Kelantan has a place in 20th century history because of its administrative capital Kota Baru, which was famous as the landing point for the Japanese Imperial Army’s invasion of Malaya during World War II in 1941.

It was also the gateway to a record time taken (45 days) for an invading army to conquer a country. The Japanese troops, travelling by bicycle, rampaged from here to Singapore in the south, defeating the British armed forces that finally surrendered to them at the southern tip of the peninsula.

A place in history

Today, Kota Baru still bears reminders of the invasion – only now they have been well documented and displayed at the War Relic Museum in the heart of town. Other tell-tale signs are the war bunkers littered along the coastline from Pengkalan Chepa to Bachok and Pasir Puteh, south of the town.

Padang Merdeka today

The capital also has other important historical landmarks like the Padang Bank, now known as Padang Merdeka, where independence fighter Tok Janggut was laid to rest after he was killed by British colonialists during the 1800s.

In Chinese documents written as early as 5AD, Kelantan was known as Ho Lan Tan and by other names like Tan-Tan or Chich Tu.

Kelantan was once ruled by Thailand during WWII when the Japanese army placed the state under Siamese control until it became a part of the Federation of Malaya in 1948.

Sun and fun

Kelantan also means the Land of Lightning. It has an area of 14,920 sq km, and is a land rich in culture and heritage, influenced by its Siamese and Chinese neighbours.

Rich culture influenced by Siamese and Chinese neighbours

This state borders Thailand in the north-east and Perak in the west, Terengganu in the east and Pahang to the south.

The major towns are Bachok, Pasir Puteh, Tanah Merah, Tumpat and Gua Musang.

As a travel destination, Kelantan is well known for its golden beaches, marvellous handicraft and as a haven for food connoisseurs.

You can find eating joints to suit your tastebuds practically everywhere, from traditional Kelantanese food to Siamese cuisine.

Shopping is also a must for visitors and there is a duty-free zone for shoppers at Rantau Panjang and Pengkalan Kubor.

Kelantan economics

Agriculture remains the backbone of Kelantan’s economy especially in the production of rice, rubber and tobacco. In the year 2000, the agriculture sector contributed 16% or RM828mil to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In that same year, the state’s manufacturing sector was the second largest GDP contributor earning RM746mil. However, fishing and livestock rearing are also important economic activities in the state.

Meanwhile, the tourism industry looks set to become a major revenue earner in the future because Kelantan is rich in cultural heritage and tradition. Revenue from this industry has been on the increase, raking in RM864mil in 2000. With its pristine beaches, beautiful handicrafts and traditional pastimes – which includes top-spinning (gasing), wau-flying and shadow play (wayang kulit) – Kelantan has much to offer the curious tourist.

The state’s cottage industries are at the development stage and currently the main products are food and handicraft. Food production leans more towards local Kelantanese fare like keropok (fish crackers), ikan kering (dried fish), budu (fish sauce) and sambal daging (meat paste).

Songket weaving

Batik painting, woodcarving, songket weaving and silverware production make up the handicraft items. Most of the products are exported to Japan, Europe and the United States. At present, demand for them is higher than supply.