Kelantan
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| Kelantan | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| State | |||
| Kelantan Darul Naim کلنتن دار النّعيم |
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| Other transcription(s) | |||
| • Malay | Kelantan | ||
| • Jawi | کلنتن | ||
| • Chinese | 吉兰丹 | ||
| • Tamil | கிளந்தான் | ||
| • Thai | กลันตัน | ||
|
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| Motto(s): Berserah Kepada Tuhan Kerajaan Kelantan (To God Kelantan Surrenders) |
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| Anthem: Selamat Sultan | |||
 |
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| Coordinates: 5°15′N 102°0′ECoordinates: 5°15′N 102°0′E | |||
| Capital | Kota Bharu | ||
| Royal capital | Kota Bharu | ||
| Government | |||
| • Sultan | Sultan Muhammad V | ||
| • Regent | Tengku Muhammad Faiz Petra | ||
| • Menteri Besar | Ahmad Yakob (PAS) | ||
| Area[1] | |||
| • Total | 15,099 km2 (5,830 sq mi) | ||
| Population (2015)[2] | |||
| • Total | 1,718,200 | ||
| • Density | 110/km2 (290/sq mi) | ||
| • Demonym | Kelantanese | ||
| Human Development Index | |||
| • HDI (2010) | 0.659 (medium) (13th) | ||
| Postal code | 15xxx to 18xxx | ||
| Calling code | 09 | ||
| ISO 3166 code | MY-03 | ||
| Vehicle registration | D | ||
| Pattani control[citation needed] | 1603 | ||
| Siamese control | 1842 | ||
| Japanese occupation | 8 December 1941 | ||
| Accession into the Federation of Malaya | 1 February 1948 | ||
| Independence as part of the Federation of Malaya | 31 August 1957 | ||
| Website | www |
||
Kelantan is located in the north-eastern corner of the peninsula. Kelantan, which is said to translate as the "Land of Lightning" (see alternate theories below), is an agrarian state with green paddy fields, rustic fishing villages and casuarina-lined beaches. Kelantan is home to some of the most ancient archaeological discoveries in Malaysia, including several prehistoric aboriginal settlements.
Due to Kelantan's relative isolation and largely rural lifestyle, Kelantanese culture differs somewhat from Malay culture in the rest of the peninsula; this is reflected in the cuisine, arts and the unique Kelantanese Malay language, which is unintelligible even for some speakers of standard Malay.
Contents
History
The 17th century Mao Kun map from Wubei Zhi which is based on the early 15th century navigation maps of Zheng He showing Kelantan river estuary (吉蘭丹港).
There are a number of suggestions for the origin of the name
Kelantan. One theory, according to historian Mohd Rosli Bin Ismail,
proposes that Kelantan is a corruption of gelam hutan, i.e. the Malay word for the cajuput, or swamp tea tree (Melaleuca leucadendron). Other theories claim that the name comes from the Malay word kilatan, 'shiny/glittery' or kolam tanah, 'clay pool'. Kelantan was called Kalantan (Thai: กลันตัน) by the Siamese when it was under their influence.
Another occasionally quoted suggestion is that 'Kelantan' derived
originally from the Indian 'Kolaan Thana' or 'Kolaam Thana', which meant
'Land of Kolaan' or 'Land of Kolaam', the term 'kolaan' or 'kolaam'
referring to the floor paintings/diagrams in the numerous Hindu temples
which dotted the land in the very ancient days. 'Kolaan Thana' or
'Kolaam Thana' gradually became 'Kelantan' to fit in better with the
speaking dialect of the local people.
The early history of Kelantan traces distinct human settlement dating
back to prehistoric times. Early Kelantan had links to the Funan Kingdom, the Khmer Empire, Sri Vijaya, Majapahit and Siam[citation needed]. Around 1411, Raja Kumar, the ruler of Kelantan, became independent of Siam, and Kelantan became an important centre of trade by the end of the 15th century.
In 1499, Kelantan became a vassal state of the Malacca Sultanate. With the fall of Malacca in 1511, Kelantan was divided up and ruled by petty chieftains, paying tribute to Patani,
then the supreme Malay Kingdom of the eastern peninsula. By the early
17th century, most of these Kelantan chiefs became subject to Patani.
The legendary Cik Siti Wan Kembang was said to have reigned over Kelantan sometime between the 16th and 17th centuries.
.svg)
The flag of Kelantan before 1924. The flag incorporates Kitmir, a dog from Surah Al-Kahf.
