KELANTAN

state (negeri), northeastern West Malaysia (Malaya); mountainous jungles form its boundaries with Thailand (northwest) and the states of Perak (west), Pahang (south), and Terengganu (east). Its 5,765-sq-mi (14,931-sq-km) area is almost entirely formed by the valley of the Sungai (River) Kelantan. The river, navigable by launch for 80 mi (130 km), rises in several branches (Galas, Nenggiri, Lebir) in the hilly south and flows more than 150 mi north to the South China Sea at Tumpat, the state's chief port. Kelantan's agricultural economy centres on the densely populated river delta and coastal plain (coconuts, rice, and rubber). The interior, rising to 7,175 ft (2,187 m) at Gunung Tahan on the Pahang border, has several rubber and oil-palm estates. The area was colonized by Javanese in the 14th century, and the sultanate has been traced to the Melakan sultan Mansur Shah (145977). Although the state was under Thai suzerainty from 1780 to 1909, its people are Malay by race and Muslim by religion, more homogeneous than other Malayan groups. Kelantan retains a dialect and traditions differing from those in surrounding states because of its Javanese heritage and long geographical isolation. Temporarily annexed by Thailand during World War II, it subsequently joined the Federation of Malaya. Along the coastal sandspits and lagoons coconuts are grown, and there is inshore fishing despite the shallow seaward approaches that oblige even small coastal steamers to anchor half a mile offshore. The northeast monsoon prevents almost all seaborne activity from October to January. In November and December heavy rainfall causes flooding of the delta distributaries. Industry is concentrated around the state capital, Kota Baharu (q.v.), and includes boatbuilding, sawmilling, plywood manufacture, rice milling, and various cottage industries (batik textiles, silverware). Iron, tin, and manganese are mined. Small quantities of gold are obtained as a by-product of tin mining. In addition to the dense road network in the coastal plain, the state is served by a rail connection with Thailand (via Rantau Panjang) and the east coast railway, which follows the Sungai Kelantan Valley. There is an airport at Kota Baharu. Other important towns are Pasir Mas, Kuala Kerai, and Machang. Pop. (1982 est.) 903,695.