Kotabharu translated as New Fort, is on the east of coast of the Malaysia peninsula and acts as Kelantan’s state capital. It is often ignored by tourists despite Kotabharu’s interesting history and unique modern style. With its interesting history this is a big mistake.   

Early Kotabharu History

Kotabharu was established in 1844 by the Sultan Muhammad II of Kelantan who wanted a new state capital built in his honour. Built to match the Islamic architectural style of the time, the city is unique as many of the historical buildings still exist and have been well maintained by the city and state government.   

The relative peacefulness of the 19th century allowed the Malay city to grow and attracted immigrants from China wishing to trade or avoid wars and rebellion in their own country. The growing Chinese community attracted other Chinese who had lived in Malaysia for several centuries. Their influence can be seen today in the numerous Chinese communities that live and work in Kotabharu.

In 1909 the British gained control of all of Malaysia after signing the Anglo-Siamese Treaty. The relatively benign British rule didn’t affect the historical city of Kotabharu until WW2.

Kotabharu History: WW2 to 1968

On December 8, 1941, the Japanese made Kotabharu the first landing zone of the Malayan campaign. Taken relatively quickly it acted as an airbase for the Japanese air force as they fought the British in Malaysia and Singapore. Sunken Japanese boats from the war act as tourist sites for experienced divers.

In 1948 after the war Kotabharu and the state of Kelantan joined the Federation of Malaya as a semi-independent British colony. At that time the city started to become more religiously conservative. When Malaysia achieved independence in 1968 after being delayed due to a Communist revolution, Kotabharu was recognized as being a strict Islamic enclave.   

Modern Kotabharu History

When the Sultan Yahya Petra died of a heart attack in 1979, his body was moved to Kotabharu and buried in the Langgar Royal Mausoleum. The Mausoleum is a special cemetery for the aristocracy of Malaysia and most of the Malay royalty is buried in its grounds.

As time went on the city of Kotabharu became less conservative, loosening some of the religious rules that it had previously enforced. But it is still very conservative when compared to many of its neighbours and has earned a special distinction because of it. Kotabharu was declared ‘The Islamic City” in 2005 due to the observation of Islamic principles.

Contributor Daniel Clarke