Snorkelling, diving, and swimming at the beach are favourite activities in the country's stunning island resorts but unbeknownst to many, holidaymakers may be paddling in human excrement.

This is because for decades, lack of proper facilities to treat sewage on island resorts mean untreated wastewater are channelled directly into the sea, Malaysiakini’s investigation into the matter on the Perhentian and Redang islands found.

The practice, although unsavoury, is largely in compliance with the Department of Environment’s requirements.

Checks found small resort owners generally...