Rantau Panjang Needs More Tourism Attractions To Revitalise Local Economy

PASIR MAS, Feb 7 (Bernama) -- Rantau Panjang, renowned as a duty-free zone and shopping destination in Kelantan, requires additional tourism attractions to revitalise the local economy and draw in more visitors, both domestically and internationally.

Traders and locals believe that without new attractions, Rantau Panjang will remain quiet, relying solely on its buying and selling activities. However, the area holds significant potential to become a more dynamic tourism hub.

Clothing trader Rashidah Sulaiman, 44, who has been in business in Rantau Panjang for 18 years, shared that many local visitors now prefer to travel to Thailand, where they can enjoy more relaxation spots and picturesque photo opportunities.

“Business has slowed down because many local visitors (Malaysians) choose to visit Thailand,” she said.

“If Rantau Panjang had more attractions, they would definitely spend more time here, which would help boost the local economy,” she told Bernama recently.

According to her, apart from shopping venues Rantau Panjang also needs recreational spaces such as public parks, nature-themed cafes, and healing spots to capture the attention of local visitors, especially the younger crowd and tourists from outside Kelantan.

In addition to the lack of attractions, the limited promotion from the state government is also a key factor in Rantau Panjang’s increasing desolation.

Food and clothing trader Suzylawathy Shapie, 48, believes that the absence of facilities such as a football field, a wet market, and other public amenities makes Rantau Panjang less appealing as a tourist destination.

“Here in Rantau Panjang, there are many traders, but no space that can truly serve as a community activity centre. If there were a proper football field, it could attract more sports-related events,” she explained.

“Wet markets are also important because tourists enjoy searching for local products, but such facilities are limited here,” she added.

She hopes that local authorities will take a more proactive approach in planning competitive developments to transform Rantau Panjang into not just a shopping hub, but a complete tourist destination with a variety of activities and facilities.

Visitor Mohd Khairy Mohd Noh, 42, pointed out that while many tourist spots in Malaysia have received substantial promotional efforts, Rantau Panjang still struggles with limited attention in terms of marketing and infrastructure development.

“The government needs to ramp up promotion and enhance infrastructure to ensure this area gets the attention it deserves. So far, there are still many basic facilities that need upgrading, including parking, lighting, and urban landscaping,” he said.

He also suggested that organising more events or festivals in the area could help attract visitors year-round.

“Annual events such as food festivals, cultural exhibitions, or border sports activities would definitely bring more vibrancy to the area and draw in more tourists,” he added.

Meanwhile, a check by Bernama found that Rantau Panjang town is becoming increasingly deserted, with fewer local visitors than before.

The lack of facilities and attractions has led many Malaysians to prefer travelling to Golok, Thailand, which offers more entertainment options, appealing locations, and a livelier shopping atmosphere.

This trend has indirectly impacted local businesses, as more consumers spend in neighbouring countries instead of supporting traders in Rantau Panjang.

Residents and traders are hopeful that these efforts will be realised, ensuring that Rantau Panjang remains a key economic and tourism hub on the Malaysia-Thailand border.

-- BERNAMA