View source for Kelantan

{{short description|State of Malaysia}}
{{EngvarB|date=September 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2022}}
{{Primary sources|date=March 2010}}
{{Infobox political division
| name = Kelantan
| official_name       = State of Kelantan<br /><div style="padding-top:0.25em;">{{nobold|{{native name|ms|Negeri Kelantan Darul Naim}}}}</div>
| native_name        = {{lang|mfa|Klate}}
| settlement_type    = [[States and federal territories of Malaysia|State]]
| image_skyline      = 
| imagesize          = 
| image_alt          = 
| image_caption      = 
| image_flag         = Flag of Kelantan.svg
| flag_size          = 
| flag_alt           = Flag of Kelantan
| image_shield       = Coat of arms of Kelantan.svg
| shield_size        = 85px
| shield_alt         = Coat of arms of Kelantan
| established_title  = [[Chi Tu|The earliest recorded kingdom]]
| established_date   = 100 BC
| established_title1 = [[Patani Kingdom|Patani control]]<ref name="studentsrepo.um.edu.my">{{cite thesis|last=Ibrahim |first=Soleh |date=2004 |title= Perlantikan dan bidang kuasa kadi: satu kajian di wilayah Narathiwat Selatan Thailand |url=http://studentsrepo.um.edu.my/835/5/BAB_2.pdf |degree=Masters in Syariah |publisher=Universiti Malaya |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008101813/http://studentsrepo.um.edu.my/835/5/BAB_2.pdf |archive-date=8 October 2023 |url-status=dead |language=ms}}</ref>
| established_date1  = 1603
| established_title2 = [[Rattanakosin Kingdom (1782–1932)|Siamese control]]<ref name="studentsrepo.um.edu.my" />
| established_date2  = 1786
| established_title3 = [[Kelantan Sultanate]]<ref name="books.google.com">{{Cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cYoGCgAAQBAJ&q=Pada+1800%2C+Raja+Muhammad+mengisytiharkan+diri+sebagai+sultan+pertama+Kelantan.&pg=PA117 | title=Kuih Dan Manisan Kelantan: Langkah Demi Langkah| isbn=9789678605694| last1=Ismail| first1=Hafawati| year=2015}}</ref>
| established_date3  = 1800
| established_title4 = [[Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909|British control]]<ref name="books.google.com" />
| established_date4  = 1909
| established_title5 = [[Japanese occupation of Malaya|Japanese occupation]]
| established_date5  = 1942
| established_title6 = [[Malayan Declaration of Independence]]
| established_date6  = 31 August 1957
| established_title7 = [[Proclamation of Malaysia]]
| established_date7  = 16 September 1963
| nickname           = {{ubl|{{lang|ms|Negeri Che Siti Wan Kembang}}|State of [[Siti Wan Kembang|Che Siti Wan Kembang]]|{{lang|ms|Tanah Serendah Sekebun Bunga}}|Land of Flower Beds}}
| motto              = {{lang|ms|Berserah Kepada Tuhan Kerajaan Kelantan}}<br>Surrender to God Kingdom of Kelantan 
| anthem             = ''[[Selamat Sultan]]''<br>(God) Save The Sultan{{center|[[File:Lagu_Negeri_Kelantan_-_Selamat_Sultan_(Instrumental).ogg]]}}
| image_map          = Kelantan in Malaysia.svg
| mapsize            = 
| map_alt            = 
| map_caption        = {{Legend inline|#C41E3A|outline=silver}} '''Kelantan''' in {{Legend inline|#FDF9D2|outline=silver}} '''[[Malaysia]]'''
| coordinates        = {{coord|5|15|N|102|0|E|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates_footnotes = <!-- for references: use <ref> tags -->
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = {{MYS}}
| capital            = [[Kota Bharu]]
| largest_settlement  = capital
| admin_center        = [[Kubang Kerian]]
| admin_center_type   = Royal capital
| official_languages  = [[Malaysian Malay|Malay]]
| regional_languages  = {{hlist|[[Kelantan Malay]]|[[Temiar language|Temiar]]|[[Jahai language|Jahai]]|[[Batek language|Bateq]]|[[Southern Thai|Tak Bai Thai]]}}
| ethnic_groups_year  = 2020
| ethnic_groups_ref   = {{my10|2020kf}}
| ethnic_groups       = {{tree list}}
* 96.6% [[Bumiputera (Malaysia)|Bumiputera]]
* 2.5% [[Malaysian Chinese|Chinese]]
* 0.3% [[Malaysian Indian|Indian]]
* 0.6% Other ethnicities
{{tree list/end}}
| religion_year       = 2020
| religion_ref        = {{my10|2020kf}}
| religion            = {{ubl|95.5% [[Islam in Malaysia|Sunni Islam]] ([[State religion|official]])|2.8% [[Buddhism in Malaysia|Buddhism]]|0.9% [[Irreligion|No religion]]|0.4% [[Christianity in Malaysia|Christianity]]|0.2% [[Hinduism in Malaysia|Hinduism]]|0.2% Others}}
| demonym = Kelantanese/Oghe Klate
| government_type    = [[Parliamentary system|Parliamentary]] [[constitutional monarchy|constitutional]] [[monarchy]]
| leader_title1      = [[Sultan of Kelantan|Sultan]]
| leader_name1       = [[Muhammad V of Kelantan|Muhammad V]]
| leader_title2      = [[Menteri Besar of Kelantan|Menteri Besar]]
| leader_name2       = [[Mohd Nassuruddin Daud]] <br> ([[Perikatan Nasional|PN]]–[[Pan Malaysian Islamic Party|PAS]])
| leader_title3      = Deputy Menteri Besar 
| leader_name3       = [[Mohamed Fadzli Hassan]]
| legislature = [[Kelantan State Legislative Assembly|Legislative Assembly]]
| area_footnotes     = <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.statistics.gov.my/ccount12/click.php?id=2127 |title=Laporan Kiraan Permulaan 2010 |publisher=Jabatan Perangkaan Malaysia |page=27 |access-date=24 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708202650/http://www.statistics.gov.my/ccount12/click.php?id=2127 <!--Added by H3llBot--> |archive-date=8 July 2011}}</ref>
| area_km2     = 15,040
| area_water_km2     = 
| elevation_max_m    = 2181
| elevation_max_point = [[Mount Yong Belar]]
| population_census   = 1,792,501
| population_census_year   = 2020
| population_density_km2 = 119
| population_footnotes = <ref name="2015 population">{{cite web|url=http://pmr.penerangan.gov.my/index.php/info-terkini/19463-unjuran-populasi-penduduk-2015.html|title=Population by States and Ethnic Group|publisher=Department of Information, Ministry of Communications and Multimedia, Malaysia|year=2015|access-date=12 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160212125740/http://pmr.penerangan.gov.my/index.php/info-terkini/19463-unjuran-populasi-penduduk-2015.html|archive-date=12 February 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| population_density_sq_mi = <!-- Do not remove as per WP:MOSNUM -->
| population_density_rank = 11th
| population_density_rank_link = Demographics of Malaysia#Demographic trends and key rate
| GDP_PPP             = $21.871 billion 
| GDP_PPP_year        = 2023
| GDP_PPP_rank        = 13th
| GDP_PPP_per_capita  = $11,773
| GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 15th
| GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank_link = List of Malaysian states by GDP#Gross Domestic Product per capita by state
| GDP_nominal         = $6.859 billion<ref name=":dosm" />
| GDP_nominal_year    = 2023
| GDP_nominal_rank    = 13th
| GDP_nominal_rank_link = List of Malaysian states by GDP#Gross Domestic Product by state
| GDP_nominal_per_capita = $3,692<ref name=":dosm">{{Cite web |last=DOSM |title=Department of Statistics Malaysia |url=https://www.dosm.gov.my/portal-main/release-content/gross-domestic-product-gdp-by-state- |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=www.dosm.gov.my}}</ref>
| GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank = 15th
| GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank_link = List of Malaysian states by GDP#Gross Domestic Product per capita by state
| HDI                 = 0.763
| HDI_year            = 2024
| HDI_change          = increase
| HDI_ref             = <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://statistics.gov.my/portal-main/release-content/malaysia-human-development-index-2024/|title=Malaysia Human Development Index (MHDI), 2024 |website=dosm.gov.my|language=en|access-date=12 November 2025}}</ref>
| HDI_rank            = 16th
| HDI_rank_link       = List of Malaysian states by Human Development Index
| Gini                = 0.385
| Gini_year           = 2022
| Gini_change         = increase
| Gini_ref            = <ref name="dosm2024">{{Cite journal |date=Aug 2024 |title=Laporan Sosioekonomi Negeri Kelantan 2023 |journal=[[Department of Statistics Malaysia]] |language=ms |issn=2600-9919 }}</ref>
| currency            = [[Malaysian ringgit]] (RM/MYR)
| currency_code       = 
| timezone            = [[Time in Malaysia|Malaysian Time]]
| utc_offset          = +8
| date_format         = dd-mm-yyyy
| electricity         = 
| drives_on           = Left
| iso_code            = MY-03
| postal_code_type    = [[List of postal codes in Malaysia|Postal code]]
| postal_code        = 15xxx to 18xxx
| calling_code        =  09
| website            = {{URL|kelantan.gov.my}}
}}

