Malaysia-Thailand Border Area Boat Race Can Spur local Economy - Kelantan Exco

PASIR MAS, July 20 (Bernama) -- 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.

"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 told reporters while attending the trial boat race at Sungai Golok (Malaysian side) here today.

He added that the proposed location (for the boat race) - the Pohon Jambu base - is already known as a focal point for Malaysian and Thai communities, and its selection is expected to have a direct impact on 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 said.

He added that discussions would be held to organise it on a larger scale by involving more teams from Kelantan and Thailand's Narathiwat province, so that it can be turned into an annual affair.

Besides the main competition, a unique event being planned is a blindfolded boat race, which could add value and attract more visitors from both countries.

This year's trial race, held over two days on July 19 and 20, features 40 teams, including five from Malaysia, attracting an estimated 1,000 spectators.

Such events not only help preserve cultural heritage, but also play a significant role in revitalising the local economy, which relies heavily on tourism activities in the border area.

-- BERNAMA