Kelantan

Kelantan is a state located in the north-eastern corner of Peninsular Malaysia.

It is known by the honorific name Darul Naim, which means "The Blissful Abode." The state shares borders with Narathiwat province in Thailand to the north. To the south, it is bordered by Pahang and Terengganu. Perak lies to the west, while the South China Sea sits to the north-east. The capital city is Kota Bharu, and the royal seat is located in Kubang Kerian.

Geography in Kelantan is defined by its complex river systems and mountains. The Nengiri River begins high on the slopes of Gunung Korbu. It flows east to merge with the Galas and Lebir rivers. These waters eventually form the Kelantan River, also known as Sungai Kelantan. This broad, mud-coloured stream flows through fertile coastal plains. The river valley serves as a "rice-bowl" because the land is so productive. It is rich in hardwoods, rubber, and tropical fruits.

The state features diverse tropical rainforests and an equatorial climate. Temperatures generally range from 21 to 32 °C. There is intermittent rain throughout the year. The wet season occurs during the east-coast monsoon from November to January. The landscape includes parts of the Titiwangsa Mountains. These mountains are part of the Tenasserim Hills. Mount Yong Belar is the highest point in the state. For many centuries, the mountains made Kelantan hard to reach by land. This isolation helped shape its unique culture.

Kelantan has a long and complex history. Archaeological evidence shows human settlements existed during prehistoric times. In the 15th century, Kelantan was a major centre of trade. Around 1499, it became a vassal state of the Malacca Sultanate. The legendary Cik Siti Wan Kembang is said to have reigned from 1610 to 1667. In 1844, the city of Kota Bharu was established on the eastern bank of the Kelantan River.

During World War II, Japanese forces first landed in Kelantan on 8 December 1941. The state later became a province of Thailand in 1943 before reverting to Malaya in 1945.

The economy of Kelantan is primarily agrarian. Most of the work involves rice, rubber, and tobacco farming. Fishing is also vital along the 96-kilometre coastline. Many people participate in cottage industries. These include batik making, woodcarving, and songket weaving. Logging is an active industry due to the large forest areas. Tourism is growing, especially near offshore islands. The capital, Kota Bharu, is the main urban centre. In 2017, the state's GDP per capita was RM13,593. This figure is significantly lower than other Malaysian states.

Culture in Kelantan is distinct from the rest of the Malay Peninsula. The Kelantanese Malay language is not easily understood by standard Malay speakers. This is partly due to the state's historical isolation. The state is a conservative Malay heartland. The Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) has held power since 1990. Because of this, the state follows a strict interpretation of Islamic Law. This has led to changes in social rules and public behavior. Some traditional arts have also faced restrictions. These include Wayang Kulit, Mak Yong, Dikir Barat, and Main Puteri.

Kelantan's political landscape remains a significant part of Malaysian life. The PAS-led coalition won all 39 state and 13 parliamentary seats in the 1990 General Election. They have maintained control through various election cycles. This political identity is tied to the fact that 97% of the population are Malay Muslims. The state government has passed laws regarding social conduct. Some of these laws, like Hudud Law, have not been enforced by the national government. This is due to constitutional reasons. The state remains a place where tradition and modern politics constantly interact.