'''Kelantan''' ({{IPA|ms|kəˈlantan}}; [[Kelantan-Pattani Malay|Kelantanese Malay]]: ''Klate''; {{IPA|Mfa|kläˈtɛ}}) is a state in [[Malaysia]]. The capital, [[Kota Bharu]], includes the royal seat of Kubang Kerian. The [[honorific|honorific name]] of the state is ''Darul Naim'' ("The Blissful Abode"). Kelantan is located in the north-eastern corner of [[Peninsular Malaysia]]. Kelantan is an [[Agriculture|agrarian]] state with [[paddy field]]s, 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 not readily intelligible with standard Malay.

Kelantan is bordered by [[Narathiwat province]] of [[Thailand]] to the north, [[Terengganu]] to the south-east, [[Perak]] to the west and [[Pahang]] to the south. To the north-east of Kelantan is the [[South China Sea]]. Kelantan has diverse tropical rainforests and an equatorial climate. The state's mountain ranges belong to the [[Titiwangsa Mountains]], which are part of the [[Tenasserim Hills]] that span southern [[Myanmar]], southern Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia, with [[Mount Yong Belar]] being the state's highest point.

== Etymology ==
[[File:Mao Kun map - Songkla, Langkasuka, Kelantan, Trengganu.png|thumb|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 theories for the origin of the name '''Kelantan'''. One theory proposes that the word Kelantan comes from a modified version of the word ''gelam hutam'', the [[Malay language|Malay]] word for the [[cajuput]], or swamp tea tree (''[[Melaleuca]] leucadendron''). Other theories claim that the name comes from the Malay word ''kilatan'', "shiny or glittery" or ''kolam tanah'', "clay pool".<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.penerangan.gov.my/dmdocuments/malaysia_2017/files/basic-html/page84.html |title=Page 84 - Malaysia 2017 |access-date=14 August 2018 |archive-date=14 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180814232602/http://www.penerangan.gov.my/dmdocuments/malaysia_2017/files/basic-html/page84.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Kelantan was called '''Kalantan''' ({{langx|th|กลันตัน}}) by the Siamese when it was under their influence.

== History ==
{{See also|Sultan of Kelantan}}

=== Prehistoric ===
Kelantan's early history is not very clear, but archaeological evidence shows human settlement in prehistoric times.<ref>{{Cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fiTzg88b0X4C&q=penemuan+penempatan+awal+di+kelantan&pg=PA21 | title=Sejarah Kertas 1| isbn=9789673230662| year=2008| publisher=Arah Pendidikan Sdn Bhd}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.sinarharian.com.my/mobile/edisi/kelantan/khazanah-sejarah-tersembunyi-1.265488 |title=Khazanah sejarah tersembunyi - Kelantan - Sinar Harian |access-date=15 August 2018 |archive-date=14 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180114020304/http://www.sinarharian.com.my/mobile/edisi/kelantan/khazanah-sejarah-tersembunyi-1.265488 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Pre-Malaccan Era ===
Early Kelantan had links to the [[Kingdom of Funan|Funan]] Kingdom, the [[Khmer Empire]], [[Srivijaya]] , [[Majapahit]], [[Champa]] and Siam.<ref>{{Cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4ZBvBgAAQBAJ&q=Early+Kelantan+had+links+to+the+Funan+Kingdom%2C+the+Khmer+Empire%2C+Sri+Vijaya%2C+Majapahit+and+Siam&pg=PT46 | title=They Came to Malaya| isbn=9781503500365| last1=Ludher| first1=Swaran| date=22 January 2015| publisher=Xlibris Corporation}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.penerangan.gov.my/kelantan/index.php/bm/maklumat/info-negeri/sejarah-negeri |title=Sejarah Negeri |access-date=15 August 2018 |archive-date=15 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815092451/http://www.penerangan.gov.my/kelantan/index.php/bm/maklumat/info-negeri/sejarah-negeri |url-status=dead }}</ref> Around 1411, there was an Islamic ruler named Raja Kumar and Kelantan was an important centre of trade at that time.

