SUNGAI GOLOK: Around 40 entertainment venues in Golok town have been "revived" by the influx of Malaysian visitors, especially over the weekends, most of whom are reportedly from Kelantan.
Three of these registered entertainment venues operate in hotels, while the rest are located in shophouses in the border town.
The member of parliament for Narathiwat's Golok and Takbai district, Amin Mat Yusof said many Malaysians prefer the nightclubs operating in hotels for their comfort and facilities.
"There are many entertainment establishments here, which is why Golok is attractive to people from Kelantan. We acknowledge that many come here primarily to have fun and unwind," he said.
"However, some also come just to dine. Going out to enjoy entertainment does not necessarily mean they are engaging in illegal activities like drug use. They come simply to have a good time."
On Thursday night, local authorities carried out a joint operation targeting registered entertainment venues and nightclubs following the arrest of six Malaysians and the seizure of 6,000 yaba pills last Friday.
"This operation is to remind all venue owners not to allow drug abuse activities in their nightclubs," Amin explained.
"We have also warned them if drugs are found, their operating licence will be suspended for five years."
He added that it was important not to judge the entire industry based on the actions of a few individuals, as it could harm the local economy.
"The issue of Malaysian arrests isn't new, but this time it's gotten more attention because one of those arrested is a singer," he added.
Since the operation, there has been a noticeable decrease in the number of patrons at nightclubs in the area, with some even having to queue to enter.
A recent survey found that many young people, mostly from Kelantan based on their dialect, come to these entertainment centres as early as 8pm.
Before the arrest of the six Malaysians, some nightclubs had to implement a rotating entry system due to the high volume of visitors and limited space.
However, there are now fewer customers waiting in line to enter the clubs.
One worker at a nightclub in a hotel mentioned that the recent joint operation by Thai authorities had caused a noticeable drop in the number of visitors.
The significantly cheaper cost of nightlife entertainment in Golok has become a major draw for many Malaysians, especially on weekends.
The entry fee for nightclubs operating in hotels in this border town ranges from RM33 to RM45 from Thursday to Saturday but the fee is cheaper on weekdays.
A visitor from Kelantan, only identified as Ibrahim, 26, said many Malaysians who visit Golok for entertainment also stay overnight due to the affordable hotel rates, which range from RM50 to RM80 per night.
Ibrahim said many come to Golok for entertainment because it was not available in Kelantan.
"Some people come just to drink and enjoy the nightclub atmosphere. I come often, but I don't come to get high," he added, explaining that not all visitors come to indulge in drugs.
On Nov 1, local police arrested six Malaysians, including a female dikir barat singer, and seized 6,000 yaba pills during a raid at a hotel in Golok.
Sungai Golok police chief, Pol Col Jadsadavit Inprapan said the amount of yaba pills seized meant it was unlikely that they were for personal consumption.
The investigation of the six suspects is ongoing, and they have been sent to Narathiwat prison after the Narathiwat court authorised their detention for up to 84 days from the date of their arrest.