Perlis
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| Perlis | |
|---|---|
| Name | Perlis |
| Native name | ڤرليس (Jawi) |
| Settlement type | State |
| Coordinates | 6, 30, N, 100... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | Malaysia |
| Established title | Siamese sovereignty |
| Established date | 1821 |
| Established title2 | British protectorate |
| Established date2 | 1909 |
| Established title3 | Japanese occupation |
| Established date3 | 1942–1945 |
| Established title4 | Accession into the Federation of Malaya |
| Established date4 | 1948 |
| Seat type | Capital |
| Seat | Kangar |
| Seat1 type | Royal capital |
| Seat1 | Arau |
| Government type | Parliamentary constitutional monarchy |
| Leader title | Raja |
| Leader name | Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin |
| Leader title1 | Menteri Besar |
| Leader name1 | Mohd Shukri Ramli |
| Area total km2 | 821 |
| Population estimate | 284,885 |
| Population estimate year | 2020 |
Perlis. Officially known as Perlis Indera Kayangan, it is the smallest state in Malaysia by both area and population. Located on the northwestern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, it shares a border with the Thai province of Satun to the north and is bounded by the state of Kedah to the south. The state's capital is Kangar, while the royal town is Arau, and its primary economic activities historically revolve around agriculture, particularly sugarcane and rice cultivation.
History
The region was historically part of the Kedah Sultanate before coming under Siamese control in the early 19th century following the Kedah Blockade. In 1842, the Siamese appointed Syed Hussain Jamalullail as the first Raja of a separate Perlis, establishing the Jamalullail dynasty which continues to rule. Perlis became a British protectorate in 1909 under the terms of the Anglo-Siamese Treaty, which transferred sovereignty from Siam to Great Britain. During the Second World War, it was occupied by the Imperial Japanese Army along with the rest of Malaya. After the war, it became part of the short-lived Malayan Union before joining the Federation of Malaya in 1948, subsequently gaining independence within Malaysia in 1957.
Geography
Perlis features a relatively flat coastal plain rising to the hilly Nakawan Range along its border with Thailand. The state is drained by the Perlis River and its tributaries, which feed into the extensive paddy field systems. Notable natural features include the Perlis State Park, which encompasses the Mata Ayer Forest Reserve and the unique limestone karst formations and caves of the Nakawan Range, such as Gua Kelam. The Timah Tasoh Dam creates the state's largest reservoir, providing water for irrigation and domestic use. Its coastline along the Strait of Malacca is relatively short and lined with mangrove forests.
Government and politics
Perlis is a constitutional monarchy, with the Raja as the hereditary head of state; the current monarch is Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin, who also served as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia from 2001 to 2006. The state government is led by a Menteri Besar appointed from the majority party in the Perlis State Legislative Assembly. The state has consistently been a stronghold for the Barisan Nasional coalition, particularly the United Malays National Organisation. Perlis sends three representatives to the Dewan Rakyat in the Parliament of Malaysia.
Economy
The economy is predominantly agricultural, with the Kangar and Arau districts being major centers for rice production, contributing to the national Muda Agricultural Development Authority granary area. Sugarcane cultivation and processing at the Chuping sugar mill, operated by MSM Malaysia, is a significant industry. Other important crops include rubber, mangoes, and watermelons. The state also promotes ecotourism, focusing on attractions like the Perlis State Park, Gua Kelam, and the Snake Temple at Sungai Batu Pahat. Small-scale manufacturing and quarrying of limestone and marble are present.
Demographics
As of 2020, the population is predominantly Malay, with significant minorities of Chinese, Indians, and Siamese. Islam is the official religion, but Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity are practiced by minority communities. The main population centers are Kangar, Arau, and Kuala Perlis, which is the main ferry port for connections to Langkawi. The Universiti Malaysia Perlis is a major higher education institution in Kangar.
Culture
The culture reflects its Malay majority and historical Siamese influences, evident in traditional architecture, cuisine, and festivals. Distinctive local dishes include Ikan Bakar and Laksa Perlis. The state celebrates its royal heritage through ceremonies centered on the Arau Palace. Traditional Malay arts such as Dikir Barat and Wayang Kulit are performed, and the annual Perlis Tourism Festival showcases local culture. The Siamese community in places like Kampung Wang Kelian observes festivals such as Songkran.