=== Kelantan Sultanate ===

In 1499, Kelantan became a [[vassal state]] of the [[Malacca Sultanate]]. With the [[Capture of Malacca (1511)|fall of Malacca]] in 1511, Kelantan was divided up and ruled by petty chieftains, paying tribute to [[Patani Kingdom|Patani]], then a powerful Malay Kingdom of the eastern peninsula. By the early 17th century, most of these Kelantanese chiefs became subject to [[Pattani Kingdom|Patani]]. The legendary Cik [[Siti Wan Kembang]] was said to have reigned over Kelantan between 1610 and 1667.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Aljunied |first1=Khairudin |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2varDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA90 |title=Islam in Malaysia: An Entwined History |date=30 August 2019 |isbn=9780190925215 |page=90|publisher=Oxford University Press }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Manderson |first=Lenore |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4WPaAAAAMAAJ&q=Siti+Wan+Kembang+1667 |title=Wanita, politik dan perubahan: pergerakan Kaum Ibu UMNO, Malaysia, 1945-1972 |date=1981 |publisher=Fajar Bakti |page=39 |language=ms}}</ref> Kelantan made a political alliance with Patani during the reign of [[Raja Biru]] in 1619 for mutual trade and military interests.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Bradley |first1=Francis R. |title=Moral Order in a Time of Damnation: The "Hikayat Patani" in Historical Context |journal=Journal of Southeast Asian Studies |date=Jun 2009 |volume=40 |issue=2 |pages=274–5 |doi=10.1017/S0022463409000150 |jstor=27751564 |s2cid=154361662 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/27751564 |issn=0022-4634|url-access=subscription }}</ref> The Queen of Patani was deposed in 1651 by the Raja of Kelantan, starting a period of Kelantanese rule in Patani.<ref name=andaya>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XSOHDQAAQBAJ&pg=PA76 |title=A History of Malaysia |author1=Barbara Watson Andaya |author2=Leonard Y Andaya |date=11 November 2016 |page=76 |isbn=978-1137605153 |publisher=Red Globe Press }}{{Dead link|date=April 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> 

[[File:Flag of Kelantan (1912 - 1923).svg|thumb|left|The flag of Kelantan before 1924.]]
Around 1760, Long Yunus, an aristocratic warlord of [[Pattani Kingdom|Patani]] origin succeeded in unifying the territory of present-day Kelantan and was 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 by Sultan Mansur of Terengganu. The [[enthronement]] of Tengku Muhammad by Terengganu was opposed by Long Yunus' sons, 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.

Later, when the Sultan died childless, it triggered another civil war among claimants to the throne. His nephew Long Senik Mulut Merah, triumphed over his uncles and cousins and assumed the throne in 1835 as Sultan Muhammad II.

[[File:Burung Petala Indera III.jpg|thumb|Thousands flocked into the streets of Kota Bharu to witness the [[Burung Petala Procession]] in 1933.]]
Sultan Muhammad II used his loose alliance with [[Siam]] to form the modern Kelantan state, centered in his new fort on the eastern bank of the [[Kelantan River|Kelantan river]], which became Kota Bharu in 1844.

=== Unfederated Malay States ===

Under the terms of the [[Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909]], the Thais relinquished their claims over Kelantan, Terengganu, [[Kedah]] and [[Perlis]] to the [[British Empire]], and Kelantan thus became one of the [[Unfederated Malay States]] with a [[British Resident|British Adviser]].

=== Japanese occupation ===

Kelantan was where the [[Empire of Japan|Japanese]] first landed during their [[Japanese invasion of Malaya|invasion of Malaya]], on 8 December 1941. In 1943, Kelantan was transferred by the Japanese to Thailand and became a [[Si Rat Malai|province of Thailand]]. Kelantan reverted to Malaya upon the end of [[World War II]] in August 1945.

=== Malayan Union and the Federation of Malaya ===

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]].

=== Modern history ===
The [[Malaysian Islamic Party]] (PAS) came to power in Kelantan for the first time in 1959. In November 1977, the federal government declared a [[1977 Kelantan Emergency|state of emergency in Kelantan]] following a political crisis and street violence. An election took place soon after the emergency, in which the [[United Malays National Organisation]] (UMNO) won removing the PAS from power. Kelantan was then governed by the [[Barisan Nasional]] coalition (of which UMNO was part of) until the 1990 General Election when the PAS returned with an overwhelming victory, winning all 39 State and 13 Parliamentary seats. The success 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. The PAS won a large victory in 1999 due in part to Malayan anger over the treatment of former Deputy Prime Minister [[Anwar Ibrahim]] by Prime Minister [[Mahathir Mohamad]] and other officials of the national government. In 2004 the PAS nearly lost control of Kelantan, retaining it with only a 1-seat majority, when the Barisan Nasional, under the new leadership of [[Abdullah Badawi]] following Mahathir's retirement, won by a landslide nationally. However, after the [[2008 Malaysian general election]], the PAS regained a two-thirds majority of seats in the state assembly.

== 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 begins in the [[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]] (also known as Sungai Kelantan), a broad, mud-coloured stream which dominates the fertile [[coastal plain]]s 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 mostly separated from the rest of the country by the [[Titiwangsa Mountains]], which runs from north to south through the peninsula. Weeks of hard travel were required to reach Kelantan. The easiest way to Kelantan was to sail around the peninsula. For this reason Kelantan's history often involves the sea and boats. Even today, many of its people are tied to the sea.

[[KTM Intercity|A railway line]] was built in the 1920s, during [[British Malaya|British colonial rule]], linking [[Tumpat District|Tumpat]] on the state's northern coast, through the jungles of upper Kelantan and Pahang and then on to other states. Also, between the 1920s and 1980s, [[trunk road]]s were built to link Kelantan with adjacent states. Presently, one can travel by road from the capital city Kuala Lumpur to Kota Bharu using [[Malaysia Federal Route 8|national highway 8]] through the mountain range within 8 hours.

=== Climate ===
Kelantan has a [[tropical climate]], with temperatures from 21 to 32&nbsp;°C and intermittent rain throughout the year. The wet season is the east-coast [[monsoon season]] from November to January.

=== Environment ===
Some experts claim groundwater extraction is causing land in Kelantan to lower, causing more floods.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kelantan may be sinking |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/11/10/kelantan-may-be-sinking |access-date=2024-11-18 |website=The Star |language=en}}</ref>

== 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 to urban populations.

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.{{Citation needed|date=June 2024}}

Kelantan had a GDP per capita in 2006 at RM7,985.<ref>{{Cite conference |last=Kurniawan |first=Yohan |last2=Zakaria |first2=Farok |last3=Yusuff |first3=Nur Azuki |last4=Wan Abdullah |first4=Wan Mohamad |date=26–27 August 2011 |title=Social entrepreneurship: “From the Sky to the Earth” — Malaysia’s experience |url=http://discol.umk.edu.my/id/eprint/8905/1/Paper%202.pdf |conference=International Conference on Social Entrepreneurship Perspectives |via=Universiti Malaysia Kelantan}}</ref> The State Socioeconomic Report 2017 published on 26 July 2018 reported that Kelantan has a GDP per capita of RM13,593 in 2017, significantly lower than any other state in Malaysia.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 July 2018 |title=Laporan Sosioekonomi Negeri 2017 |trans-title=State Socioeconomic Report 2017 |url=https://www.dosm.gov.my/v1/index.php?r=column/pdfPrev&id=d21BMHFxZFBIcFlCNExIYUQ1cE92Zz09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201102150321/https://www.dosm.gov.my/v1/index.php?r=column/pdfPrev&id=d21BMHFxZFBIcFlCNExIYUQ1cE92Zz09 |archive-date=2 November 2020 |website=Department of Statistics Malaysia |language=ms}}</ref>

Kelantan's cultural ties with Pattani make use of the Malaysian-Thai border, where Kelantanese and Southern Thais cross frequently to visit their relatives and transport goods for small business.{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}

== Politics ==
[[File:Flag of Kelantan.svg|150px|thumb|left|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 conservative Malay heartland, Kelantan has been ruled by the [[Malaysian Islamic Party]] (PAS) since 1990. It is one of four Malaysian states led by PAS after the 2022 elections, the others being Terengganu, Kedah, and Perlis.

