The Rice Bowl of Malaysia and One of the Oldest Malay Kingdoms
Kedah, officially known as Kedah Darul Aman, is one of Malaysia’s most historic and agriculturally important states. Known as the “Rice Bowl of Malaysia”, Kedah blends ancient civilization, Islamic heritage, and modern development.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Kedah is among the oldest recorded Malay kingdoms, with roots tracing back over 2,000 years.
Key Historical Timeline:
| Year/Period | Major Event |
|---|---|
| 1st century CE | Early settlements of Hindu–Buddhist influence |
| 630 | Kedah mentioned in Chinese historical records as “Kedaram” |
| 1136 | Establishment of the Kedah Sultanate |
| 1821 | Siamese invasion (Kingdom of Siam) |
| 1909 | Anglo-Siam Treaty places Kedah under British rule |
| 1942–1945 | Japanese occupation |
| 1948 | Joins Federation of Malaya |
| 1957 | Malaya gains independence |
| 1963 | Becomes a state of Malaysia |
Kedah’s ancient archaeological treasures, such as Lembah Bujang, make it a significant historical region in Southeast Asia.
🧭 Basic State Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Kedah Darul Aman |
| Capital | Alor Setar |
| Royal Capital | Anak Bukit |
| Largest Cities | Alor Setar, Sungai Petani, Kulim |
| Sultan (2025) | Sultan Sallehuddin ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah |
| Chief Minister (Menteri Besar) | Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~2.3 million |
| Area | 9,500 sq km |
| Time Zone | UTC +8 |
| Main Language | Malay (Kedahan dialect), English |
| ISO Code | MY-02 |
⚖️ Government & Administration
| Position | Officeholder (2025) |
|---|---|
| Sultan | Sultan Sallehuddin |
| Menteri Besar | Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor |
| State Legislature | Kedah State Assembly |
| Local Authorities | 12 municipal & district councils |
Kedah follows a constitutional monarchy, with strong Islamic administrative traditions.
🗺️ Administrative Districts of Kedah
Kedah has 12 districts, including island territories such as Langkawi.
| District | Administrative Centre |
|---|---|
| Kota Setar District | Alor Setar |
| Kuala Muda District | Sungai Petani |
| Kubang Pasu District | Jitra |
| Kulim District | Kulim |
| Baling District | Baling |
| Yan District | Yan |
| Sik District | Sik |
| Pendang District | Pendang |
| Padang Terap District | Kuala Nerang |
| Bandar Baharu District | Serdang |
| Langkawi District (island district) | Kuah |
| Pokok Sena District | Pokok Sena |
Langkawi is Kedah’s most famous island cluster and a world-renowned tourism destination.
🌐 Geography & Environment
Region: Northern Peninsular Malaysia
Borders: Perlis, Penang, Perak & Southern Thailand
Coastline: Facing Andaman Sea
Key Natural Features:
Langkawi Archipelago (99 islands)
Gunung Jerai (Mount Jerai)
Bujang Valley Archaeological Site
Merbok Mangrove Forest
Paddy fields (largest in Malaysia)
Climate: Tropical monsoon
Kedah’s landscape includes mountains, rice fields, rainforests, and beaches.
🏘️ Local Government Structure
Kedah’s development is managed through local councils such as:
Alor Setar City Council
Sungai Petani Municipal Council
Kulim Municipal Council
Langkawi Development Authority (LADA)
Local councils oversee business licensing, infrastructure, housing, sanitation, and tourism zones.
🧩 State Development & Priorities
Kedah focuses on:
Agriculture & paddy modernization
Langkawi tourism & eco-islands
Kedah Aerotropolis & Kulim High-Tech Park (industry hub)
Renewable energy & green economy
Cross-border trade with Thailand
Digital governance & rural development
Kedah is a rising industrial state with major opportunities in aviation, manufacturing, and tourism.
🛡️ Law Enforcement & Safety
| Agency | Function |
|---|---|
| PDRM Kedah | Police & state-level safety |
| Immigration Kedah | Border & visa security |
| Marine Police | Coastal & island patrol |
| LADA Enforcement | Langkawi tourism compliance |
Kedah maintains strong marine and border security due to proximity to Thailand and Langkawi tourism.
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religions | Islam (majority), Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity |
| Cultural Composition | Malay, Chinese, Indian, Siamese minority |
| Languages | Malay, Kedahan Malay, English |
| Traditional Arts | Wayang Kulit, Nobat, Zapin, Silat |
Kedah is rich in Islamic heritage, traditional arts, and northern Malay culture.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| Core Strength | Agriculture (largest rice producer in Malaysia) |
| Industries | Electronics, aerospace, services, tourism |
| Major Hubs | Kulim High-Tech Park, Langkawi Geopark |
| Agriculture | Paddy, fisheries, rubber, palm oil |
| Tourism | Langkawi, Ulu Muda Reserve, Bujang Valley |
Kedah’s economy is a combination of modern industry and agricultural dominance.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Universities | Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), KUIN, AIMST University |
| Colleges | Polytechnics & technical institutes |
| Major Hospitals | Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital, Langkawi Hospital |
Kedah is known for strong academic institutions and public healthcare coverage.
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Airports | Langkawi International Airport, Sultan Abdul Halim Airport |
| Highways | PLUS Highway (North–South) |
| Ports | Langkawi Ferry Terminals |
| Rail | KTM Arau–Alor Setar–Gurun line |
| Mega Projects | Kedah Aerotropolis, KHTP expansion |
Kedah is well-connected via land, sea, and air—especially for tourism.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top Destinations:
Langkawi Sky Bridge
Pantai Cenang
Mount Jerai
Bujang Valley Archaeological Museum
Alor Setar Tower
Masjid Zahir (one of Malaysia’s most beautiful mosques)
Kedah remains one of Malaysia’s top states for eco-tourism and island vacations.
🌍 Global Role & Relations
Strong tourism links with the Middle East, China, and Europe
Cross-border trade with Thailand
Langkawi as an international free-duty island
📝 Summary
Kedah is a historic, agricultural, and culturally rich Malaysian state—home to ancient kingdoms, iconic paddy fields, eco-tourism islands, and rapidly growing industrial zones. It plays a vital role in Malaysia’s food security, tourism, and economic balance.
📢 News & Articles
“Kedah Aerotropolis: The Future of Northern Malaysia”
“Langkawi: Malaysia’s Tourism Jewel”
“Bujang Valley: Southeast Asia’s Oldest Civilization Site”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, offering factual, educational, and globally accessible knowledge.