Photo : Pantai Cahaya Bulan (Moonlight Beach)

History

Many historians claimed that Kelantan has been in existence between 8000 and 3000 B.C. According to Chinese historical documents, Kelantan referred to as 'Ho-lo-tan', 'Chih-Tu' and 'Tan-Tan' in these records had maintained links with China. In the 18th Century, the provinces came under a powerful warrior named Long Yunus, whose descendants presently make up the Royal house of Kelantan. Kelantan came under Thai and British influence before becoming part of the Federation of Malaya in 1957 and, Malaysia in 1963.

Economy

Kelantan's economy relies mostly on agriculture especially paddy, rubber and tobacco produce. Fishing along its 96-kilometre coastline and livestock rearing are also two important economic activities. Other economic activities include the cottage industries, consist mostly of batik-painting, woodcarving and songket (cloth with gold or silver embroidery) weaving are evident. In recent years, the tourism industry has also become a major money-spinner.

Geography

Kelantan is the north eastern most State in the Peninsular Malaysia. The State is bounded on the north by Thailand, on the east by Terengganu, on the west by Perak and on the south by Pahang.

Covering an area of about 14,922 sq km, Kelantan is richly endowed with forests.

Climate

On the whole, Kelantan's climate is tropical monsoon. The temperature is relatively uniform within the range of 21°C to 32°C throughout the year. During the months of January to April, the weather is generally dry and warm. Humidity is consistently high on the lowlands ranging between 82% to 86% per annum. The average rainfall per year is 2,032 mm to 2540 mm and the wettest months are from November to January.