Around 1760, Long Yunus, an aristocratic warlord of Patani origin succeeded in unifying the territory of present-day Kelantan and enthroned by his father-in-law Ku Tanang Wangsa, Regent of Terengganu as Yang di-Pertuan Muda or Deputy Ruler of Kelantan. Long Yunus was succeeded in 1795 by his son-in-law Tengku Muhammad Sultan Mansur of Terengganu. The enthronement
of Tengku Muhammad by Terengganu was opposed by Long Yunus' sons, thus
triggering a war against Terengganu by Long Muhammad, the eldest son of
Long Yunus. The pro-Terengganu faction was defeated in 1800 and Long
Muhammad ruled Kelantan with the new title of Sultan
as Sultan Muhammad I. Nevertheless, the death of childless Long
Muhammad triggered another civil war among claimants to the throne. His
nephew and son of Long Tan (Temengggong), Long Senik Mulut Merah,
triumphed over his uncles and cousins and assumed the throne in 1835 as
Sultan Muhammad II.
Thousands flocked into the streets of Kota Bharu to witness the Burung Petala Procession in 1933.
Sultan Muhammad II leveraged on his loose alliance with Siam to form the modern Kelantan state, centered in his new fort on the eastern bank of the Kelantan river, which became Kota Bharu in 1844.
Under the terms of the Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909, the Thais relinquished their claims over Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis to Great Britain, and Kelantan thus became one of the Unfederated Malay States with a British Adviser.
Kelantan was where the Japanese first landed during their invasion of Malaya, on 8 December 1941. In 1943, Kelantan was transferred by the Japanese to Thailand and became a province of Thailand. Kelantan reverted to British protection upon the end of World War 2 in August 1945.
Kelantan became part of the Malayan Union in 1946 and then the Federation of Malaya
on 1 February 1948, and together with other Malayan states attained
independence on 31 August 1957. On 16 September 1963, Kelantan became
one of the states of Malaysia.
Geography
Rising high on the slopes of Gunung Korbu, the second highest peak in Peninsular Malaysia, the Nengiri River flows east to merge first with the Galas, and then with the Lebir — the latter born in the wilds of Taman Negara National Park
— before turning decisively northwards and emptying into the shallow
waters of the South China Sea. From Kuala Krai the conjoined streams
become the Kelantan River, a broad, mud-coloured stream which dominates the fertile coastal plains and defines the geography of the region. The Kelantan River valley is a fertile rice-bowl, rich in hardwoods and rubber and lush with tropical fruits.
For centuries, Kelantan was all but separated from the rest of the country by the Titiwangsa Mountains,
a mountain range running from north to south through the peninsula.
Weeks of hard travel were required to reach Kelantan. The "easy way" to
Kelantan was to sail around the peninsula, braving the sea and pirates.
For this reason Kelantan's history often involves the sea, and boats.
Even today, many of its people are very much tied to the sea. A
discussion with many coastal residents will confirm that their
ancestors, as far back as they know, were "of the sea."
In the early 1980s, trunk roads
were built to link it with nearby states. Presently, one can travel by
road from the capital city Kuala Lumpur to Kota Bharu through the
mountain range within 8 hours.
Economy
Kelantan has a chiefly agrarian economy dominated by rice, rubber and tobacco. Fishing along its 96-kilometre coastline is also an important economic activity. Cottage industries which employ traditional skills in handicraft production such as batik, woodcarving and songket
weaving are also evident. Logging activities are active given the vast
remaining area of forest. In recent years, tourism, especially to
offshore islands, has increased in importance. A few reputable hotels
have been established and more modern shopping malls have been opened to
cater for urban folks.
Kota Bharu,
the capital, is the major urban centre, and there are also plans to
open up the southern portion of the state under an ambitious
multimillion-dollar development project. The main market at the city
centre is a top attraction.
Kelantan has a GDP per capita in 2006 at RM7,985, which is about a fraction that of other richer states like Selangor and Penang.
Kelantan has become the first state to introduce the gold dinar and silver dirham as official currency.
Climate
Kelantan has a tropical climate, with temperatures from 21 to 32 °C and intermittent rain throughout the year. The wet season is the east-coast monsoon season from November to January.
