Teluk kalong: Teluk Kalong Beach here has once again been affected by coal pollution over the past three days, believed to have originated from a barge that broke apart near the beach last January.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, a local resident, Azhar Ngah, 64, reported that the black solid material had been washed ashore by the tide, covering a 300-metre stretch of coastline and affecting the cleanliness and scenic appeal of the recreational area. He mentioned that the beach had experienced similar pollution last January following a coal spill from a barge, although cleanup operations were subsequently carried out by the parties involved.

Azhar Ngah expressed his hope that the authorities will immediately conduct cleanup operations to remove the coal debris, ensuring the cleanliness of the beach as well as the safety and well-being of fishermen and visitors. Meanwhile, fisherman Mohamad Azrul Naim Rahim, 36, expressed concern over the beach's condition, which he said had previously been clean but had been covered with black solid material for the past three days. However, he noted that the current coal pollution was not as severe as the incident last January, with a smaller volume of debris washed ashore and a more limited affected area.

Mohamad Azrul Naim Rahim emphasized the concern that the coal spillage from the barge could worsen if the authorities fail to take immediate action. In response to the situation, Terengganu Tourism, Culture, Environment and Climate Change Committee chairman Datuk Razali Idris stated that he had instructed the Kemaman Municipal Council (MPK), Department of Environment (DOE), and Marine Department Malaysia to investigate the source of the coal pollution, which is the second such incident reported at the beach this year.

Datuk Razali Idris highlighted that the relevant agencies had also been directed to immediately clear the coal debris from the beach to ensure the coastal area was clean, safe, and conducive for visitors. He stressed that cleanup operations must be carried out immediately as the beach is a popular tourist destination. On Jan 12, media reports stated that Teluk Kalong Beach had been polluted by coal believed to have originated from a cargo spill after a barge drifted and sank in the area.