Almost all PAS members are Malay Muslims, as are about 97% of Kelantan's population.

For years, the PAS has attempted to impose a strict interpretation of [[Islamic Law]] on Kelantan. It has successfully imposed certain social strictures such as single-sex supermarket queues, separate public benches for men and women, and limiting entertainment centers to prohibit "salacious behavior."{{Citation needed|date=June 2024}} An Islamic regional law such as caning for unmarried couples doing cohabitation (khalwat),  amputation of limbs for thievery, execution for murder, and stoning for adultery (collectively known as [[Hudud]] Law) have been passed and enacted into law, however, have been unenforced by the national government on constitutional grounds.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.academia.edu/11561023/Kelantan_Syariah_Criminal_Code_II_1993_2015_Bahasa_Malaysia|title= Kelantan Syariah Criminal Code II (1993) 2015-Bahasa Malaysia|work=academia.edu|date=26 February 2015|access-date=14 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Sisters in Islam, Justice for Sisters |first=Legal Dignity |date=2023 |title=Analysis of the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment |url=https://sistersinislam.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Analysis-of-the-Kelantan-Syariah-Criminal-Offences-Enactment-.pdf |access-date=14 November 2024 |website=Sisters in Islam}}</ref>

One of the most controversial steps that PAS have taken in Kelantan is to place strict restrictions or outright bans on the traditional performance of syncretic Malay theatrical forms, such as [[Wayang]] Kulit, [[Mak Yong]], [[Dikir barat|Dikir Barat]], and Main Puteri. PAS also took action to remove any sculpture that looked like human or animal, modified versions without the traditional references to Hindu [[Deva (Hinduism)|dewa]]–[[Devi|dewi]] and traditional Malay ''hantu'' (spirits or ghosts) and otherwise in keeping with orthodox Islam are, however, tolerated in some instances. Also restricted are public performances by women: Aside from [[Qur'an|Quran]] recitals, such arrangements are entirely banned if men are in the audience. While PAS has maintained that these steps were to promote Islam and put an end to immoral behavior among the Muslim population, many consider them an act of defiance against Barisan Nasional's laws — which are more tolerant, depending on one's viewpoint — and also a significant loss to Malay traditional arts.

A 2019 directive from the [[Kelantan Sultanate|office of the Sultan]] prohibited state government buildings from displaying portraits of individuals other than the Sultan, Crown Prince, previous Sultan, and the state's [[Menteri Besar of Kelantan|First Minister]].<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/470616 |title=Report: Kelantan directive on official portraits came from palace |work=Malaysiakini |date=2 April 2019 |access-date=22 February 2022}}</ref> This was quickly amended also to allow images of the Malaysian [[Yang di-Pertuan Agong|King]] and [[Raja Permaisuri Agong|Queen]].<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/470964 |title=Kelantan now allows official portraits of Agong and Queen |work=Malaysiakini |date=5 April 2019 |access-date=22 February 2022}}</ref>

PAS has also defended the practice of child marriage,<ref>{{Cite news |url= https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2018/07/25/kelantan-pas-imposing-a-blanket-ban-on-child-marriage-contravenes-religious-teachings/ |date=25 July 2018 |title= Kelantan PAS: Imposing child marriage blanket ban contravenes religious teachings |work=The Star |location= Kuala Lumpur}}</ref> a practice that been the focus of recent controversy due to recent cases in Kelantan.<ref>{{Cite news |url= https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2018/09/412355/yet-another-one-15-year-old-girl-marries-father-two-tumpat |title=Yet another one: 15-year-old girl marries father of two in Tumpat |work=New Straits Times |location= Kuala Lumpur |date=18 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url= https://www.nst.com.my/news/exclusive/2018/07/393036/exclusive-another-child-bride-case |title=Another child bride case |work=New Straits Times |location= Kuala Lumpur |date=22 July 2018}}</ref>

=== Government composition ===
{{main|Kelantan State Executive Council|Kelantan State Legislative Assembly}}
{{see also|Menteri Besar of Kelantan}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
| colspan=6 | [[File:DUN Kelantan 2023.svg|300px]]
|-
! colspan="2" rowspan="2" |Affiliation
! rowspan="2" |Coalition/party leader
! rowspan="2" |Status
! colspan="2" |Seats
|-
![[2023 Kelantan state election|2023 election]]
!Current
|-
|{{Color box|#000080|border=darkgray}}
|[[Perikatan Nasional]]
|[[Mohd Nassuruddin Daud]]
|Government
|43
|42
|-
|{{Color box|#CC2200|border=darkgray}}<br/>{{Color box|#0d1ace|border=darkgray}}
|[[Pakatan Harapan]]<br/>[[Barisan Nasional]]
|''Vacant''
|[[Opposition (Malaysia)|Opposition]]
|2
|3
|-
! colspan="4" |Government majority
!41
!39
|}

== Oil royalties ==

=== Assignment deed ===
On 9 May 1975, an agreement was signed between the [[Menteri Besar of Kelantan]], Datuk [[Mohamed Nasir]], and the Chairman of [[Petronas]], [[Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah]]. According to the terms of the agreement, Kelantan was to receive a cash payment of 5 percent a year biannually, 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".

It became an issue as to whether Kelantan had the right to claim oil royalties from federal government as described in the agreement. Relevant to the issue, 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.

From the schedule, Peninsular Malaysian states have the constitutional right to set 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&nbsp;km from Kota Bharu and beyond the territorial water of Kelantan. Emeritus Professor [[Shad Saleem Faruqi]] concluded that Kelantan has no constitutional right to regulate it and to receive compensation for it.<ref name="thestar">[http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?col=reflectingonthelaw&file=/2010/2/24/columnists/reflectingonthelaw/5729109&sec=Reflecting%20On%20The%20Law Columnists – Opinion | The Star Online] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011174902/http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?col=reflectingonthelaw&file=%2F2010%2F2%2F24%2Fcolumnists%2Freflectingonthelaw%2F5729109&sec=Reflecting%20On%20The%20Law |date=11 October 2012 }}. Thestar.com.my. Retrieved on 27 September 2013.</ref> 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.

