KUALA TERENGGANU, Oct 7 — The Terengganu state government plans to increase waste collection trips from Pulau Redang to the mainland from once every two days to daily, to address waste management issues on the resort island.

State Local Government, Housing and Health Committee chairman Datuk Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah said the proposal was among the matters discussed during Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar’s visit to Pulau Redang with members of the State Executive Council (MMKN).

“The visit to Pulau Redang focused on solid waste management issues, including the existing incinerator and its operation.

“We also inspected the waste storage facility being built by the Kuala Terengganu City Council (MBKT), which is expected to be completed soon. Insya-Allah, the waste problem on Pulau Redang will not recur,” he said when contacted by Bernama today.

Wan Sukairi said the visit also included briefings on waste management by MBKT, the State Economic Planning Unit (UPEN) and relevant stakeholders, including chalet and resort operators on the island.

He said the state government had also taken note of the drainage issues on the island and would look into the best ways to resolve them.

“Insya-Allah, with the input gathered and proposals submitted, the solid waste and drainage issues on Pulau Redang can be resolved,” he said.

Meanwhile, UPEN said in a statement that the Menteri Besar and MMKN members had visited Pulau Redang to inspect solid waste and sewage management facilities and assess the need for improvements and solutions to waste disposal on the island.

It said the Terengganu state government was committed to addressing sewage management issues on Pulau Redang, with several short- and long-term solutions identified and being refined.

“The state government will continue to work with relevant agencies and resort operators to ensure the solutions are implemented effectively. Protecting the environment, ensuring the sustainability of Pulau Redang and the comfort of visitors will remain a priority,” the statement read. — Bernama