KUALA TERENGGANU, Feb 18 (Bernama) -- This year’s Pelita Raya Terengganu is set to be livelier with the participation of two neighbouring countries.
Terengganu Tourism Department director Ahmad Ridzwan Abd Rahman said Singapore and Thailand have confirmed their involvement in the four-day event, scheduled for next month.
Kedah, Perlis, and Kelantan have also expressed interest in joining the event, which will be held at the Gong Badak Sports Complex Indoor Stadium in Kuala Nerus.
“Thailand will be represented by participants from Narathiwat and Patani. Further discussions with the Singapore embassy are set for next week,” he said.
The event will maintain the tradition of lighting oil lamps (pelita raya) with gas and wicks, combined with electronic lanterns as part of an effort to promote environmental sustainability.
Ahmad Ridzwan shared these details at the Golden Snake Dinner 2025, organised by the Terengganu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCCI).
Meanwhile, he highlighted that Terengganu welcomed eight million domestic and international visitors last year.
However, he noted that the number of foreign tourists remained low, with only about 40,000 visitors, including those from China, Italy, and France.
“This is a missed opportunity for the state’s tourism sector, which has so much to offer. We will intensify promoting our island resorts to attract more international tourists,” he said.
-- BERNAMA
