 – Tasik Kenyir continues to make history as it becomes the launch site for a mega renewable energy project involving the development of a Floating Solar Hydro Hybrid and a Green Hydrogen Hub. The event, held at the Sultan Mahmud Power Station, is seen as a bold and futuristic step, marking a new chapter in the nation’s green energy development. Terengganu’s Menteri Besar, Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, said the high-impact project would see the construction of a large-scale floating solar farm with a capacity of up to 2,500 megawatts (MW) on the surface of Tasik Kenyir making it one of the largest in Southeast Asia. “This project is not only a symbol of the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability but also proof of the strong collaboration between government-linked companies (GLCs) such as TNB Genco, PETRONAS, and the state’s own subsidiary, Terengganu Inc. “We are witnessing a transformation of the energy sector through the exploration of clean sources like hydro and solar, in line with our aspiration to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050,” he said. The collaboration was formalised through a document exchange ceremony during the launch event, officiated by Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Sultan Mahmud Hydroelectric Power Station in Kenyir. He further stated that the implementation of this project would pave the way for the construction of Terengganu’s first Green Hydrogen Hub, which is expected to become a key driver in the nation’s hydrogen economy. “The State Government firmly believes that the energy transition is not a hurdle, but an opportunity to strengthen economic competitiveness and create new job opportunities. “With the support of the Federal Government, investors, and researchers, we are not only fulfilling a promise but building a legacy. This initiative will bring significant benefits to current and future generations,” he added. He also said that with the launch of the project, Terengganu is taking its first step towards becoming a regional green energy hub, aligned with the national mission to build a cleaner and more sustainable future. “God willing, this will become a lasting legacy for our future generations,” he concluded.

KUALA TERENGGANU, July 10 – Terengganu is now on the right track to emerge as the leading state in the development of renewable energy in the country. This was stated by PETRONAS Senior Vice President of Malaysia Petroleum Management, Datuk Ir. Bacho Pilong, during his speech at the East Coast Energy (ECE) 2025 Seminar in Kuala Terengganu on 23 June. He said this can be seen through the implementation of high-impact projects, including the Kenyir Hybrid Floating Solar Farm and the development of the first green hydrogen hub in Terengganu. "The Kenyir Hybrid Floating Solar Farm project has the potential to generate up to 1,000 megawatts of solar power, with half of that capacity specifically allocated for the green hydrogen hub project in Terengganu, a collaboration between Terengganu Inc, PETRONAS, and TNB," he said. He added that this initiative not only continues Terengganu’s legacy as a key player in the national oil and gas industry but also marks the beginning of a new era in which the state leads the transition towards clean and sustainable energy. "This project will continue to place Terengganu on the map, strengthening its oil and gas legacy while taking the lead in renewable energy," he further stated. In addition to the focus on green energy development, PETRONAS, he said, remains committed to empowering local communities and preserving environmental sustainability in Terengganu. "Among the key initiatives driven by PETRONAS in the state is the PETRONAS Energy Transition Academy, established at the PETRONAS Institute of Petroleum Technology (INSTEP) in Terengganu, to train the future workforce for the low-carbon industry. "The Vendor Development and Financing Programme has disbursed more than RM342 million to 54 Terengganu-based companies since 2018 and actively involves 10 local vendors under the Bumiputera vendor development programme. "Marine conservation projects such as Rigs-to-Reef and Tubular-to-Reef have successfully increased fish biodiversity by up to 30 percent, recorded a 10 percent annual rise in fish nutrients, and detected 42 unique species around artificial reef structures near Pulau Kapas," he explained. Ir. Bacho also stressed that the rapid development of the energy sector should not be limited to industrial profits alone, but must also have a meaningful impact on society and the environment. "With various strategic initiatives and comprehensive support from all parties, Terengganu is seen to be strengthening its position in facing change and has the potential to become the nation’s new energy hub making the East Coast not only a major energy producer, but also a leader in the transformation towards a more sustainable and resilient future," he added.

KUALA TERENGGANU, July 9 – Terengganu's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) recorded a growth of 4.5 percent in 2024, surpassing the initial projection of between 3.5 and 4.1 percent as outlined in the state's 2024 Budget. Menteri Besar, Dato' Seri Ir. Dr. Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said, the achievement reflects the effectiveness of the state government's approach in restructuring the economy to be more resilient and sustainable. "Alhamdulillah, we have achieved what we aimed for. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), Terengganu's GDP grew by 4.5 percent to RM39.9 billion in 2024, compared to 2.3 percent in the previous year. "This growth was driven by the global economic recovery and the success of our state's structural economic reforms," he said. He said this while speaking at the Terengganu State-Level Excellent Service Awards Ceremony at Wisma Darul Iman, yesterday. Moreover, Dr. Samsuri likened the state's development journey to climbing a staircase steadily and cautiously, rather than taking risky leaps. "If we want to reach the top and there are 15 steps, we can choose to jump two steps at a time or climb them one by one. What matters is that we reach the top. "But is it practical to leap like in parkour? We don't want to trip or fall. Let's move slowly and take our time, as long as we're headed in the right direction," he said. In line with the state's vision, the chief minister added that the state government remains committed to pursuing strategic measures to ensure Terengganu's progress continues to be sustainable and inclusive.

