A member of Parliament in Golok, Thailand, said that the place used to be quiet but is now filled with the presence of Malaysians, particularly those from Kelantan, due to its close distance.
The MP, Amin Mat Yusof, said that most of them are there for cheap entertainment.
“People come here to have fun, relax, and enjoy the night. Not everyone who comes here is involved in negative activities such as drug abuse.”
Amin said that has always been the case, but the recent arrest of a Kelantanese singer and 5 other people with drugs found on them have made the location gain some attention online.
About 6,000 Yaba pills were seized with them.
Amin, who is also the MP for Takbai district, insisted that if drugs are found in any premises, their operating license will be suspended for five years.
Amin also said that some Malaysians simply came to Golok just to dine and said that even if they are going to unwind and have fun, it does not necessarily mean they are engaged in illegal activities, including drug use.
“Don’t judge Golok’s entertainment industry based only on these isolated cases. If the entire industry is punished for this case alone, it can affect the local economy.”
He added that around 40 entertainment venues in Golok town have been “revived” by the crowds of Malaysian visitors, especially over the weekends, and most will choose the nightclubs operating in hotels.
A report by the New Straits Times said that many young people, mostly from Kelantan, come to these entertainment outlets in Golok as early as 8 PM.
If you have been to the area before, what do you think of it?