Kelantan
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| Kelantan | |
|---|---|
| Name | Kelantan |
| Settlement type | State |
| Coordinates | 5, 15, N, 102... |
| Seat | Kota Bharu |
| Governing body | Government of Kelantan |
| Leader title | Sultan |
| Leader name | Sultan Muhammad V |
| Leader title1 | Menteri Besar |
| Leader name1 | Ahmad Yakob |
| Area total km2 | 15099 |
| Population total | 2,001,000 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Demographics type1 | Human Development Index |
| Demographics1 title1 | HDI (2019) |
| Demographics1 info1 | 0.779 high · 13th |
| Postal code type | Postal code |
| Postal code | 15xxx to 18xxx |
| Area code | 09 |
| Website | https://www.kelantan.gov.my/ |
Kelantan is a state in northeastern Peninsular Malaysia, bordered by Thailand to the north, the South China Sea to the northeast, and the states of Terengganu, Pahang, and Perak. Its capital and royal seat is Kota Bharu, a major cultural and economic hub. The state is known for its rich Malay cultural traditions, agrarian economy, and distinct political landscape.
History
Early history includes the Kingdom of Langkasuka and later the Sultanate of Kelantan, which was established in the 15th century. The state came under Siamese influence before signing the Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909, which transferred it to British Malaya. During the Pacific War, it was the site of the Japanese invasion of Malaya in December 1941. Post-independence, it has been a stronghold for the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party, contrasting with the federal rule of the Barisan Nasional coalition for decades.
Geography
Kelantan features a diverse landscape with the Titiwangsa Mountains to the west and a long coastline along the South China Sea. Major river systems include the Kelantan River, which flows through Kota Bharu into a broad fertile plain, and the Golok River which forms part of the border with Thailand. Key natural areas include Gunung Stong State Park, known for the Stong Waterfall, and the Kuala Koh National Park, part of the larger Taman Negara rainforest.
Demographics
The population is predominantly Malay, with significant minority communities of Chinese, Indians, and indigenous groups such as the Orang Asli and the Siamese. Islam is the official religion, practiced by the majority, with notable Buddhist communities in towns like Kota Bharu and Tumpat. The state's linguistic character is defined by the unique Kelantan-Pattani Malay dialect.
Economy
Traditionally agrarian, the economy is heavily based on agriculture, with rice production in areas like the Kelantan Delta and cash crops such as rubber, tobacco, and palm oil. Other sectors include fishing along the coast, small-scale manufacturing, and a growing tourism industry centered on cultural heritage and ecotourism in locations like Pantai Cahaya Bulan and the Wat Phothivihan.
Culture
Kelantan is renowned as a cradle of Malay culture, with vibrant traditional arts such as wayang kulit (shadow puppetry), mak yong theatre, dikir barat choral singing, and silat martial arts. Unique crafts include songket weaving and batik printing, particularly from Kota Bharu. The state is also famous for its distinctive cuisine, including nasi kerabu, ayam percik, and keropok lekor.
Government and politics
The state is a constitutional monarchy headed by the Sultan of Kelantan, currently Sultan Muhammad V. The state government is led by a Menteri Besar, with the Kelantan State Legislative Assembly being the unicameral legislature. The Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party has dominated state politics since 1990, often presenting a distinct political identity from the federal government in Putrajaya.