RANTAU PANJANG: The drying up of Sungai Golok due to the El Nino phenomenon has not necessarily spelt doom and gloom for the locals.
On the other hand, Malaysians are flocking in droves to the riverbank bordering Thailand to get a dose of 'dangdut' music every evening.
An enterprising Thai deejay has set up a music booth on the Thai side of the river. While Thai patrons get to enjoy the ambience, Malaysians across the river are taking the opportunity to 'listen in' while picnicking by the riverbank.
According to a villager, the deejay operates the entertainment outlet at Kampung Burin, opposite Kampung Bagus at the Malaysian side.
The music would begin at 4pm.
“He will play mostly dangdut songs as he believes both Thais and Malaysians would understand the lyrics. Of course, he also plays Thai songs," said the villager, who only wanted to be known as Ismadi.
Ismadi said the music would last until 7pm and would normally stop before Maghrib prayers.
"Besides enjoying the music, visitors can also buy Thai and local food as nearly 10 stalls have been set up by traders there," he said.