States cannot transfer rights over something they do not own. 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.<ref name="thestar" />

=== 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 ==
{{Historical populations
|1970 |684738
|1980 |859270
|1991 |1181315
|2000 |1287367
|2010 |1470696
|2020 |1792501
|source={{my10|2020kf}}
|graph-pos=bottom
}}
The largely rural state preserves Malay traditions such as kite-flying contests, top-spinning contests, and bird singing competitions, and traditional handicrafts such as [[batik]], [[songket]], and silver crafts. Kelantan's ethnic composition is 95.7% Malay, 3.4% Chinese, 0.3% Indian and 0.6% others.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kelantan (State, Malaysia) - Population Statistics, Charts, Map and Location |url=https://www.citypopulation.de/en/malaysia/admin/03__kelantan/ |access-date=15 April 2022 |website=www.citypopulation.de}}</ref>

The ethnicities of Kelantan generally live together harmoniously. 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.{{citation needed|date=December 2025}}

=== Ethnic groups ===

==== Malays ====
[[File:Masjid Tengku Muhammad Faiz Petra (346904242).jpg|200px|thumb|right|Tengku Muhammad Faiz Petra Mosque.]]
[[Kelantanese Malays]] 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 is somewhat [[Mutual intelligibility|mutually intelligible]] with other Malay dialects. [[Jawi script]], which has less influence in other parts of Malaysia, 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, the Southern Thai language is also used.

95.7% of Kelantan's population are ethnic Malays, and under the Malaysian Constitution, all Malays are Muslims; therefore, Islam is the largest religion in the state.

Kota Bharu, as the state capital, is a popular centre for pursuits such 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'', is still observed.

==== Siamese ====
{{Main|Malaysian Siamese}}
[[File:Reclining Buddha in a Thai Buddhist temple in Kelantan.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Reclining Buddha in Wat Photivihan.]]
The minority ethnic Malaysian Siamese inhabitants of Kelantan are mostly centred around the coastal town of [[Tumpat District|Tumpat]], which is home to most of the state's two hundred or so Buddhist temples, and has a 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 [[Kolok River|Golok River]] from Malaysia. The ''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 the hundreds of Thai [[wat]]s, also known as ''ketik'', found throughout the state. Since 1980, the longest statue of a reclining Buddha in [[Southeast Asia]] can be found in [[Wat Photivihan]], in [[Tumpat District|Tumpat]]. This temple is very popular with pilgrims and devotees. The ''Metta'' chanting uses the original [[Pali]] language or a Thai translation. About a thousand visitors attend the Wat for such religious celebrations as Tok'katinna, [[Loy Krathong]], Saibat and [[Songkran (Thailand)|Songkran]].

==== Chinese ====
{{cleanup section|reason=need to (1) improve grammar; (2) remove duplicate wikilinks; (3) format foreign terms and names consistently; (4) cite reliable sources |date=July 2019}}
In Kelantan, the [[Malaysian Chinese|Kelantanese Chinese]] see themselves as either ''Cino [[Kampung|Kapong]]'' (village Chinese) or ''Cino Bandar'' (town/urban Chinese).

The "village Chinese" are [[Hokkien people|Hokkien]] migrants that set up houses along the [[Kelantan River]] up to 8–9 generations, or over 160 years ago.<ref name=F>{{cite magazine|first= Sharon|last= Tan|date=Sep-Oct 2006|title=The Unique Cina Kampung|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061031100700/https://kuali.com/flavours/review.asp?file=ethnicfood/2006/9/69theu&sec=ethnicfood|magazine=Flavours|publisher=[[The Star (Malaysia)|Star Publications]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Lim |first1=Mohd Shahrul Imran Abdullah |last2=Bustami |first2=Reevany |title=Evolution and Identity of the Kelantan Peranakan Chinese: Issues and Challenges |journal=International Journal of Multicultural and Multireligious Understanding |date=1 February 2015 |volume=2 |issue=1 |pages=60-83 |doi=10.18415/ijmmu.v2i1.8}}</ref> 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 District|Gua Musang]]. Descendants of the earlier waves of small-scale migration are known as ''oghe Cino kito'' (our own Chinese) and the elders are seen as ''oghe Kelate beto'' (true Kelantanese). The ''[[Peranakan Chinese|Cina Kampung]]'' in Kelantan have native speaker competence in the [[Kelantanese dialect]] that makes them impossible to distinguish from Malays.<ref name=F/> ''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.<ref>[[Teo Kok Seong]] (2003). ''The Peranakan Chinese of Kelantan''. England: Asian Academic Press. {{pn|date=December 2025}}</ref> 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]], [[Singapore]] and Indonesia.

Much of Chinese culture still continues until today; such as the [[lion dance]] and [[dragon dance]] during [[Chinese New Year]], temple celebration, eating [[bakchang]], [[mooncake]], baby fullmoon, pulut kuning, telur merah, eat 'e' ([[tangyuan (food)|tangyuan]]), religious celebration including praying to the [[Na Tuk Kong]]. They also cook 'bak hong', 'uang (meatball)' during wedding ceremonies and 'kiam mai' during funerals.

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 Kiong. 25&nbsp;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 and is dedicated to the worship of the goddess [[Mazu]]. 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 amount of guests relate to how respectable the house owner is. 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 in a car decorated with flowers.

Most Chinese villagers bury their dead at the local town cemetery. Others cremate the dead at the nearest Wat. If the deceased was old, a three-day funeral ceremony and memorial is conducted, complete with chanting from the monks. But if the deceased was of the younger generation, they are either buried or cremated as soon as possible. They also offers prayers for anniversary for the death.

====Indians====
Indians are known to be one of the smallest ethnic groups in Kelantan. During British rule, Indians were brought in to Kelantan to work in rubber estates around Gua Musang District and [[Tanah Merah District|Tanah Merah]] as labourers.

==== Orang Asli ====

[[Orang Asli]], mostly Temiar people, 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 [[nature|natural]] surroundings and other forms of [[animist]] elements. Other ''Orang Asli'' ethnic groups that live in Kelantan are [[Jahai people|Jahais]], [[Batek people|Bateks]] and [[Mendriq]]s.

