Kelantan is often praised for its laidback lifestyle, affordable food and strong kampung atmosphere.
However, one Malaysian’s claim that the state is the “safest” in the country has sparked a debate online, with several Kelantan residents themselves saying the reality may not be quite so simple.
Says children can play freely and RM50 is enough to survive
In a Threads post that garnered over 52,000 views, a Malaysian shared why she personally felt Kelantan was among the safest and most liveable places in the country.
According to her, children could still play freely outside their homes while residents generally had more space to grow plants and keep animals.
She also described the kampung lifestyle, where neighbours could gather outside in the evenings, enjoy local snacks and ride motorcycles around the village surrounded by paddy fields, rivers, hills and forests.
She added that living expenses could also be relatively low.
With RM50, you can still survive if you’re not someone who wants a luxurious lifestyle. This is Kelantan. This is my experience.”
Kelantan residents say safety concerns still exist
While the post received thousands of likes, not everyone agreed with the claim that Kelantan was the safest state.
One commenter who said she lives in Pasir Mas claimed there had been kidnapping cases and expressed concern over drug related issues in her area.
Another questioned the statement by pointing to alleged cases of drug abuse and snatch theft.
The original poster then responded by saying such social problems could happen anywhere.
Other users were more sceptical.
One commenter who identified herself as being from Kelantan said she agreed that food was cheap and that residents had space to grow plants and keep animals, but disagreed with some of the other points raised.
Another user claimed that break ins were still a concern in certain areas, adding that she regularly locked her doors and grille at home for safety.
“Nowhere is completely safe. There will always be problems,” she wrote, although she agreed that surviving on a smaller budget in Kelantan could be easier compared to other states.
Another commenter jokingly asked whether the description referred to present day Kelantan or “the old days”.
Others still enjoy living there
Not all responses were negative.
One person who said they had studied in Kelantan praised the state for its affordable and tasty food, as well as the friendliness of the people they met.
The discussion ultimately showed how experiences can vary greatly even among people living in the same state.
While some Malaysians associate Kelantan with a peaceful and affordable kampung lifestyle, others believe calling it the country’s “safest state” may be a stretch.
