Terengganu: A Journey of Economic Growth and Cultural Heritage

Terengganu, located on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, boasts a rich modern history shaped by political and economic milestones. Its journey toward modern development began in 1909 when the Anglo-Siamese Treaty ended its suzerainty under Thailand, transitioning the state into a British protectorate. This shift brought about the implementation of modern administrative systems and infrastructure projects, laying the groundwork for future advancements. Under British influence, Terengganu witnessed the establishment of formal governance structures, the introduction of roads, and other facilities that helped modernize the state.

However, Terengganu's progress faced significant disruption during World War II, when Japanese forces occupied the region. The occupation halted many development initiatives and caused economic hardship, leaving a lasting impact on the state's trajectory. After the war, Terengganu became part of the Federation of Malaya in 1948, a political union that set the stage for eventual independence in 1957. The post-independence era brought new opportunities, particularly in the economic sphere. The discovery of oil and natural gas reserves in the late 20th century marked a turning point, transforming Terengganu into one of Malaysia’s key contributors to the national economy. The petroleum industry not only provided revenue but also spurred growth in related sectors, such as infrastructure and services.

In recent years, Terengganu has embraced a broader economic strategy. With the launch of the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) in 2007, the state has aimed to diversify its economy beyond oil and gas. Investments in tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing have become vital pillars of this initiative, encouraging sustainable and balanced development. The state's cultural heritage continues to thrive alongside economic growth, with traditional crafts like batik, wood carving, and songket weaving still being actively practiced. Additionally, Terengganu is known for its vibrant traditional performances, such as the "Ulek Mayang" dance and "Dikir Barat" music.

Today, Terengganu remains a place where tradition meets modernity. Kuala Terengganu, the state capital, has developed into a bustling urban center, blending historical architecture with modern infrastructure. The state's pristine beaches, islands, and marine parks are protected as part of its sustainable tourism efforts, ensuring that its natural beauty and resources remain intact for future generations.
Terengganu: A Journey of Economic Growth and Cultural Heritage

Tokku Paloh

Sayyid Abdul Rahman Sayyid Muhammad or popularly known as Tokku Paloh, was born in 1817 (1236H) at Kampung Cabang Tiga in Kuala Terengganu. He was the second out of five children to Sayyid Muhammad al-Aydarus or Tok Ku Tuan Besar.

Tokku Paloh, from a very young age, received his early education from his father, Sayyid Muhammad al-`Aydarus in various fields of religious knowledge in order to prepare him to becoming a religious scholar.

He was being educated by some distinguished religious scholars from the Malay Archipelago such as Haji Wan Abd Allah bin Muhammad al-Amin and also Shaykh `Abd al-Qadir Bukit Bayas. He took a long time to acquire the religious knowledge in his homeland, up to 55 years.

Around 1872 Tok Ku Paloh later travelled and pursued knowledge in the areas of tafsir, hadith, tawhid and tasawwuf in the Holy land of Mecca and was tutored by many famous Muslim scholars such as Sayyid Ahmad Zayn al-Dahlan, Sayyid Salih al-Zawawi, Sayyid Abdullah al-Zawawi and also Syeikh Muhammad Mazhar al-Ahmadi. He returned to his homeland in 1882.

Besides being a teacher he was also well-known as a sufi. He also became the teacher to the sultan of Terengganu between 1298 –1338 H ( 881 –1919 Ad ). Tokku Paloh is the author of Macarij al-lahfan ila haqa ́iq al-cirfan.

He departed in 1917 (1335H) and was buried at Kampong Paloh in Kuala Terengganu (Alwi, 2007). In fact, the former was much younger than the latter.  

Tokku Paloh

History of Terengganu

The word of Terengganu derived from word ‘taring anu’ where ‘anu’ means tiger. It was also said that Terenggani is Tamil word meaning ‘hilly country’, the name given many centuries ago by Tamil traders. 

Terengganu is the place where Islam first touched Malay shores. It happened even before Malacca had established itself as the peninsula’s first Malay kingdom.

In the 14th century the Thaïs occupied northeastern Malaya (Terengganu). Terengganu was formally established as a state in 1724.

The first Sultan was Tun Zainal Abidin Paduka Maharaja, a younger brother one of the former sultans of Johor. He used the title Sultan Zainal Abidin I. In 1850 Siam forced Terengganu into vassalage.

In 1909 an Anglo-Siamese treaty saw power pass to the British. It was an unpopular move locally. The campaign of resistance began in 1922 with a series of anti-tax protest organized by the village imams and spearheaded by two charismatic ulamas Sayyid Sagaf and Haji Drahman.

It was quickly put down and the British went about consolidating their power in the state until the Japanese invaded in World War II.
History of Terengganu