Urban centres of the East Coast are to be re-energised into vibrant tourism magnets – equipped with modern comforts, while maintaining its age-old charm and cultural identity.

In Terengganu, the development of the Kuala Terengganu City Centre (KTCC), themed Waterfront Heritage City is expected to turn the area around the Terengganu river mouth into a world class holiday and “meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibition” (MICE) destination. Strategically located, it is expected to evolve into an attractive maritime vacation resort city, with yachting facilities, marina, cruise terminals.

In Kelantan, the development of the Kota Bharu City Centre (KBCC) is expected to transform a waterfront district across the river into an attractive retail and leisure development with modern amenities. KBCC will host hotels, shopping malls, a Convention Centre, a Main Square and a Grand Bazaar.

Through this urban development initiative, much opportunity lie in the development of high-end as well as budget accommodations, food and beverage outlets with a local or foreign theme, as well as better organised retail outlets for marketing local handicrafts and delicacies.