Politics and government
Constitution
The Constitution of Kelantan came into force in 1949 and is divided into two sections:
- The first part of the laws
- The second part of the laws enforced upon the people
Sultan of Kelantan
The Sultan of Kelantan
is the Constitutional Ruler of his State. The role, duties and powers
of the Sultan are as laid out in the State's constitution and other
state laws. The Constitution proclaims that the executive power of the
state is vested in the sultan, that he is the Head of the Religion of
Islam in the state and that he is the source of all honours and
dignities in the state. The current ruler of the State is Duli Yang Maha
Mulia Sultan Muhammad Faris Petra Ibni Sultan Ismail Petra.
State Executive Council
The
State Executive Council is established by the constitution. It is
composed of the Menteri Besar, who is its chairman, and ten other
members. The Menteri Besar and other members of the council are
appointed by the Sultan of Kelantan from members of the State Assembly.
The current Menteri Besar is Datuk Ahmad Yakob. He succeeded the Menteri
Besar 22 years ruled, Dato' Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat (Tok Guru), a religious teacher and former Mursyidul Am (spiritual leader) of PAS.
Political background
The flag consists of a white emblem on a red background. The red
background signifies the loyalty of the people of Kelantan. The white
emblem stands for the sanctity of the office of the Ruler.
A part of the deeply conservative Malay heartlands, Kelantan has been ruled by the Islamic Party of Malaysia (PAS) since 1990. It is currently one of three Malaysian states not ruled by the Barisan Nasional coalition after the 2013 elections.
Almost all PAS members are Malay Muslims, as are about 95% of Kelantan's population.
The state of Kelantan is almost synonymous with PAS, as Kelantan has
been under PAS rule for two lengthy periods. (Neighbouring Terengganu
has also been under PAS rule twice, but for short periods each time
[1959–1962 and 1999–2004].) The first period of PAS rule in Kelantan
began two years after independence, in 1959, and lasted 18 years
(1959–1977); the current period is 25 years long and counting (1990- ).
In November 1977, a state of emergency in Kelantan
was declared by the federal government following a political crisis and
street violence. An election took place soon after the emergency which
was won by UMNO.
The interval between the two periods of PAS government, when the
Barisan Nasional coalition ruled the state, was only about 12 years (11
March 1978 to 21 October 1990). In the 1990 General Election, PAS
returned with an overwhelming victory, winning all the 39 State and 13
Parliamentary seats. The victory was achieved through the PAS-led
coalition, called Angkatan Perpaduan Ummah
(APU). In the following General Election in 1995, PAS won again, though
with a reduced majority. PAS won big in 1999, due in significant part
to Malay anger over the treatment of former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim by then–Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammed
and other officials of the national government. However, PAS very
nearly lost control of Kelantan, retaining it with only a 1-seat
majority, in 2004, when Barisan Nasional, under the new leadership of Abdullah Badawi following Tun Mahathir's retirement, won by a landslide nationally. However, after the Malaysian general election, 2008, PAS regained the two-third majority of seats in the state assembly.
For years, PAS has attempted to impose a strict interpretation of Islamic Law
on Kelantan. It has succeeded in imposing certain social strictures
such as single-sex queues in supermarkets; separate public benches for
men and women; and limiting entertainment centres to prohibit "salacious
behaviour". Proposals to institute punishments such as amputation of
limbs for thievery and execution for blasphemy (collectively known as Hudud Law), however, have been blocked by the national government on constitutional grounds.
One of the most controversial steps PAS has taken in Kelantan is to
place tough restrictions or outright bans on the traditional performance
of syncretic Malay theatrical forms, such as Wayang Kulit, Mak Yong, Dikir Barat, and Main Puteri.
PAS also took action to vanish any sculpture that looked like human or
animal, modified versions without the traditional references to Hindu dewa–dewi and traditional Malay hantu (spirits or ghosts) and otherwise in keeping with orthodox Islam are, however, tolerated in certain cases. Also restricted are public performances by women: Aside from Quran
recitals, such performances are completely banned if any men are in the
audience. While PAS has maintained that these steps were essential to
promote Islam and put an end to immoral behaviour among the Muslim
population, many consider them an act of defiance against Barisan
Nasional's laws — which are more tolerant or laxer, depending on one's
viewpoint — and also a major loss to Malay traditional arts.
Oil royalties
Assignment deed
On
9 May 1975, an agreement was signed between the Kelantan Chief Minister
of the time Datuk Mohammad Nasir, and the Chairman of Petronas, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah.
