Kelantan

The cross-border gateway to southern Thailand and Indochina

Projected to grow to RM46 billion by 2030. RM1.12 billion realised investments as of September 2025 (manufacturing-led).

GDP (2025)

RM29.8B

Real growth

4.1%

Approved 2021–2025

RM8.1B

Working age

1.25M

#3 fastest-growing manufacturing sector in Malaysia#7 largest agricultural economy in Malaysia

Economy by Sector

Share of Kelantan's GDP, with real growth against 2024.

Services71.9%+4.0%
Agriculture19.8%+3.6%
Manufacturing4.7%+9.3%
Construction2.0%+8.3%
Mining & Quarrying1.5%-1.8%

Largest sector

Services

71.9% of GDP

Fastest growing

Manufacturing

+9.3% in 2025

Approved Investment

2021–2025, all economic sectors. Administration in office since 1990.

0.4

2021

2.8

2022

1.2

2023

2.2

2024

1.6

2025

Total approvedRM8.1B

MIDA Investment Performance Reports. Figures are investment approved in each year, not received — projects typically take 18–24 months to reach full operation. This administration took office in 1990, so the series covers only part of its tenure.

Places to Invest

Cross-border gateway: proximity to southern Thailand and Indochina.
ECRL northern terminus: Kota Bharu connects the east coast to the Klang Valley.
Palekbang–Kota Bharu Bridge: transformative connectivity project.
Agro-industry: dairy goat industry and Tok Bali Integrated Fisheries Park.

Strategic Narrative

ECER Master Plan (RMK-13) four pillars: Food Basket, Destination Creation, Manufacturing, Marine Industry.

Tourism, logistics and agro-based transformation.

Investment Agencies

ECERDCKelantan State Economic Planning Unit (UPEN Kelantan)PKPNK

Enquire About Investment

1.93 million

Population

15,099 sq km

Land Area

Districts

97.6%

Citizens

Logistics Network

Airports

Sultan Ismail Petra Airport, Pengkalan Chepa

Railways

Shuttle Timuran: Gemas – Kuala Lipis – Tumpat
Ekspress Rakyat Timuran: JB Sentral – Gemas – Tumpat
KTMB Network: Gua Musang, Dabong, Tanah Merah, Pasir Mas, Wakaf Bharu, Tumpat

Highways

Kota Bharu – Kuala Krai Highway (KBKKE): 71.4 km
Central Spine Road (CSR) Highway: 306.8 km
Federal Road 8: Kota Bharu – Kuala Krai – Gua Musang – Pahang (402.7 km)
Federal Road 3: Kota Bharu – Terengganu – Pahang – Johor Bahru (739.06 km)

Ports

Tok Bali Supply Base (TBSB)

Industrial Parks & Zones

Tunjong New Township Masterplan

2,000 acres

Target industries: Residential, commercial, hospitality, convention centre

Tok Bali Industrial Park

200 acres

Target industries: Construction, building materials, edible oil, metal fabrication, value-added assembly

Pasir Mas Halal Park Industrial Area

108 acres

Target industries: Pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, non-food consumer goods, F&B, warehousing, distribution and logistics