Jerteh: A Town with a New Identity

Jerteh is a town in the district of Besut, north of Terengganu bordering the state of Kelantan. Being an agricultural district, Jerteh town flourishs with the support of its population. In Besut, there are three small towns that have different function and located a few kilometres apart. Jerteh is a commercial centre. Kampung Raja (10 km from Jerteh) hosts government offices and Kuala Besut (4km from Kampong Raja), a gateway to Perhentian Islands. Kuala Besut has high population density. Should these three towns merge together, it can become a big city.

Jerteh being a commercial centre for Besut now seems to expand further south-west with the relocation of a bus station. The new landmark for Jerteh now is the new big mosque. The double-storey mosque is stylish, new design and high. It is visible from far.There is traditional building (timber building) near the old bus station  and is used as a surau. In front of the surau, I found the parking is unique. It  has a high roof. This parking space can be used for other purposes like exhibition centre, car sales, etc.

The new landmark.

The surau (small mosque) made of timber. It is a Terengganu architecture which is a heritage by itself.

The parking area has a high covered roof. It is the first of its kind in Besut.

The paddy or rice plantation which supply rice to Malaysians.

If you are interested to drop by this town, drive north from Kuala Terengganu to Jerteh. Normal drive will take two hours. On the way, before you reach Jerteh, you will see vast paddy fields. It is a like a big green carpet. Take pictures of this rice field because the next time you visit, you may not see this field again. Happy travelling.