Once lively: Visitors standing underneath a ‘roof’ of umbrellas at the Siti Fatimah Market in Rantau Panjang, Kelantan.— Bernama
PASIR MAS: Rantau Panjang, a once-bustling duty-free shopping destination in Kelantan, needs a boost to revive its economic activities and draw in more tourists.
A check by Bernama showed that the town is becoming increasingly deserted, with fewer local visitors.
The lack of facilities and attractions has led many to travel to Golok in neighbouring Thailand, which offers broader entertainment options and a livelier shopping atmosphere.
Traders and locals believe that without new attractions, Rantau Panjang will remain stagnant by relying solely on trading activities.
They said the area has the potential to become a tourism hub.Clothing trader Rashidah Sulaiman, 44, who has been operating there for 18 years, said many locals now prefer to travel to Thailand where there are more tourist attractions.
“Business has slowed down here because many local visitors prefer to cross the border.
“If Rantau Panjang has more attractions, they will definitely spend more time here,” she told Bernama recently.
Rashidah said besides shopping areas, Rantau Panjang also needs recreational spaces such as public parks, nature-themed cafes and relaxation spots.
A woman lifting mannequins in front of a clothing shop at the now-quiet, desolate Siti Fatimah Market.
Due to the lack of attractions, many said limited promotion of the area by the state government has led to Rantau Panjang’s desolation.
Food and clothing trader Suzylawathy Shapie, 48, believed that the lack of modern facilities and public amenities made Rantau Panjang less appealing to visitors.
“Despite having many traders, there is not even a community activity centre.
“If there is a proper football field, it could attract more sports-related events.
“Wet markets are also important because tourists enjoy searching for local products, but such facilities are limited here.”
She hopes that the local authorities will take a more proactive approach in planning development to transform Rantau Panjang into a tourist destination.
Visitor Mohd Khairy Mohd Noh, 42, said Rantau Panjang still lags in terms of marketing and infrastructure development.
“The state government needs to ramp up promotions and improve the infrastructure to ensure this area gets developed.
“There are still basic facilities that need upgrading, such as parking, lighting and landscaping,” he said.
Mohd Khairy said organising more events or festivals in the area could also help attract visitors throughout the year.
