Kedah
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| Kedah | |
|---|---|
| Name | Kedah |
| Settlement type | State of Malaysia |
| Coordinates | 6, 07, 42, N... |
| Seat | Alor Setar |
| Government type | Parliamentary constitutional monarchy |
| Leader title | Sultan |
| Leader name | Sultan Sallehuddin |
| Leader title1 | Menteri Besar |
| Leader name1 | Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor |
| Area total km2 | 9,500 |
| Population total | 2,131,400 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Demographics type1 | Human Development Index |
| Demographics1 title1 | HDI (2019) |
| Demographics1 info1 | 0.803 very high |
| Postal code type | Postal code |
| Postal code | 02xxx to 09xxx |
| Area code | 04 |
| Website | www.kedah.gov.my |
Kedah, known historically as the "Rice Bowl of Malaysia," is a state in the northwestern part of Peninsular Malaysia. It borders Thailand to the north and northeast and the Strait of Malacca to the west, with its capital at Alor Setar. The state has a rich history dating back to ancient kingdoms and is a constitutional monarchy under the Kedah Sultanate, one of the oldest continuous royal institutions in the world.
History
The region's early history is evidenced by archaeological finds at the Bujang Valley, which reveal a significant Hindu-Buddhist trading kingdom influenced by the Srivijaya Empire and later the Majapahit Empire. By the 15th century, the Kedah Sultanate was established, and it later became a tributary state to the Ayutthaya Kingdom and the Siamese kingdoms. In the 18th century, the Sultan of Kedah leased Penang to the British East India Company, leading to increasing British influence, formalized by the Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 which transferred sovereignty to British Malaya. During the Second World War, it was occupied by the Imperial Japanese Army and was a focal point during the Malayan Emergency. Kedah became part of the Federation of Malaya in 1948 and a founding state of modern Malaysia in 1963.
Geography
Kedah features a diverse landscape, with the flat, fertile Kedah Plain dominating the central and coastal regions, ideal for extensive paddy field cultivation. The state's eastern border is marked by the mountainous Titiwangsa Range, which includes peaks like Gunung Jerai, a historically important navigational landmark. Its western coastline along the Strait of Malacca includes the tourist island of Langkawi, an archipelago of 99 islands designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark. Major river systems include the Muda River and the Kedah River, which are crucial for irrigation and form a natural border with neighboring Penang.
Demographics
The population is predominantly Malay, with significant minorities of Chinese, Indian, and Siamese communities. Islam is the official religion, practiced by the majority, while Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity are observed by other ethnic groups. The main linguistic medium is the Kedah Malay dialect, with Standard Malay, Mandarin Chinese, Tamil, and English also widely used. Key urban centers, besides Alor Setar, include Sungai Petani, Kulim, and Langkawi.
Economy
The economy is historically anchored by agriculture, particularly the large-scale production of rice in the Muda Agricultural Development Authority scheme area. It is a major national producer of rubber and palm oil, with significant plantations and processing facilities. The Kulim Hi-Tech Park is a cornerstone of modern industrial development, hosting multinational corporations like Intel and Infineon Technologies. Tourism is a rapidly growing sector, centered on the beaches, geopark, and duty-free status of Langkawi, alongside cultural heritage sites in Alor Setar and the Bujang Valley.
Culture
Traditional culture is deeply rooted in Malay culture, expressed through art forms like Mak Yong theater, Silat martial arts, and the distinctive sounds of the Gamelan and Rebana Ubi drums. The state celebrates unique festivals such as the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition and the Pesta Menuai harvest festival. Culinary specialties are renowned, including Nasi Kandar, Laksa Kedah, and various kuih traditional cakes. Architectural heritage is visible in landmarks like the Zahir Mosque in Alor Setar and the Alor Setar Tower.
Government and politics
Kedah is a constitutional monarchy, with the Sultan of Kedah as the head of state. The state government is led by a Menteri Besar, currently Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor from the Perikatan Nasional coalition. The legislature is the unicameral Kedah State Legislative Assembly, which convenes at the State Secretariat Building in Alor Setar. The state is represented in the Dewan Rakyat of the Parliament of Malaysia through several parliamentary constituencies. Key administrative districts include Kota Setar, Kuala Muda, and Kubang Pasu.