A survey showed that from the checkpoints, the Thai visitors either boarded rented vans or used public transportation to reach their destinations across the state. Most of the Thai visitors travelled with their families, while others came with friends, turning the short cross-border journey into a festive holiday outing. Many were seen heading to shopping complexes throughout Kelantan, especially in Kota Baru. Popular shopping destinations among Thai visitors included Aeon Mall and KB Mall, which were favoured for their wide variety of products and reasonable prices. Tourism Malaysia corporate communications division senior deputy director Chan Hon Mun said it has been a tradition for Thai visitors to shop at Malaysia's popular shopping complexes during long holidays, especially at Kelantan's shopping complexes.

Source: New Strait Times January 01, 2026 07:18 UTC