Flood Tourism is Real: Flooded Kelantan Street Turns into a ‘Festival’ as Crowds Gather & Food Stalls Open

A few days ago, it was reported that Kelantan’s Tourism, Culture, Arts, and Heritage Committee Chairman Datuk Kamarudin Md Noor allegedly said Kelantan is considering turning the flood situation there into a tourist attraction.

Following backlash in regards to this, he shared that his initial statement was taken out of context as he didn’t mean that the floods would be used as a tourist attraction, but that the monsoon season should be utilised to ensure a constant flow of tourism.

Now, it appears that the floods are attracting people! 

BERNAMA TV took to its X page to showcase how a flooded street in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, has turned festive as many people have come down to ‘check out’ the floods, leading vendors to open food and drink stalls in and around floodwaters to accommodate them.

They wrote, “The street near Tambatan D’Raja in Kota Bharu has turned into a ‘festival’ as local residents are conducting business (opening stalls) to serve the public who have come to see the current state of the Kelantan River.”

In the video showcased, rows of stalls can be seen on dry land and at the edge of floodwaters to cater to the crowds of people wading through the floodwaters while taking pictures.

BERNAMA TV also recalled that the Kelantan authorities had discouraged this behaviour due to safety reasons.

“Previously, Kelantan Police Chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat had reminded the public to prioritise their safety and not turn this flood disaster into a ‘party’,” they added.

You can check out their video here:

What do you think about this? Do feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.

Also read: UMNO Volunteers Allegedly Stopped from Distributing Aid at Kelantan PPS Due to Party Logo on Their Shirts