According to the terms of the agreement, Kelantan was to receive cash
payment ('bayaran tunai', the term 'royalties' was not used in the
agreement) of 5 percent a year biannially, for any oil found in Kelantan
or its coastal areas. In return, Kelantan grants Petronas to exclusive
rights to "petroleum whether lying onshore or offshore of Malaysia".
As to the issue whether Kelantan has the right to claim oil royalties
from federal government as enumerated in the Assignment Deed. The
question arises put so much legal complication and it is trans-border
many relevant statues namely Petroleum Development Act 1974, Petroleum
Mining Act 1966 and requires legal interpretation on some provisions in
Federal Constitution. Being the supreme law of the land, any law or any
agreements enacted inconsistent with Federal Constitution is void.
Since, Malaysia is a federation of 13 states, the division of powers
between two level of governments (central government and state
government) are the most important feature in the federal constitution.
Relevant with the issue, Article 76 gives powers to two level of
governments accordingly set out in Schedule Ninth. In Schedule 9, List I
of the Federal Constitution, the following topics are assigned to the
Federal Government:
-
- Except as to State rights over permits and licences, the Federal Government has rights over development of mineral resources, mines, mining, minerals and mineral ores, oils and oilfields, petroleum products, safety in mines and oilfields
- Gas and gasworks, production and distribution of power and energy
- Foreign and extraterritorial jurisdiction
- Treaties, agreements and conventions with other countries and all matters which bring the Federation into relations with any other country
As for the state government:
-
- Land: Schedule 9 List II, Para 2(a). Under the Interpretation Acts, 1948 and 1967, Section 3, land includes “the surface of the earth ... all substances therein... all vegetations and other natural products... whether on or below the surface... and land covered by water”. The territorial waters of Kelantan will come within the definition of “land covered by water”. Territorial waters are defined by Section 4(2) of the Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance No 7, 1969. Subject to some exceptions, they refer to three nautical miles.
- Revenue from lands: Schedule 10, Part III Para 2.
- In addition to the income from land, one notes that in Article 110[3A] there is provision for discretionary payment on such terms and conditions as maybe prescribed by or under federal law of the export duty on “mineral oils” produced in the state. Petroleum comes within the meaning of “mineral oils” under Section 10 of the Petroleum Development Act.
It is clear, from the Schedule, Peninsular Malaysia states has the
constitutional right to fees for permits and licences for extraction of
any petroleum that is derived from their land and territorial waters.
Anything beyond territorial waters, such as on the continental shelf, is entirely in federal hands. However, because exploration of oil and gas is approximately 150 km from Kota Bharu and beyond the territorial water of Kelantan. Relying on that, Emeritus Professor Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi concludes Kelantan has no constitutional right to regulate it and to receive compensation for it.[3]
He further argued given the agreement deed to support Kelantan rights
over royalties will render as unconstitutional and void under the
doctrine of severability (constitutional parts of the law remain even if
other parts are unconstitutional), as the Assignment by Kelantan gives
to Petronas the ownership of all petroleum "whether lying onshore or
offshore of Malaysia" was an overstatement, and Kelantan has no rights
to what lies off the shores of the whole of Malaysia. Indeed, it is the
rights of federal government guaranteed by constitution that
extraterritorial operations are in their hands.
States cannot transfer rights over something they do not own. In the
case of Kelantan and any other Peninsular Malaysian state, the Deed
should have been worded to refer only to onshore petroleum.
Unfortunately for Kelantan, the matter cannot end with the two
agreements. There is a supreme Constitution in Malaysia with a
federal-state division of legislative and financial powers. The
constitutional allocation cannot be altered except by constitutionally
permitted procedures and amendments. Even mutual agreements cannot
override the constitutional scheme of things because jurisdiction is a
matter of law and not of consent or acquiescence.[3]
Current action
The
Kelantan state government is owed between RM850 million and RM1 billion
from oil revenue royalties from the central government, according to
the Petroleum Act 1974. In 2009, the central government offered
'compensation' or Wang Ehsan, a fraction of the sum actually
owed. Discrimination of Kelantan on the matter has led the state
government considering action in the International Court of Justice
(ICJ). Support for Kelantan and the local government in defiance of the
central government includes the group Kelantan Peoples' Movement
Demanding Petroleum Royalties or Gerakan Menuntut Royalti Petroleum Rakyat Kelantan (GMR).
