Kota Bharu
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kota Bharu (or Kota Baru or Kota Baharu), a city in Malaysia, is the state capital of Kelantan. It is also the name of a district in which Kota Bharu City is situated. The name means 'new city' or 'new castle/fort' in Malay. Kota Bharu is in the northeastern part of Peninsular Malaysia, and lies near the mouth of the Kelantan River at . In 2004, it had an estimated population of 280,000.
This northeastern Malaysian city is close to the Thai border, and is home to many mosques and Thai-style Buddhist temples. Also of interest are various museums and the unique architecture of the old royal palace (still occupied by the sultan and sultanah and off-limits to visitors but viewable from outside) and former royal buildings (which can be visited) in the center of town.
Contents |
[edit] History
Pantai Cahaya Bulan, about 10km from Kota Bharu was the landing point of the Japanese invasion forces on 8 December 1941 in their Malayan campaign when they successfully engaged the British in jungle warfare.
[edit] Demographics
Kota Bharu has a majority Muslim population.
[edit] Culture
[edit] Islamic influence
On 1 October 2005, Kota Bharu was declared Kota Bharu, The Islamic City. This title is given to the city which observes Islamic principles in every aspect of daily life. The Azan(prayer call), can be heard everywhere, even in shopping malls. All activities in the city must be stopped for a while to respect the Azan.
The selling of liquor and gambling are strictly prohibited. Other social activities that do not contradict with the Islamic norm are allowed. Government offices and many stores are closed on Fridays and Saturdays, but the vibrant markets remain open except for Islamic prayer times.
The Kelantan state government under PAS, a conservative Islamic party has implemented some controversial laws. These include switching on lights in cinemas during screening time and separate check-out counters in supermarkets for males and females to prevent rapes and khalwat(the Muslim rule on proximity between males and females).
A more controversial law implemented by the Kota Bharu Municipal Council, the local government authority, is the prohibition of indecent dressing by female employees in retail outlets and restaurants[1]. Those who are caught for dressing indecently may be fined up to RM 500. The definition of indecent dressing include "body hugging outfits which show off the body, blouses which show the navel, see through blouses, mini-skirts and tight pants [1].
[edit] Food
Nasi berlauk and nasi kerabu are popular local cuisine. Kelantanese also have a liking for sweet cakes or kuih. These include apom, pisang goreng, curry puff and much more.
[edit] Shopping
The more famous shopping destination in Kota Bharu is Central Market(Pasar Siti Khadijah), where many goods are sold. Most of the sellers are women. Next to Central Market is Kota Bharu Trade Center(KBTC) which is the largest mall in Kota Bharu. These two buildings are connected by an overpass on the second floor. Other shopping centers in Kota Bharu are KB Mall, Pelangi Mall, Kota Seri Mutiara, and others.
[edit] References
[edit] Gallery
 The Clocktower in Kota Bharu |
 Jalan Temenggong, Kota Bharu |
 Sultan Ismail Petra Arch, Kota Bharu |
[edit] External links
 |
Kelantan Darul Naim |  |
|---|---|---|
| Districts: Kota Bharu | Pasir Mas | Tumpat | Pasir Puteh | Bachok | Kuala Krai | Machang | Tanah Merah | Jeli | Gua Musang | ||
| Towns: Bachok | Dabong | Gua Musang | Jeli | Kota Bharu | Kuala Krai | Machang | Pasir Mas | Pasir Puteh | Pengkalan Chepa | Pengkalan Kubur | Perupok | Rantau Panjang | Tanah Merah | Tumpat | ||
 |
This Malaysian location article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
