Kelantan: The proposal to organise a boat race competition between Malaysia and Thailand at Sungai Golok is not only expected to revive a traditional sport shared by both countries, but also serve as a catalyst for economic and tourism growth in the border area. Kelantan Tourism, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Kamaruddin Md Nor said the initiative has the potential to provide benefits to small traders, homestay operators, and tourism services providers around Pasir Mas and areas bordering Sungai Golok.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Kamaruddin Md Nor emphasized the economic potential of the event, stating that such events could boost the local economy by attracting travellers who would partake in various local offerings. “We feel that events like this can revive the local economy because travellers will come not just to watch the boat race, but also to sample the traditional food, stay in local hotels or homestays, and purchase handicrafts,” he shared with reporters during a trial boat race at Sungai Golok on the Malaysian side.
He further mentioned that the proposed location for the boat race, the Pohon Jambu base, is already a recognized focal point for Malaysian and Thai communities. Its selection is anticipated to significantly impact the economic activities of nearby residents. “This place is beautiful and suitable for such an event because the river is not too wide and already has basic facilities. We also receive good cooperation from the Sungai Golok authorities,” he explained.
Plans are underway to expand the event by including more teams from Kelantan and Thailand’s Narathiwat province, aiming to transform it into an annual affair. Besides the main competition, a unique blindfolded boat race is being planned to add value and attract more visitors from both countries.
The trial race held this year, spanning two days on July 19 and 20, featured 40 teams, including five from Malaysia, and attracted an estimated 1,000 spectators. Such events not only help preserve cultural heritage but also play a critical role in revitalising the local economy, which heavily depends on tourism activities in the border area.