Kelantan

State in northeastern Peninsular Malaysia; capital Kota Bharu; area 14,900 sq km/5,751 sq mi; population (2000 est) 1,289,200. Most of the state lies in the Kalentan river basin, which has a navigable channel leading 130 km/80 mi inland from the port of Tumpat on the South China Sea. The delta of the Kalentan River and the coastal plains are agriculturally rich, producing coconuts, rice, and rubber. Large-scale plantation agriculture has developed in the hill country in the interior of the state, producing rubber and palm oil. Minerals worked in the state include iron ore, manganese, and tin, and industries include sawmilling, boat building, and the manufacture of plywood. Kelantan was transferred by Siam (Thailand) to Britain in 1909, and until 1948 was one of the Unfederated Malay States.