=== Religion ===
{{bar box
| title=Religion in Kelantan – 2020 Census<ref name="2010 census">{{cite web|url=http://www.statistics.gov.my/portal/download_Population/files/census2010/Taburan_Penduduk_dan_Ciri-ciri_Asas_Demografi.pdf |title=2020 Population and Housing Census of Malaysia |access-date=17 June 2022 |publisher=Department of Statistics, Malaysia |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522234002/http://www.statistics.gov.my/portal/download_Population/files/census2010/Taburan_Penduduk_dan_Ciri-ciri_Asas_Demografi.pdf |archive-date=22 May 2014 }} p. 13</ref>
| titlebar=
| left1=religion
| right1=percent
| float=right
| bars=
{{bar percent|[[Islam]] | Green|97}}
{{bar percent|[[Buddhism]] | Yellow|2.3}}
{{bar percent|[[Christianity]] | Blue|0.1}}
{{bar percent|[[Irreligion|No religion]] | Black|0.2}}
{{bar percent|[[Hinduism]] | Orange|0.1}}
{{bar percent|Others|Gray|0.2}}
{{bar percent|[[Chinese folk religion|Chinese ethnic religion]] | Magenta|0}}
{{bar percent|Unknown / none|Brown|0}}
}}
As of 2020 the population of Kelantan is 97% [[Muslim]], 2.3% [[Buddhist]], 0.1% [[Christians|Christian]], 0.1% [[Hindu]], 0.4% follower of other religions or [[non-religious]].<ref name="2010 census" />

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 latter figure may include followers of [[Taoism]].<ref>Pue Giok Hun, “ Sustaining Unity in Diversity: Exploring the Himpunan Sin Beng Kelantan (HSBK2019) as a Case Study of Ethnic Boundary-making in Contemporary Kelantan,” in Hanafi Hussin and others, eds., ''Sustaining and Developing Southeast Asia in the IR 4.0 Era: Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Southeast Asia (ICONSEA2019), 2019'', Kuala Lumpur: University of Malaya, 2019, 676.</ref> 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 (Malaysia)|bumiputera]]'' community are predominantly Muslims (39.8%), with significant minorities identifying as [[Irreligion|Atheists]] (30.3%) and Christians (14.3%). All Malays are considered Muslims according to Malaysian law.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.statistics.gov.my/portal/download_Population/files/census2010/Taburan_Penduduk_dan_Ciri-ciri_Asas_Demografi.pdf |title=2010 Population and Housing Census of Malaysia |language=ms, en |access-date=17 June 2012 |publisher=Department of Statistics, Malaysia |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116214433/http://www.statistics.gov.my/portal/download_Population/files/census2010/Taburan_Penduduk_dan_Ciri-ciri_Asas_Demografi.pdf |archive-date=16 January 2013 |page=85 }}</ref>

== Administrative divisions ==
=== Districts ===
Kelantan is the only state outside of East Malaysia that does not use the term district in its second-level administrative division. Instead, the divisions are called colonies ({{lang|ms|Jajahan}}) or collectivities with one autonomous subdistrict. The direct translation of ''Tanah Jajahan'' in Malay to English is 'Colonized Land'. 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. The eleven ''jajahans'', from top to bottom are written in [[Malay language|Rumi]] and Jawi:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Workbook: MyCenDash(English) |url=https://tableau.dosm.gov.my/t/BPPD-BahagianperangkaanpendudukdanDemografi/views/MyCenDashEnglish/DISTRICT?:display_count=n&:embed=y&:isGuestRedirectFromVizportal=y&:origin=viz_share_link&:showAppBanner=false&:showVizHome=n |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=tableau.dosm.gov.my}}</ref>

{|class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto 1em auto; width:50%; text-align:left"
|-
! colspan=5 | '''Districts''' ('''''Jajahan''''') in Kelantan
|-
| colspan=5 |
{{Image label begin|image=Kelantan location map.svg|link=|width=600|float={{float|none}}}}
<!-- Districts Label -->
{{Image label small|x=0.55|y=0.05|scale=600|text='''[[Tumpat District|Tumpat]]'''}}
{{Image label small|x=0.52|y=0.1217|scale=600|text='''[[Pasir Mas District|Pasir<br>Mas]]'''}}
{{Image label small|x=0.605|y=0.1127|scale=600|text='''[[Kota Bharu District|Kota<br>Bharu]]'''}}
{{Image label small|x=0.66|y=0.1555|scale=600|text='''[[Bachok District|Bachok]]'''}}
{{Image label small|x=0.642|y=0.2057|scale=600|text='''[[Pasir Puteh District|Pasir Puteh]]'''}}
{{Image label small|x=0.586|y=0.26|scale=600|text='''[[Machang District|Machang]]'''}}
{{Image label small|x=0.51|y=0.22|scale=600|text='''[[Tanah Merah District|Tanah Merah]]'''}}
{{Image label small|x=0.405|y=0.323|scale=600|text='''[[Jeli District|Jeli]]'''}}
{{Image label small|x=0.533|y=0.415|scale=600|text='''[[Kuala Krai District|Kuala Krai]]'''}}
{{Image label small|x=0.245|y=0.677|scale=600|text='''[[Lojing|Lojing Autonomous<br>(Lojing Highlands)]]'''}}
{{Image label small|x=0.533|y=0.622|scale=600|text='''Gua Musang District'''}}

<!-- Foreign countries -->
{{Image label small|x=0.22|y=0.088|scale=600|text=[[Thailand|<i style="color: #808080;">'''THAILAND'''</i>]]}}

<!-- Other Malaysian states -->
{{Image label small|x=0.5|y=0.82|scale=600|text=[[Pahang|<i style="color: #666;">'''PAHANG'''</i>]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.125|y=0.5|scale=600|text=[[Perak|<i style="color: #666;">'''PERAK'''</i>]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.78|y=0.415|scale=600|text=[[Terengganu|<i style="color: #666;">'''TERENGGANU'''</i>]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.02|y=0.138|scale=600|text=[[Kedah|<i style="color: #666;">'''KEDAH'''</i>]]}}