Demographics
The
largely rural state preserves rich Malay traditions such as kite-flying
contests, top-spinning contests, and bird singing competitions, and
traditional handicrafts such as batik, songket,
and silver crafts. As a border state and former vassal state of
Thailand, Kelantan has absorbed influences from Thai customs and
traditions that help to make the state's culture distinct from those of
other states of Malaysia. The Kelantanese people, regardless of ethnic
origin, are proud of their state and its unique local culture and
dialect.
All the ethnicities generally live together harmoniously in Kelantan.
For example, members of the Thai community received a permit to build a
very large statue of the Buddha without any objection from the Malay
community or the PAS government that granted the permit.
Ethnic groups
Malays
.jpg)
Tengku Muhammad Faiz Petra Mosque.
Kelantanese Malay people are the predominant ethnic group in the state. They speak Kelantanese Malay
which is distinguished from standard Malay as well as other Malay
varieties in Malaysia by its unique grammar, pronunciation and figures
of speech.
Kelantanese Malay are somewhat partially intelligible with other Malay variants. Whilst the Arabic script called Jawi
has less influence in the other parts of Malaysia, it is still widely
used in writing and printing the Malay language in Kelantan. Signboards
in Kelantan are written in both Jawi and Rumi. To a certain extent, Thai is also used.
94% of Kelantan's population are ethnic Malays, and under the
Malaysian Constitution, all Malays are Muslims; therefore, Islam is the
most influential religion in the state.
To most Malaysians, Kelantan is synonymous with Malays arts and crafts. Kota Bharu, as the state capital, is a popular centre for such pursuits as silat, martial arts,
and kertok drumming. Here, too, more than any other place in Malaysia,
the traditional pastimes of top-spinning — known as gasing — and the
flying of giant, elaborately decorated kites called wau, are still much
in evidence.
Siamese
Reclining Buddha in Wat Photivihan.
The minority ethnic Thai inhabitants of Kelantan are mostly centred in an area around the coastal town of Tumpat,
site of most of the state's two hundred or so Buddhist temples, and
noteworthy for its number of relatively well-off Siamese villages.
The dialect of the Thai language spoken in Kelantan is called "Tak Bai", after the southernmost coastal town Tak Bai of Narathiwat Province, just across the Golok River from Malaysia. Tak Bai
dialect differs substantially from standard southern Thai and other
regional Thai dialects, and it seems certain that the Kelantan Thais are
the descendants of an original enclave of Narathiwat settlers established in sparsely populated Malay territory as long as four centuries ago.
Buddhism is also visible, in that hundreds of Thai wats also known as 'ketik' can be found throughout the state. The longest statue of a reclining Buddha in Southeast Asia can be found in Wat Photivihan, in Tumpat.
The reclining Buddha at Wat Photivihan
in Kelantan opened in 1980. This temple is very popular with pilgrims
and devotees. The Metta Chanting is using the original language (Pali), or in Thai translation.
The Thai group will conduct the religious celebration at the Wat such as Tok'katinna, Loy Krathong, Saibat, Songkran, and so forth. One thousand visitors will attend this function.
Chinese
In Kelantan, the Kelantanese Chinese see themselves as either Cina Kampung (village Chinese) or Cina Bandar (town Chinese). Famous Chinese villages in Kelantan include Kampung Tok'kong (300-year-old temple), Batu Jong, Kampung Jelatok, Kampung Joh, Kampung Temangan, Kampung Mata Ayer, Kampung Tawang, Kampung Balai, and Gua Musang.
Descendants of the earlier waves of small-scale migration are known as
Orang Cina kita (our very own Chinese) and the elders are seen as Orang
Kelantan betul (true Kelantanese).
Cina Kampung
assimilation in Kelantan is manifested as: "Malay behaviour as
frontstage and Chinese behaviour as backstage". "Frontstage" or public
behaviour includes speaking Kelantanese Malay even when among
themselves, adopting Malay-style clothing, and observing certain Malay
customs and holidays. "Backstage" or private behaviour includes
maintaining certain traditional Chinese beliefs and customs confined
only within the home.[4] A pattern which they also associate as Peranakan Chinese, nonetheless they are culturally different in some ways from the Strait-Chinese Peranakan of Malacca, Penang and Singapore or even the Indonesian Peranakans.
The Cina Kampung
in Kelantan have native speaker competence in the Kelantanese dialect.
It is impossible to tell a Malay from a Chinese by listening to his
speech in the Kelantanese dialect, without looking at the person.
