For many Malaysians who leave their hometowns to study or work elsewhere, moving back home after years of city life can feel like a huge change.
One Malaysian woman recently shared her experience of returning to Kelantan after spending a long time in Kuala Lumpur, revealing that even her own family initially questioned her decision.
Family thought she would return to KL
According to the woman, some of her family members were doubtful when she told them she planned to move back to Kelantan this year.
When I told my family that I wanted to return to Kelantan this year, some of them looked unconvinced. They asked if I was really sure about the decision.”
She said they believed there was “nothing” to do in Kelantan and worried that she would find life there boring after becoming accustomed to living in the city.
They even predicted that she would eventually make her way back to Kuala Lumpur.
However, after settling down in Kelantan, she said the reality was different from what they had imagined.
“I’m here now and the situation is actually different from what they thought. I can see changes happening slowly.”
Says more Kelantan locals are building their own businesses
One of the biggest changes she noticed was how locals were finding new ways to earn a living instead of relying solely on conventional jobs.
She said she had come across people starting their own businesses, producing handmade goods and creating their own communities.
Many people here work for themselves and create things with their own hands. They don’t want to remain corporate slaves forever. Many have started businesses.”
She also pointed to the growing number of coffee shops, unique restaurants, creative spaces, art and music activities in the state.
According to her, many Kelantanese she met were willing to experiment with new ideas and build something of their own.
It goes against the perception that there’s ‘nothing’ to do in Kelantan. A lot of things are growing, but people don’t see it because they’re still stuck with the old image.”
Others share similar experiences
Her experience also prompted several people to share their own stories of relocating to Kelantan.
One individual said they had been living in Kelantan for 14 years after moving from Subang Jaya to Kota Bharu and had been doing well so far.
Another person, who moved there during the Covid 19 pandemic, said they had encountered many creative entrepreneurs in the state.
Meanwhile, another individual said they had spent more than 20 years studying and working outside Kelantan before finally returning home five months ago.
While moving from a major city back to one’s hometown may come with doubts, the woman’s experience suggests that life back home may look very different from the perceptions people have carried for years.
M’sian Says Kelantan Is The Safest State & You Can Survive With Just RM50
