Hulu Terengganu District

Hulu Terengganu
Parliamentary district

Flag
Country  Malaysia
State Terengganu Darul Iman
Seat Kuala Berang
Government
 • Body Hulu Terengganu District Council
 • Yang Di Pertua Tuan Haji Talaha Bin Ali
Area
 • Total 3,874.63 km2 (1,496.00 sq mi)
Population (2010)
 • Total 70,800
 • Density 18/km2 (47/sq mi)
Postcode 21xxx
National calling code 09-6xxxxxx
Vehicle registration T

Hulu Terengganu is an interior district of Terengganu, Malaysia. The seat of the district is Kuala Berang, located about 40 km from the state capital, Kuala Terengganu. The local government of this district is Hulu Terengganu District Council (Malay: Majlis Daerah Hulu Terengganu).

Background

Hulu Terengganu is the largest district in terms of land area and the only landlocked district of Terengganu. Hulu Terengganu District Council was established on 1 January 1981 under the 3rd Section of Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171) (Amendment 1978). Prior to this it was known as Jumaah Bandaran Ulu Terengganu. It was formally launched by the Menteri Besar of Terengganu at the time, Wan Mokhtar Ahmad, at the Kuala Berang Municipal Hall on Monday, 30 August 1982.

Its operation area is 53.4 square km whereas the administrational area is 3,821.23 square km. The population in 2000 was numbered at 74,918, 3,586 more than during MDHT's early years (year 1970). This has now decreased to just above 70,000. Hulu Terengganu has one village for Orang Asli, the indigenous people of Peninsular Malaysia, which is Kampung Sungai Berua.[1]

Governance

Hulu Terengganu is divided into 10 sub-districts or "Mukim":

1. Hulu Berang

2. Hulu Telemung

3. Hulu Terengganu

4. Jenagur

5. Kuala Berang

6. Kuala Telemung

7. Penghulu Diman

8. Tanggul

9. Tersat

10. Kuala Berang town

Culture and Places of Interest

This district is where the famous Terengganu Inscription Stone was found. It was accidentally discovered near Sungai Tersat by an Arab trader named Sayid Husin bin Ghulam al-Bokhari in 1899 after a flash flood hit Kuala Berang. The inscription on the stone proclaims Islam as the state religion of Terengganu. This artifact is a symbol of an earlier arrival of Islam to the Malay Peninsula, even earlier from that of Malacca Sultanate. It is now displayed in Terengganu State Museum.[2]

As an interior district, forest still occupied a large area of the district. The district is particularly popular for Tasik Kenyir or Kenyir Lake. Kenyir Lake is an artificial lake created in 1985 by the damming of the Kenyir River to create the Sultan Mahmud Power Station. It is the largest man-made lake in South East Asia. It covers 260 km² and contains 340 small islands, which were once hiltops and highlands, more than 14 waterfalls, numerous rapids and rivers. Because the lake is a reservoir, the water level can vary depending on the month. The water level is highest (and the lake consequently the most beautiful) in March and April.

Although an artificial lake, the area has been successfully developed for eco-tourism, and there are many resorts around its shores. Fishing is popular, as are jungle treks, waterfalls and caves. According to the locals, the best season for fishing is August when the water level is lower. Popular spots for jungle trekking are Pengkalan Gawi, Bewah at National Park, along the rivers of Saok, Lasir, Tembat and Lawit. Kayaking, canoeing, boating, rafting and rapids shooting are among the many water sport activities available here.[3]

Other places of interest in Hulu Terengganu are Lata Belukar Bukit and Sekayu Waterfall. Lata Belukar Bukit is a newly developed area and is popular among the locals. Belukar Bukit is an interesting picnic and camping site. Its natural environment and the serenity as well as coolness from the waters are the main attractions to this place. The Belukar Bukit picnic area is situated 20 km south of Kuala Berang.

Politics

The current assemblyperson representing Hulu Terengganu in the Malaysian Parliament is Dato' Jaliani bin Johari of UMNO, part of the federal ruling coalition Barisan Nasional.

Hulu Terengganu constituency itself provides 4 seats to the Terengganu State Legislative Assembly, namely:

All seats except Manir are currently held by Barisan Nasional. Manir is currently held by PAS.[4] In fact, Manir state constituency is under the administration of the Kuala Terengganu City Council (Majlis Bandaraya Kuala Terengganu, MBKT) instead of the Hulu Terengganu District Council.

References

  1. ↑ http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2011&dt=0414&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Bicara_Agama&pg=ba_03.htm
  2. ↑ http://www.pmn.gov.my/TERENGGANU/sejarahtrg.htm
  3. ↑ http://www.kenyir.com.my/
  4. ↑ "Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri". Laman Web Rasmi Dewan Undangan Negeri Terengganu. Retrieved 13 January 2016.
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