Terengganu: The Terengganu State Government is planning to restore the Sungai Kijal estuary here to support the local fishing community, following concerns that the area has become increasingly shallow, making it difficult for fishermen to head out to sea.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tourism, Culture, Environment and Climate Change Committee chairman Datuk Razali Idris said the initiative comes after the river estuary area was recently returned to the state government, having previously been leased to Kijal Resort Sdn Bhd. "Previously, the area was under a long-term lease, which led to several implications, including difficulties for fishermen to enter and exit the sea due to sand accumulation that affected the river flow and boat navigation routes. At the same time, the state government was unable to address the issue as the area was privately owned under the lease to Kijal Resort," he said here today.

Razali, who is also the Kijal assemblyman, mentioned that various restoration measures will be implemented in the area, including efforts to address coastal erosion and flooding issues that have long affected the locality. Among the plans, he noted, is the construction of protective structures such as breakwaters, with an estimated cost of between RM100 million and RM150 million as a long-term solution.

He further explained that immediate measures will include regular maintenance works costing about RM30,000 to RM50,000 annually to ensure the river estuary remains open and functional. Additionally, he emphasized that the state government will ensure future development in the area is carried out in a more structured and inclusive manner without neglecting the interests and welfare of local residents. "I hope Sungai Kijal estuary will once again become an important catalyst for coastal fishermen in Kemaman," he said.