'Cerating' name change sparks backlash

New Straits Times

a day ago

KUANTAN: The sudden decision to officially change the spelling of Cherating, a town popular for its white sandy beaches, to "Cerating" has raised eyebrows.
The Kuantan City Council announced the change on its Facebook page yesterday, citing a decision made at the state executive council meeting.
However, the rebranding has sparked criticism on social media, with many questioning the timing and rationale, and locals saying they were neither consulted nor informed beforehand.
Kampung Cherating Village Development and Security Committee chairman Ahmad Nizam Abdul Ghani said Cherating was a well-established "brand name" and the change felt awkward.
"The whole world is familiar with the spelling 'Cherating'. The villagers are against the change and we hope the state government will consider gazetting the name 'Cherating'," he said today.
Facebook user Muhammad Faiz Hashim questioned the need for the change, suggesting that the authorities should instead focus on improving public amenities and reviving tourism in the once-thriving backpacker haven.
Others called the move inappropriate ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026, expressing concern that it could derail tourism campaigns and affect promotional efforts by state industry players.
Facebook user Ekaterina Rashidin said foreign tourists searching for Cherating online may struggle to find information if the spelling is changed, potentially affecting visitor numbers.
The New Straits Times has reached out to state Local Government, Housing, Environment and Green Technology Committee chairman Datuk Mohammad Fakhruddin Mohd Ariff for comments.