This is Kota Bharu

On 1 October 2005, Kota Bharu was declared Kota Bharu, The Islamic City. This title is given to the city which observes Islamic principles in every aspect of daily life. The Azan (prayer call), can be heard everywhere, even in shopping malls. All activities in the city must be stopped for a while to respect the Azan.

One of the most significant Islamic influences is the prevalence of Jawi script (a modified form of Arabic script in writing the Malay language) in the names of streets, shops, signboards and restaurants. A unique thing as compared to other states in Malaysia is that even the signboards of the local Chinese premises bear the Jawi script besides the Chinese character and the compulsory Roman script.

Social activities that do not contradict with the Islamic norm are allowed. Government offices and many stores are closed on Fridays and Saturdays, but the vibrant markets remain open except for Islamic prayer times.

The Kelantan state government under PAS, a conservative Islamic party has implemented some Islamic laws. These include switching on lights in cinemas during screening time until cinemas were closed down. and separate check-out counters in supermarkets for males and females and khalwat, the Islamic rule on proximity between males and females, which is applied only to Muslims.

The Kota Bharu Municipal Council, the local government authority, discourage the wearing of indecent attire by female employees in retail outlets and restaurants. Those who are caught for dressing indecently may be fined up to RM 500. The definition of indecent dressing include "body hugging outfits which show off the body, blouses which show the navel, see through blouses, mini-skirts and tight pants