<!-- Seas -->
{{Image label small|x=0.825|y=0.108333334|scale=600|text=[[South China Sea|<i style="color: #48A3B5;">'''South<br />China<br />Sea'''</i>]]}}
{{Image label end}}
|-
! Number || [[List of districts in Malaysia|Colonies]] (''Jajahan'') !! Subdivision (''Daerah'') !! Area (km<sup>2</sup>) !! Population<br /> 
|-
| 1 || [[File:Flag of Kota Bharu, Kelantan.svg|27px]] Kota Bharu District<br>('''کوتا بهارو''') || Badang, Beta, Banggu, Kadok, Kemumin, Kota, Kubang Kerian, Ketereh, Limbat, Panji, Pendek, Peringat, Salor, Sering, Pusat Bandar Kota Bharu ||align="right"|  {{formatnum: 403}} || align="right"|  {{formatnum: 568900}} 
|-
| 2 || [[File:Flag of Pasir Mas, Kelantan.svg|27px]] [[Pasir Mas District|Pasir Mas]]<br>('''ڤاسير مس''') || Rantau Panjang, Kangkong, Pasir Mas, Gual Periok, Chetok, Alor Pasir, Lemal, Bunut Susu, Kubang Sepat, Kubang Gadong ||align="right"|  {{formatnum: 570}} ||align="right"|  {{formatnum: 233400}} 
|-
| 3 || [[File:Flag of Tumpat, Kelantan.svg|27px]] [[Tumpat District|Tumpat]]<br>('''تومڤت''') || Jal Besar, Pengkalan Kubor, Sungai Pinang, Tumpat, Terbak, Kebakat, Wakaf Bharu || align="right" |{{formatnum: 180}} ||align="right"|  {{formatnum: 183100}} 
|-
| 4 || [[File:Flag of Pasir Puteh, Kelantan.svg|27px]] [[Pasir Puteh District|Pasir Puteh]]<br>('''ڤاسير ڤوتيه''') || Bukit Jawa, Padang Pak Amat, Limbongan, Jeram, Bukit Awang, Bukit Abal, Gong Datok, Semerak ||align="right"|  {{formatnum: 423}} ||align="right"|  {{formatnum: 137400}} 
|-
| 5 || [[File:Flag of Bachok, Kelantan.svg|27px]] [[Bachok District|Bachok]]<br>('''باچوق''') || Mahligai, Telong, Gunong, Melawi, Tanjung Pauh, Tawang, Bekelam, Perupok ||align="right"|  {{formatnum: 279}} ||align="right"|  {{formatnum: 158900}} 
|-
| 6 || [[File:Flag of Kuala Krai, Kelantan.svg|27px]] [[Kuala Krai District|Kuala Krai]]<br>('''کوالا کراي''') || Mengkebang, Dabong, Olak Jeram ||align="right"|  {{formatnum: 2275}} ||align="right"|  {{formatnum: 105900}} 
|-
| 7 || [[File:Flag of Machang, Kelantan.svg|27px]] [[Machang District|Machang]]<br>('''ماچڠ''') || Labok, Ulu Sat, Temangan, Pangkal Meleret, Pulai Chondong, Panyit || align="right" |{{formatnum: 526}} ||align="right"|  {{formatnum: 112900}} 
|-
| 8 || [[File:Flag of Tanah Merah, Kelantan.svg|27px]] Tanah Merah District<br>('''تانه ميره''') || Bukit Panau, Ulu Kusial, Jedok || align="right" |{{formatnum: 880}} ||align="right"|  {{formatnum: 152400}} 
|-
| 9 || [[File:Flag of Jeli, Kelantan.svg|27px]] [[Jeli District|Jeli]]<br>('''جيلي''') || Jeli, Batu Melintang, Kuala Balah || align="right" |{{formatnum: 1326}} ||align="right"|  {{formatnum: 55600}} 
|-
| 10 || [[File:Flag of Gua Musang, Kelantan.svg|27px]] Gua Musang District<br>('''ڬوا موسڠ''') || Galas, Bertam, Chiku || align="right" |{{formatnum: 6362}} ||align="right"|  {{formatnum: 102500}} 
|-
| 11  || [[Lojing]]<br>('''لوجيڠ''') || Betis, Hau, Sigar || align="right" |{{formatnum: 1817}} ||align="right"|  {{formatnum: 10700}}
|}

== Culture ==
The culture of Kelantan has been influenced by Thai culture due to its location on the Thai border.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Destinations |url=http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/destinations/state.asp?state=kelantan |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090830204215/http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/destinations/state.asp?state=kelantan |archive-date=30 August 2009 |access-date=30 August 2009 |website=Tourism Malaysia}}</ref> Among the popular cultural practices are [[Dikir Barat]], [[Shadow play|Wayang Kulit Kelantan]], [[Shadow play|Wayang Kulit Melayu]], [[Mak Yong]], [[Menora (dance)|Menora]], Main Puteri, [[Wau Bulan]] (kite-flying), Gasing (top-spinning), [[Silat]], [[Muay Thai|Tomoi]], bird-singing competition and handicrafts. The unique Kelantan culture, Mak Yong is recognized by [[UNESCO]]. This ancient theatre form created by Malaysia's Malay communities combines acting, vocal and instrumental music, gestures and elaborate costumes. Specific to the villages of Kelantan in northwest Malaysia, where the tradition originated, Mak Yong is performed mainly as entertainment or for ritual purposes related to healing practices.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/mak-yong-theatre-00167|title=Mak Yong theatre|access-date=1 January 2019|website=UNESCO|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190101003629/https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/mak-yong-theatre-00167|archive-date=1 January 2019|url-status=live|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.astroawani.com/berita-malaysia/dondang-sayang-terima-pengiktirafan-unesco-192690|title=Dondang Sayang terima pengiktirafan UNESCO|access-date=25 December 2018|publisher=astro AWANI|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225024708/http://www.astroawani.com/berita-malaysia/dondang-sayang-terima-pengiktirafan-unesco-192690|archive-date=25 December 2018|url-status=live|language=ms|trans-title=Dondang Sayang receives UNESCO recognition}}</ref>

Among the handicraft products that are produce in Kelantan are [[songket]], [[batik]], [[Household silver|silverware]] and mengkuang.<ref>{{Cite web|title= RMK-12: Pengusaha batik, penggiat seni Kelantan harap tidak dipinggirkan|url= https://www.astroawani.com/berita-malaysia/rmk12-pengusaha-batik-penggiat-seni-kelantan-harap-tidak-dipinggirkan-321847|website=[[Astro Awani]]|date=26 September 2021|last=Muhamad|first=Muhafandi|access-date=31 December 2025|language=Malay}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title= Che Rohani preserves Kelantan's songket legacy thread by thread|url= https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2025/09/14/che-rohani-preserves-kelantans-songket-legacy-thread-by-thread|website=[[Free Malaysia Today]]|date=14 September 2025|publisher=Bernama|access-date=31 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title= Anyaman mengkuang aktiviti ekonomi wanita Rantau Panjang|url= https://harakahdaily.net/anyaman-mengkuang-aktiviti-ekonomi-wanita-rantau-panjang/|website=[[Harakah (newspaper)|Harakah Daily]]|date=11 August 2022|last=Manaf|first=Ain|access-date=31 December 2025|language=Malay}}</ref>

== Cuisine ==
The Kelantanese cuisine is part of [[Malay cuisine]] but maintains its own unique identity. Kelantanese food makes more use of [[coconut milk]] than anywhere else in the country. [[Curries]] are richer, and creamier.<ref>{{Cite journal|title= Past and present practices of the Malay food heritage and culture in Malaysia|url= https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352618117301737|website=Science Direct|date=27 September 2017|access-date=31 December 2025}}</ref>

=== Local dishes ===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Specialty
! Description
|-
| [[Nasi dagang]]
| A mix of white rice and brown [[glutinous rice]], cooked with coconut milk, blended [[onion]]s, [[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 (sauce)|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]], [[rousong|meat floss]], chicken and/or shrimp [[Malay curry|curry]] and sweet gravy. It is traditionally meant for travellers.
|-
| [[Ayam bakar#Variants|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 (salad)|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#Other variants|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 (salad) 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 sour tasting) such as colek pauh ([[mango]]). 

Colek manis (with [[brown sugar]]) is a sweet, sour and very mildly hot version. This colek is different from other [[chili sauce]]s 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 (sauce) is a salted (fermented) anchovy sauce eaten mainly as flavouring with rice, [[Ikan bakar|grilled fish]] and vegetables/salads ([[ulam (salad)|ulam]]). A bit of lime juice, hot chilis and [[shallot]]s are added on for taste. Also, tempoyak (fermented [[durian]]) or fresh durian is added. Once combined, the purple-brownish condiment has a blend of salty and sour taste. Sometimes, budu is used in cooking as an ingredient.

