KOTA BARU: The lack of entertainment options in the state has prompted many Malaysian men to spend their weekends in the border town of Sungai Golok.
Men from all walks of life visit the area via checkpoints or illegal routes, crossing the Golok River in less than five minutes.
One regular visitor to Sungai Golok, a self-employed man who wished to be known as Hafiz, shared his experience.
Hafiz, from Kota Baru, said he and his friends usually head to the border town on Thursday evenings.
"We usually go to the popular disco in a hotel there and spend about six or seven hours before heading home around midnight," he said.
"For young men like me and my friends, we need a night out to relieve work stress, but there's nowhere to go in Kelantan. We have no choice but to cross over to Sungai Golok frequently. My friends and I have been making these trips for the past three years," added the 42-year-old.
Hafiz said that Sungai Golok has a range of entertainment options.
Meanwhile, businessman Mr Choo said he visits the town twice a month.
"I live in Pasir Mas, about 25 km from the border, and whenever I have some free time, I go there to have drinks with my Thai friends. I also enjoy visiting the pubs and massage centres," said the 51-year-old.
He reminded fellow Malaysians visiting Sungai Golok for a night out to avoid trouble or conflicts with locals to prevent any incidents.
Choo's advice follows a recent incident where a member of the General Operations Force was attacked at a hotel in Sungai Golok.
Meanwhile, a recent survey of Sungai Golok town showed that discos and Thai massage centres, including those offering foot massages, continue to attract Malaysian customers.
They typically operate from 7pm until early the following morning.
Malaysian men were also seen leaving the border town before the gate closed at 10pm.