Latest news with #KelantanTourism


New Straits Times
21-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Thailand finds no livestock drug smuggling, pledges cooperation
SUNGAI GOLOK: Thai authorities have not received any reports or evidence suggesting that drug traffickers are using livestock, including cattle, to smuggle narcotics across the border. Narathiwat Deputy Governor Wichan Chaisetsumpan said authorities are unaware of any cases of drugs being smuggled inside livestock across the border. "So far, there is no information or cases within our agencies about such a method being used to smuggle drugs," he told reporters when met here yesterday. He was responding to Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat's remarks last week, who said intelligence suggested drug traffickers were hiding narcotics inside livestock imported from a neighbouring country. "We received information a few months ago indicating that some cattle and goats, legally imported across the border, were not being fed by their owners during the quarantine period," he said. Malaysia shares a long and porous border with southern Thailand. However, Wichan said Thailand continues to work closely with Malaysian authorities including those in Kelantan to curb cross-border smuggling involving narcotics, livestock, and other illicit activities. "Both countries have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) recently to jointly tackle smuggling issues along the border," he added. Commenting on the recent closure of illegal jetties along the Kelantan border by Malaysian police, he said similar action had been taken on the Thai side along the Golok river. "Illegal jetties on our side have also been shut down but we allow limited flexibility based on the needs of local residents," he said. Wichan also said that Thai authorities would allow Malaysians to cross the river, but only during specific times and under strict conditions. "They are allowed to cross at designated times, provided they do not carry any prohibited items. "Thai military personnel will maintain strict surveillance along approved routes," he said. Wichan was speaking after attending the closing of a boat racing competition here involving 40 teams including five from Malaysia. Also present were Kelantan Tourism, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Kamaruddin Md Nor and Sungai Golok Mayor Saleeha Mayutoh.


The Sun
21-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia-Thailand boat race to boost border economy
PASIR MAS: The plan to hold a boat race competition between Malaysia and Thailand along Sungai Golok could breathe new life into a shared cultural tradition while boosting the local economy. Kelantan Tourism, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Kamaruddin Md Nor said the event would create opportunities for small businesses, homestay operators, and tourism service providers in Pasir Mas and nearby border areas. 'We feel that events like this can revive the local economy because travellers will come not just to watch the boat race, but also to sample the traditional food, stay in local hotels or homestays and purchase handicrafts,' he told reporters during a trial race at Sungai Golok. The proposed venue, Pohon Jambu base, is already a popular gathering spot for Malaysian and Thai communities. Kamaruddin noted that its strategic location would directly benefit nearby economic activities. 'This place is beautiful and suitable for such an event because the river is not too wide and already has basic facilities. We also receive good cooperation from the Sungai Golok authorities,' he said. Discussions are underway to expand the event by including more teams from Kelantan and Thailand's Narathiwat province, potentially making it an annual affair. A unique blindfolded boat race is also being considered to attract more visitors. The recent two-day trial race featured 40 teams, including five from Malaysia, drawing around 1,000 spectators. Such events not only preserve cultural heritage but also play a key role in revitalising the border economy, heavily reliant on tourism. - Bernama

Barnama
20-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Malaysia-Thailand Border Area Boat Race Can Spur local Economy
PASIR MAS, July 20 (Bernama) -- The proposal to organise a boat race competition between Malaysia and Thailand at Sungai Golok is not only expected to revive a traditional sport shared by both countries, but also serve as a catalyst for economic and tourism growth in the border area. Kelantan Tourism, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Kamaruddin Md Nor said the initiative has the potential to provide benefits to small traders, homestay operators and tourism services providers around Pasir Mas and areas bordering Sungai Golok. "We feel that events like this can revive the local economy because travellers will come not just to watch the boat race, but also to sample the traditional food, stay in local hotels or homestays and purchase handicrafts,' he told reporters while attending the trial boat race at Sungai Golok (Malaysian side) here today. He added that the proposed location (for the boat race) - the Pohon Jambu base - is already known as a focal point for Malaysian and Thai communities, and its selection is expected to have a direct impact on the economic activities of nearby residents. "This place is beautiful and suitable for such an event because the river is not too wide and already has basic facilities. We also receive good cooperation from the Sungai Golok authorities,' he said. He added that discussions would be held to organise it on a larger scale by involving more teams from Kelantan and Thailand's Narathiwat province, so that it can be turned into an annual affair. Besides the main competition, a unique event being planned is a blindfolded boat race, which could add value and attract more visitors from both countries. This year's trial race, held over two days on July 19 and 20, features 40 teams, including five from Malaysia, attracting an estimated 1,000 spectators. Such events not only help preserve cultural heritage, but also play a significant role in revitalising the local economy, which relies heavily on tourism activities in the border area.

The Star
09-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Squid jigging hooks foreign enthusiasts
Tentacle tourism: Razali (right) accepting a season calendar from state tourism director Hilman Hajijan (second from right) during the launch of the Squid Jigging Season at the Marang jetty. — Bernama MARANG: The Terengganu Squid Jigging Programme this year is livelier with the participation of 50 foreigners from Asia, Europe and South America. State Tourism, Culture, Environment and Climate Change Committee chairman Datuk Razali Idris said for the first time, Terengganu received participation from Thailand, Bangladesh, Chile, the Philippines and France. He said the foreign participation not only helps to promote Terengganu's tourism industry but also further boosts the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) promotions, Bernama reported. 'The uniqueness of the squid jigging programme, themed 'Pakat Maghi Candat Sotong 2025', has attracted the attention of social media influencers, the electronic media and foreign mainstream media. 'Squid jigging is an iconic tourism attraction of the state that has been recognised and included in the VM2026 tourism calendar. 'It is not just a recreational activity, but a symbol of the cultural heritage of the Terengganu coastal community,' he said at the launch of the 2025 Squid Jigging Season at the Marang jetty here yesterday. Also present at the event was Kelantan Tourism, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Kamarudin Md Nor. Meanwhile, Razali said that this year, around 3,000 boats carrying 30,000 tourists are expected to throng the waters off Terengganu for the squid jigging activity. The programme started last month and will continue until August. 'It (the activity) is expected to generate an economic return of more than RM7.5mil for boat operators, hotels, homestay operators and local traders. 'The squid jigging programme has a direct impact on the local economy, particularly on fishermen, seafood traders and craftsmen. 'Therefore, this programme remains a key component in the Terengganu tourism promotion calendar and has been selected for inclusion in VM2026,' he added.