“I didn’t say flood…” – Kelantan Exco Responds to Backlash Over Plans to Turn Flood into Tourist Attraction

Last week, Kelantan Exco, Datuk Kamarudin Md Noor said the flood situation in the state could be turned into a tourist attraction, especially when the state has been “quiet” for a long time.

Kamarudin’s take on using the flood situation for tourism did not sit well with many Malaysians, who felt that he was not taking the issue seriously. Kamarudin has since clarified that his message was taken out of context.

“I didn’t say flood, I meant…”

In an interview, Kamarudin said that he didn’t mention flood as a tool to promote tourism but he meant the monsoon season.

He emphasized that floods do not necessarily happen during the monsoon season, as there were also years when the state was free from disaster.

Kamarudin explained that the number of tourists coming to Kelantan decreases during the Northeast Monsoon season, and activities are very limited, which could have an economic impact on the local community.

“I think it’s important to find ways to ensure that visitors and tourists continue to come, even during the rainy season, for the survival of some businesses that rely on customer numbers.”

Monsoon Food Festival

Kamarudin suggested a Monsoon Food Festival, which will mainly feature a variety of freshwater fish dishes and traditional snacks made from various types of tubers and rice. Earlier, he also suggested surfing as one of the activities for the youth and said monsoon season is the perfect time for the activities as bigger waves only occur during the monsoon season.

Also read: PM Says No Emergency Declaration Needed for Floods Across Country, Announces RM75 mil Aid