MARANG, 20 May – Terengganu continues to strengthen its position as a premier maritime tourism hub on Malaysia’s East Coast with the successful hosting of the Squid Jigging Programme, held as part of the 'Sail Malaysia: Passage to the East 2025' Yacht Rally. Chairman of the Terengganu State Committee on Tourism, Culture, Environment, and Climate Change, Datuk Razali Idris, said this year’s event welcomed participants from nine countries, including the United States, Kuwait, Thailand, Australia, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, South Africa, and the Philippines. “The presence of international sailors highlights Terengganu’s growing appeal as a key destination for the global yachting community,” he said. "Participants were given the rare opportunity to experience 'candat sotong', a traditional squid jigging activity, in the rich, biodiverse waters of Terengganu. "This authentic maritime experience, coupled with the state’s stunning natural landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage, further underscores Terengganu’s unique offerings for nautical tourism. “We are truly honoured to welcome sailors from around the world,” added Datuk Razali. This event not only fosters cultural exchange but also strengthens Kuala Terengganu’s role as a gateway for international maritime tourism in the region. With rising global recognition and a calendar filled with engaging marine-based activities, Terengganu is well on its way to becoming the leading maritime tourism destination on Malaysia’s East Coast, attracting seafarers, ocean enthusiasts, and adventure seekers from around the world.  

HULU TERENGGANU, December 14 – Kenyir Lake once again becomes a focal point as the 2024 International Monsoon Casting Tournament (IMCT) successfully attracted 260 participants, including 60 international participants from nine countries. The Deputy Chairman of the Terengganu State Committee for Infrastructure, Utilities, and Rural Development, Zawawi Ismail, said that programs like IMCT are important for promoting the uniqueness of the state's eco-tourism. “With this event, Kenyir Lake gains international exposure. “Among the countries participating are Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, the United States, South Korea, Japan, China, France, and the Netherlands. “This proves that the area is rich in unique attractions such as Poh Island, the Bird Park, and Bewah Cave,” he said. He made this statement when officiating the IMCT 2024 Participant Release Ceremony at Pengkalan Gawi, Kenyir Lake, here today. According to him, the presence of international participants shows the great potential of Kenyir Lake to continue attracting foreign tourists. “We want them not only to enjoy fishing activities but also to experience the beauty and uniqueness of the surroundings here,” he added. The Telemong State Assemblyman also emphasized the importance of safety throughout the event. “Safety must be our priority, especially in activities involving water,” he said. He also reminded the participants to maintain good ethics and adhere to the rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. “Hopefully, everyone leaves with sweet memories of Kenyir Lake this time,” he remarked. He stated that this annual event has received strong support from various government and private agencies. In addition to the fishing competition, participants and visitors also have the chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery and immerse themselves in the culture and uniqueness of Kenyir Lake. “With the success of organizing IMCT 2024, Terengganu is now increasingly recognized as a top destination for water recreational sports. “This program not only promotes the state on the world stage but also boosts the local economy through the influx of both domestic and international tourists. “Let’s make Kenyir Lake a must-visit location for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers,” he concluded.

KUALA TERENGGANU, December 15 - The resignation of Terengganu Menteri Besar, Dato' Seri Ir. Dr. Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, as Treasurer of Perikatan Nasional (PN) is a move to strengthen the party. According to Ahmad Samsuri, who is also the Vice President of PAS, this action is not related to any internal rift within PN, as claimed by certain parties. "There is no rift at all; instead, we are seeking the best way to strengthen PN so that it becomes a more robust political coalition before we face the elections in two years' time," he said. He made these comments after the 5th Imaratul Ilmi event at the Terengganu Quran College (KQT) at the Islamic Civilization Park Convention Center (TTI) here earlier today. In the meantime, Ahmad Samsuri also emphasized that his resignation has no connection to the decision of the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) to leave PN yesterday. "There is no rift, that is a separate issue, and it has nothing to do with the Sabah party. The issue concerning the Sabah party is unrelated to the issues in Peninsular Malaysia," he said. When asked if any other individuals would take similar action, Ahmad Samsuri said he had no information on the matter. "I don't know, you can ask the individual concerned," he said. Recently, he announced his resignation through a brief statement to the leadership of PAS Central and PN.

KUALA TERENGGANU, August 7 - Perikatan Nasional (PN) views that a New Malaysia needs to be built to ensure a better life for the people in the future. The Chief Minister, Dato' Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, stated that his side is always approached by various parties expressing their desire to join the PN coalition and PAS itself, which will be considered from time to time based on suitability and mutual interests for national development. "We see that a better future for the country, a 'new Malaysia,' must be built by strengthening the existing political consensus between PAS and its partners in PN. "This needs to be developed from time to time and will be a good offer for the new Malaysia, God willing," he said. He made these remarks when speaking to the media during his press conference at the Second Meeting of the Second Session of the 15th State Legislative Assembly at Wisma Darul Iman recently. Commenting on UMNO President Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's statement that the opposition, PN, had come to negotiate with him and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Ahmad Samsuri stated that his side is not interested in addressing baseless statements. "Whatever he says is his own business. I do not interfere with what is said. We have met in Parliament, crossed paths in meetings with our respective roles as MPs, State Assembly members, or government officials. "That is not classified as political discussions. Even if we meet UMNO MPs, it is within the context of managing our roles as MPs and State Assembly members in our respective states," he said. Regarding whether there will be cooperation with UMNO in the future, he said it is difficult to predict what will happen. "So, I will not comment on future matters. As of now, there are no plans, no meetings, or anything of the sort," he explained.