Kelantan History and Economy

History

Kelantan was known for many centuries as a seat of successive powerful kingdoms which established trading links with the Chinese Empire. Early Chinese records indicate the existence of trade links with China, which referred to Kelantan as Ho-Lo-Tan.

Kelantan has at various times in the past been a vassal state of Siam. In the 18th century, a Kelantanese Prince, Long Yunus, ascended to the throne and the present-day royal family is descended from him.

Kelantan, along with the other states of the Malay Peninsula, formed the Federation of Malaya, which gained its independence on 31st August 1957.

Economy

The economy of Kelantan is based on agriculture with rice, rubber, tobacco and fruits being the main cash crops. Fishing, fish and livestock rearing are also important economic activities. Timber harvesting provides a substantial revenue to the state, and gold is still mined in small quantities.

A thriving cottage industry produces extremely fine batik material and paintings, exquisite gold and silverware, intricate wood carvings and beautiful 'kain songket' (cloth woven from gold and silver threads). Leather working and mat weaving from pandanus leaves are also local trades.

Tourism is growing in importance as the state has a wealth of attractions such as homestay programmes, a growing selection of resorts, a rich heritage of culture and traditions, eco-tourism packages and fine powdery beaches.