Nowadays, other types of fish are also used to create budu. Famous budu making villages include Kg. Tawang, [[Bachok]] and Kg. Penambang near Kota Bharu.

Similar [[Fish sauce|sauces]] are found in the [[Philippines]] and [[Indochina]] ([[Vietnam]], [[Cambodia]]).

=== Thai-influenced  ===

==== 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 [[chili pepper|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 District|Tumpat]] and [[wat|Siamese wats]].

=== Other influences ===

==== Tongmo ====
Tongmo (from [[Cham language|Cham]] ''tung lamo'' "cow intestines"<!--see From Ancient Cham to Modern Dialects
Two Thousand Years of Language Contact and Change (1999) pp. 306, 340-1-->) is a spiced sausage introduced by the Cambodian Chams community concentrated in Kota Bharu.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Food and Ethnic identity in the Cham Refugee Community in Malaysia |first1=Rie |last1=Nakamura |journal=Journal of the Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society |date=Dec 2020 |volume=93 |issue=2 |pages=160 |doi=10.1353/ras.2020.0024|s2cid=235029137 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|newspaper=New Straits Times|title=Cambodian sausage Tongmo, a hit in Kelantan |author=Sharifah Mahsinah Abdullah|date=November 1, 2020|url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2020/11/637048/cambodian-sausage-tongmo-hit-kelantan}}</ref>

== Tourism ==
{{Main|List of tourist attractions in Kelantan}}
Among the popular tourist destinations in Kelantan are:

* [[Siti Khadijah Market]] – A market mostly run by women.<ref>{{cite web|title=Siti Khadijah Market|url=http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/my/web-page/places/states-of-malaysia/kelantan/siti-khadijah-market|website=Tourism Malaysia|access-date=21 May 2014|archive-date=26 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140626062959/http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/my/web-page/places/states-of-malaysia/kelantan/siti-khadijah-market|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Taman Negara – Located in the Gua Musang Region, Kelantan, near the Pahang border and Terengganu. It is located in the Hantu Hill and Lebir reserve forest.<ref>[[:ms:Kelantan#cite note-20]]</ref>
* [[Wat Photivihan]] Sleeping Buddha – This temple is one of the 25 temples found in Tumpat, and is one of the most popular in the country.<ref>[[:ms:Kelantan#cite note-21]]</ref>
* Seng Choon Kiong (Mazu Temple) – approximately 300 years old Temple in Kampung Tok'kong and is a site of pilgrimage for worshippers of Mazu in Malaysia
* [[Sultan Ismail Petra Silver Jubilee Mosque]] – Mosque that combines Chinese and Islamic architecture and resembles a 1,000-year-old Niujie Mosque in Beijing, China.<ref>[[:ms:Kelantan#cite note-22]]</ref>
* Irama Bachok Beach – Located within the Bachok District and is the main tourist spot of Bachok District residents and Kelantan residents in particular.<ref>[[:ms:Kelantan#cite note-23]]</ref>
* Gunung Stong State Park – Home to one of the highest waterfalls in Malaysia, the seven-tiered Jelawang Waterfall.<ref>{{cite web|title=Gunung Stong State Park|url=http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/my/web-page/places/states-of-malaysia/kelantan/gunung-stong-state-park|website=Tourism Malaysia|access-date=21 May 2014|archive-date=26 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140626062644/http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/my/web-page/places/states-of-malaysia/kelantan/gunung-stong-state-park|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Muhammadi Mosque – One of the symbols of splendor in this city that has the hallmarks of graceful gates and golden colors. Al-Muhammadi Mosque's name is a tribute to Sultan Muhammad IV's contribution and service to the state.<ref>[[:ms:Kelantan#cite note-25]]</ref>
* Masjid Al-Ismaili – Mosque located in Bandar Baru Pasir Pekan, Wakaf Baru.<ref>[[:ms:Kelantan#cite note-26]]</ref>
* Pantai Bisikan Bayu (Beach of Whispering Breeze) – also known as Pantai Dalam Rhu, the wind at the beach produces a quite sound that, locals say, sounds like a soothing whisper.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pantai Bisikan Bayu (Beach of Whispering Breeze)|url=http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/my/web-page/places/states-of-malaysia/kelantan/pantai-bisikan-bayu-beach-of-whispering-breeze|website=Tourism Malaysia|access-date=21 May 2014|archive-date=21 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521112729/http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/my/web-page/places/states-of-malaysia/kelantan/pantai-bisikan-bayu-beach-of-whispering-breeze|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Handicraft Village and Craft Museum – Also known as "Balai Getam Guri", it has many examples of Kelantanese craftsmanship such as traditional embroidery, songket weaving, batik printing, silver work and wood carving.<ref>{{cite web|title=Handicraft Village and Craft Museum|url=http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/my/web-page/places/states-of-malaysia/kelantan/handicraft-village-and-craft-museum|website=Tourism Malaysia|access-date=21 May 2014|archive-date=23 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140623210607/http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/my/web-page/places/states-of-malaysia/kelantan/handicraft-village-and-craft-museum|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== See also ==

* [[Kelantan Royal Mausoleum]]

== References ==
<references />
{{Notelist}}

== 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.
* {{cite book|title=Warisan Kelantan|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yNxRAQAAMAAJ|year=1985|publisher=Perbadanan Muzium Negeri Kelantan}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Kelantan}}
{{Wikivoyage|Kelantan}}
* [http://www.kelantan.gov.my/ Official site of Kelantan State Government] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110414192131/http://www.kelantan.gov.my/ |date=14 April 2011 }}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140210005553/http://www.kelantanonline.com/ Kelantan Online – E-Commerce & Info Tourism Portal]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20131210061531/http://www.virtualmalaysia.com/category/kelantan/ Virtual Malaysia Kelantan Page]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080915233122/http://www.mypolitician.com.my/?page=map2%2Fkelantan Malaysian General Election 2008 candidates for Kelantan]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080501171111/http://2be.net/malaysia_parliment.php?state=Kelantan Malaysia Parliamentary Seats (Dewan Rakyat) from Kelantan]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080501171229/http://2be.net/malaysia_states_assembly.php?state=Kelantan Kelantan State Assembly Seats (Dewan Undangan Negeri)]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20121025170031/http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2010%2F8%2F13%2Fnation%2F6851273]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120421190355/http://kbcity.com.my/ Kb City – Peta Lengkap Bandar Kota Bharu]
* [http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/my/web-page/places/states-of-malaysia/kelantan Tourism Malaysia – Kelantan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140627111351/http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/my/web-page/places/states-of-malaysia/kelantan |date=27 June 2014 }}

{{Districts of Kelantan}}
{{States and Federal Territories of Malaysia}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Kelantan| ]]
[[Category:States of Malaysia]]
[[Category:Peninsular Malaysia]]
[[Category:Malaysia–Thailand border]]
[[Category:Gulf of Thailand]]
[[Category:British Malaya in World War II]]
[[Category:Tributaries of Imperial China]]