Much of Chinese culture still continues until today; such as Lion Dance and Dragon Dance during the Chinese New Year, temple celebration, eating bakchang (meat dumpling), mooncake, baby fullmoon, pulut kuning, telur merah, eat 'e' (tangyuan), religious celebration including praying Na Tuk Kong. They also cook 'bak hong', 'uang (meatball)' during the wedding ceremony and ' kiam mai' during the funeral.
The village of Kampung Tok'kong
in the Kelantan state of Malaysian is well known for a historically
significant Chinese Temple known as Seng Choon Keong. 25 km from Kota Bharu,
it is located within a paddy field village with a population of around
500 person. The temple is approximately 300 years old. It is dedicated
to the worship of the Goddess Matsu. Every year on the equivalent date to 23 March on the Chinese Calendar, the birthday of Mazu
is commemorated with concerts, lion dance, Carrying god ride 'Kheng
kiu', 'siam hee' and also wayang kulit show for three days. Chinese and
Mazu followers visit the temple to pay homage to Mazu, to offer prayers
for health and wealth, as well as for personal safety and security and
eat Kampung Tokkong most famous 'Bak hong'.
Unlike the Chinese in other parts of Malaysia,
Kelantanese Chinese prefer to conduct their wedding party at home
rather than at a restaurant. This reflects their mindset that their
presence to celebrate the newly weds is more important than the wedding
banquet. And also make it a gathering ceremony to celebrate the angsu
'red/ happiness'. the more guest mean the house owner is more
respectable. This is further proven by their generosity of the money
gifts from the newly weds. Usually the wedding ceremony begins on
Thursday night and proceeds until the next morning because the weekend
holiday is Friday in Kelantan. For good luck, the groom has to bring
home the bride before 12 noon on the Friday with flowers decorate car.
Most Chinese villagers bury their deceased ones at the local town cemetery. Others cremate the dead at the nearest Wat.
If the deceased is old, a three-day funeral ceremony and memorial is
conducted, complete with chanting from the monks. But if the deceased is
of the younger generation, they are either buried or cremated as soon
as possible. They also offers prayers for anniversary for the death.
example: for Villager in Kampung Tok'kong also have cemetery known as 'Chiakka sua' located nearby Kampung Tok'kong. and one of the biggest cemetery in kelantan is 'Fu Long Shan' located in nearby kem desa pahlawan.
Orang Asli
Orang Asli, mostly Temiar are people who have lived in the forests of Kelantan and Perak for thousands of years. Some of the Temiar maintain traditional beliefs in their natural surroundings and other forms of animist elements. Other Orang Asli ethnic groups that lives within the state are Jahais, Bateks and Mendriqs.
Indians
In Kelantan, the Indians (Most notably Tamils) are the smallest ethnic group and most notably settled in Kota Bharu established themselves as shop owners and labourers.They made up to 4,800 of the population.
Religion
As of 2010 the population of Kelantan is 95.2% Muslim, 3.8% Buddhist, 0.3% Christian, 0.2% Hindu, 0.5% follower of other religions or non-religious.[5]
Statistics from the 2010 Census indicate that 93.2% of the Chinese
population identify as Buddhists, with significant minorities of
adherents identifying as Muslims (3.0%), Christians (2.8%) and Chinese folk religions
(0.6%). The majority of the Indian population identify as Hindus
(76.5%), with a significant minorities of numbers identifying as Muslims
(11.6%), Buddhists (6.7%) and Christians (3.7%). The non-Malay bumiputera community are predominantly Muslims (39.8%), with significant minorities identifying as Atheists (30.3%) and Christians (14.3%). All Malays are considered Muslims according to the law.[6]
Cuisine
The Kelantanese cuisine, heavily influenced by Malay cuisine. Kelantanese food makes more use of coconut milk than anywhere else in the country. Curries are richer, and creamier.
