Besut is a district located in the state of Terengganu, Malaysia. It is situated in the northeastern part of Peninsular Malaysia, bordering the South China Sea to the east. With a population of approximately 130,000 inhabitants, Besut encompasses a diverse range of communities, including rural villages, coastal areas, and small towns.
The energy dependency of Besut, like much of Malaysia, heavily relies on fossil fuels. At present, an estimated 80% of the total energy usage in the district is derived from fossil fuel sources. This dependence stems from historical decisions made to exploit the rich natural resources of the region, particularly its reserves of oil and natural gas. The discovery of substantial offshore oil and gas fields off the coast of Terengganu in the 1970s led to the establishment of Petronas, the national oil and gas company, which has played a significant role in the energy sector of the region.
The reliance on fossil fuels for energy in Besut has had both positive and negative impacts on the district. On one hand, it has contributed to economic growth and development, generating revenue and employment opportunities in the energy sector. The presence of oil and gas facilities has attracted investments and stimulated ancillary industries, such as petrochemicals and refining. Moreover, it has provided a stable source of energy for industrial activities and infrastructure development in the region.
However, the over-dependence on fossil fuels has also posed environmental challenges and long-term sustainability concerns for Besut. The burning of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change and air pollution. This reliance on non-renewable resources makes the district vulnerable to price fluctuations and geopolitical uncertainties associated with the global fossil fuel market.
Recognizing the need to address these issues, there are plans in place to reduce Besut's dependency on fossil fuels and transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. The Malaysian government has been actively promoting renewable energy development and energy efficiency initiatives nationwide. In line with this national effort, Besut has set targets to increase the share of renewable energy in its energy mix.
One of the notable projects in the region is the development of solar power plants. Besut benefits from abundant sunlight throughout the year, making solar energy a viable and promising option. Efforts are underway to establish solar farms and encourage the installation of solar panels on rooftops of residential and commercial buildings. These initiatives aim to diversify the energy sources in Besut and decrease the reliance on fossil fuels.
Furthermore, there is an emphasis on promoting energy conservation and efficiency practices among the inhabitants of Besut. Public awareness campaigns, educational programs, and incentives for adopting energy-efficient technologies have been implemented. This approach aims to reduce overall energy consumption and minimize the environmental impact associated with energy use.
In addition to renewable energy and energy efficiency measures, the district of Besut is exploring other avenues for sustainable development. This includes the promotion of eco-tourism, preservation of natural resources, and encouraging environmentally friendly practices in industries such as agriculture and fisheries. By diversifying the economy and embracing sustainable practices, Besut aims to create a balanced and resilient future that reduces its dependency on fossil fuels.
Besut is known for its beautiful coastline, pristine beaches, and lush greenery. The district is home to several famous landmarks, including Perhentian Islands, which are renowned for their crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, attracting tourists and divers from around the world. Inland, Besut boasts scenic landscapes, including forests and waterfalls, offering opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and engage in ecotourism activities.