KELANTAN RIVER ECHOES IN SOLIDARITY AS 1,000-BOAT CONVOY SHOWS SUPPORT FOR GAZA

KOTA BHARU, Oct 10 (Bernama) -- The Kelantan River today bore witness to a powerful show of solidarity as 1,000 boats took part in a convoy to show support for the people of Palestine, especially in Gaza.

The convoy, named ‘500 Pelayaran Bot Solidariti Kelantan untuk Gaza’ (500-Boat Kelantan Solidarity Voyage for Gaza), made its own mark in history when participation exceeded the original target, reflecting the deep concern of the Kelantanese people for their fellow Muslims in the conflict-torn land.

Convoy coordinator Mohd Nazaruddin Abu Bakar said the overwhelming response reflected the unity of the Kelantan people in expressing solidarity with the Palestinian struggle.

“Initially, we only targeted 500 boats, but the response was truly extraordinary, with more than 1,000 boats joining in. The participants were members of fishing associations from Tumpat, Kota Bharu, Bachok, and Kuala Besut, who came voluntarily to show their support for the people of Palestine,” he told reporters here.

He said more than 700 boats were officially registered, but many other boat owners joined the symbolic convoy without registration to be part of the movement.

According to Mohd Nazaruddin, more than 10,000 participants joined the event, which he described not merely as a river convoy but as a symbol of compassion and the collective voice condemning the injustice in Gaza.

“We travelled about eight kilometres along the Kelantan River towards Lembah Sireh, near the Sultan Yahya Petra Bridge. The most moving moment was seeing people along the riverbanks waving, cheering, and raising Palestinian flags in support.

“This gathering along the Kelantan River also sends a clear message to the world that Malaysians stand firmly with the Palestinian struggle. It symbolises the courage of international humanitarian activists who have used sea routes to break Israel’s blockade and deliver aid to Gaza,” he said.

He added that the convoy was accompanied by various agencies and security personnel to ensure the smooth flow and safety of participants throughout the programme.

Meanwhile, one of the participants, Baharom Che Ishak, 45, said he joined the convoy despite having to cover his own expenses because he wanted to show his support for the people of Gaza.

“If given the chance, I would go to Gaza myself, but since that’s not possible, joining this programme is already deeply meaningful to me. It’s a small gesture of support for those fighting to defend their homeland and the dignity of Islam.

“I also feel proud to see thousands of Kelantanese uniting regardless of background for Palestine,” he said.

The two-and-a-half-hour programme also saw participation from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and local communities, with participants waving Malaysian and Palestinian flags throughout the convoy.

-- BERNAMA