Local specialties
Apart
from consumable items from local and also imported from Thailand. There
are dishes which have developed through the rich culture of the
Kelantanese themselves, such as:
| Specialty | Description |
|---|---|
| Nasi dagang | This is a mix of white rice and brown glutinous rice which is cooked with coconut milk, blended onions, garlic and some spices (such as fenugreek) (halba). Fish or chicken curry is usually a complementary dish, together with a mild brown sugared Sambal (chili paste). |
| Nasi kerabu | Nasi Kerabu literally means rice salad. Kelantan has a variety of Nasi kerabu. Nasi Kerabu biasa ("normal"), putih ("white"), hitam ("black"), though the actual color is blue after the flower used as colouring in the recipe and kuning ("yellow"), for the turmeric used in the cooking process. Each kerabu is usually served with a matching, traditional sambal. The kerabu (salad) itself can be any combination of vegetables or edible leaves. It is also served with fried breaded fish, keropok keping, (see below), salted egg, solok lada (chillies stuffed with minced fish and grated coconut), and pickled garlic. Importantly, a sauce called budu must be included for the dish to qualify. |
| Nasi tumpang | Rice packed in a cone-shaped banana leaf. A pack of nasi tumpang consists of an omelette, meat floss, chicken and/or shrimp curry and sweet gravy. It is traditionally meant for travellers. |
| Ayam percik | Wood-fire broiled chicken dressed with sweet coconut gravy. Ayam golek/ayam percik is eaten with white rice in major family dishes and is served during feasts. |
| Nasi Berlauk | A popular breakfast food for the Kelantanese. Nasi berlauk is rice served with fish or chicken and vegetables cooked with turmeric and galangal infused yellow gravy. |
| Nasi ulam | Ulam is the local term for raw vegetables - the meal consists of white rice served with a variety of raw vegetables, and is one of the healthier dishes found in Malay cuisine. |
| Keropok | These are Kelantanese crackers and can be made from fish, prawns or squid. The way they are made is similar to keropok gote, but after they are steamed or boiled and thinly sliced and dried for storage or further cooking. |
| Keropok lekor | These are Kelantanese fish sausages of Terengganu origin. Made by combining fish flesh and sago or tapioca flour, keropok lekor is rolled into long firm sticks and then steamed or boiled. To enjoy it, one has to cut it into desired bite sized and deep fried. It is a popular schoolchildren's snack food. |
| Laksa kelantan | The Laksa dish, white noodles served with gravy (curry or otherwise) and vegetables, is made differently in every states in Malaysia. The Laksa in Kelantan is richer and has a more full-bodied flavour. The main ingredient is fish flesh. Laksam is another version, with a thicker noodle. Laksa or Laksam is served with Ulam similar to that in nasi kerabu, with a pinch of salt and belacan, a fermented shrimp paste. |
- Colek
- Contrary to popular belief, Colek is not just a dipping sauce, but can also refer to a snack eaten with the sauce. Colek comes in various forms, including meaty cholek, colek ayam (chicken), colek perut (cow tripe), colek pelepong (cow or lamb lung; usually fried plain), and also a variety of colek buah(fruits; usually unmatured, thus crunchy and taste sour) such as colek pauh (mango).
The sauce or "the colek" comes in various forms. • Colek manis (with brown sugar). • A sweet, sour and very mildly hot version. This colek is different from other chili sauces because colek is very thin and rather sweet. This dipping sauce is used for chicken, and also goes well with shrimp, fish cake, spring roll, sausage, etc.
- Budu
- Budu is a salted (fermented) anchovy sauce eaten mainly as flavouring with rice, grilled fish and vegetables/salads (ulam). A bit of lime juice, hot chilis and shallots are added on for taste. Also, tempoyak (fermented durian) or fresh durian is added for good measure. Once so combined, the purple-brownish condiment has a blend of salty and sour taste. Sometimes, Budu is used in cookings as part of the ingredient.
Nowadays, other types of fish are also used to create Budu. Famous Budu maker villages are Kg. Tawang, Bachok and Kg. Penambang near Kota Bharu. Similar sauces are found in the Philippines and Indochina (Vietnam, Cambodia).
Thai-influenced dishes
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- Somtam
- Somtam is a green papaya salad with a salty, spicy, and sour taste. The main items in it are young, unripe papaya, soy sauce, groundnuts, fish sauce, lime juice, and chilies. These items are combined in a mortar, pounded with a pestle for few seconds and served. The salty and lime juicy taste is very popular. This light dish is widely available in regions with large numbers of ethnic Thais, such as Tumpat and Siamese wats.
Culture
Kelantan is known as the cradle of Malay culture based on the diverse cultural activities practised by Kelantanese.[7] Among the popular cultural practices are Dikir Barat, Wayang Kulit Kelantan, Wayang Kulit Melayu, Mak Yong, Menora, Main Puteri, Wau Bulan (kite-flying), Gasing (top-spinning), Silat, Tomoi, bird-singing competition and handicrafts.
Among the handicraft products that are songket, batik, silverware and mengkuang. The Kandis Resource Centre provides information on the Kelantanese wood carving.
Administrative divisions
Districts
Districts in Kelantan are called Jajahans, though actually the direct translation of Tanah Jajahan in Malay to English is 'Occupied Territories'. Kelantan was a divided feudal state, a common situation in the Malay Peninsula,
with separate petty local rulers. However, a strong one managed to rise
and conquer all these small petty territories. In the end, Kelantan
became united under one Sultan.
- Jajahan Kota Bharu (كوتا بهارو)
- Jajahan Pasir Mas (ڤاسير مس)
- Jajahan Tumpat (تومڤت)
- Jajahan Pasir Puteh (ڤاسير ڤوتيه)
- Jajahan Bachok (باچوق)
- Jajahan Kuala Krai (كوالا كراي)
- Jajahan Machang (ماچڠ)
- Jajahan Tanah Merah (تانه ميره)
- Jajahan Jeli (جيلي)
- Jajahan Gua Musang (ڬوا موسڠ)
- Jajahan Kecil Lojing (لوجيڠ) - autonomous sub-district under Gua Musang
Ranking Population Kelantan.[9]
| Rank | Jajahan | Population 2010 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Kota Bharu |
491,237 |
| 2 |  Pasir Mas |
189,292 |
| 3 |  Tumpat |
153,976 |
| 4 |  Bachok |
133,152 |
| 5 |  Tanah Merah |
121,319 |
| 6 |  Pasir Puteh |
117,383 |
| 7 |  Kuala Krai |
109,461 |
| 8 |  Machang |
93,087 |
| 9 |  Gua Musang |
90,057 |
| 10 |  Jeli |
40,637 |
Patani
Historically, Kelantan had a strong relationship with the Pattani Kingdom.
Pattani and Kelantan are geopolitically divided but culturally united.
Kelantanese and Southern Thais cross the border frequently to visit
their relatives and transport goods for small business.
Tourism
Among the popular tourist destinations in Kelantan are:
- Siti Khadijah Market – Named after Prophet Muhammad's entrepreneurial wife, it's a fitting name for a market mostly run by women [10]
- Gunung Stong State Park – Home to one of the highest waterfalls in Malaysia, the seven-tiered Jelawang Waterfall[11]
- Pantai Bisikan Bayu (Beach of Whispering Breeze) – also known as Pantai Dalam Rhu, the gentle breeze at the beach produces a hushed sound that, locals say, sounds like a soothing whisper[12]
- Handicraft Village and Craft Museum – Also known as "Balai Getam Guri", it houses many fine examples of Kelantanese craftsmanship such as traditional embroidery, songket weaving, batik printing, silver work and wood carving[13]
Notable Kelantanese
- Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat (1931-2015), former Chief Minister of Kelantan (1990-2013) and spiritual leader of Islamic political party PAS.
- Misha Omar, singer and actress.
- Neelofa, actress, TV presenter, model.
- Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, professional football player.
- Fatin Zakirah Zain Jalany, Malaysian rhythmic gymnast.
- Ibrahim Ali, the founder and president of Perkasa.
- Loh Sea Keong, road racing cyclist.
- P. Uthayakumar, legal advisor of HINDRAF.
- Tok Janggut (1853–1915), the famous Malay warrior in Kelantan during British protectorate.
- Wee Choo Keong, former Member of Parliament for Wangsa Maju.
- Zang Toi, fashion designer.
- Ng Yen Yen, politician.
See also
References
- "Handicraft Village and Craft Museum". Tourism Malaysia. Retrieved 21 May 2014.
Further reading
*Khadizan bin Abdullah, & Abdul Razak Yaacob. (1974). Pasir Lenggi, a Bateq Negrito resettlement area in Ulu Kelantan. Pulau Pinang: Social Anthropology Section, School of Comparative Social Sciences, Universití Sains Malaysia.
- Warisan Kelantan. Perbadanan Muzium Negeri Kelantan. 1985.
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Kelantan. |
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Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Kelantan. |
- Official site of Kelantan State Government
- Kelantan Online - E-Commerce & Info Tourism Portal
- Virtual Malaysia Kelantan Page
- Malaysian General Election 2008 candidates for Kelantan
- Malaysia Parliamentary Seats (Dewan Rakyat) from Kelantan
- Kelantan State Assembly Seats (Dewan Undangan Negeri)
- Launches Saryah Currency)
- Kb City - Peta Lengkap Bandar Kota Bharu
- Tourism Malaysia – Kelantan
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