Malaysia’s Smallest State and the Northern Gateway to Thailand
Perlis — officially Perlis Indera Kayangan — is Malaysia’s smallest state but rich in culture, agriculture, natural landscapes, and cross-border heritage. Known for its peaceful rural life, limestone hills, paddy fields, and border trade, Perlis is a unique northern jewel of Malaysia.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Perlis has centuries-old roots shaped by Siamese rule, Kedah sultanates, and the formation of modern Malaysia.
Key Historical Timeline:
| Year/Period | Major Event |
|---|---|
| Pre-15th century | Early settlements influenced by Kedah & Siam |
| 1821 | Siamese control after Kedah invasion |
| 1843 | Perlis established as a separate polity under Siam |
| 1909 | Anglo-Siam Treaty transfers Perlis to British protectorate |
| 1941–1945 | Japanese occupation |
| 1948 | Joins Federation of Malaya |
| 1957 | Independence of Malaya |
| 1963 | State of Malaysia |
Perlis’s history is closely tied to the cultural mix of Malay, Thai, and Kedah influences.
🧭 Basic State Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Perlis Indera Kayangan |
| Capital | Kangar |
| Royal Capital | Arau |
| Largest Towns | Kangar, Arau, Kuala Perlis |
| Raja (Ruler) 2025 | Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail |
| Chief Minister | Mohd Shukri Ramli |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~270,000 (Malaysia’s smallest population) |
| Area | 821 sq km (Malaysia’s smallest state) |
| Time Zone | UTC +8 |
| Main Languages | Malay, Perlis Malay dialect, Thai, English |
| ISO Code | MY-09 |
⚖️ Government & Administration
| Position | Officeholder (2025) |
|---|---|
| Raja of Perlis | Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin |
| Menteri Besar | Mohd Shukri Ramli |
| State Legislature | Perlis State Assembly |
| Local Councils | Majlis Perbandaran Kangar |
Perlis is one of Malaysia’s three states with a hereditary Raja instead of a Sultan.
🗺️ Administrative Districts of Perlis
Perlis is small and therefore does not have multiple large districts. Instead, it is divided into:
1 Municipal Council: Kangar
Several mukims: including Arau, Kuala Perlis, Beseri, Chuping, Padang Besar, etc.
Arau is the royal town, while Kuala Perlis is the port gateway to Langkawi.
🌐 Geography & Environment
Region: Northernmost Peninsular Malaysia
Borders: Thailand (Satun), Kedah
Coastline: Kuala Perlis → Langkawi ferry routes
Natural Features:
Bukit Keteri limestone hills
Wang Kelian State Park
Tasik Melati wetlands
Chuping sugarcane & limestone plains
Paddy fields across Kangar & Arau
Climate: Tropical monsoon
Perlis is known for scenic rural landscapes, caves, farming areas, and limestone monoliths.
🏘️ Local Government Structure
The entire state is administered primarily by:
Majlis Perbandaran Kangar (MPK)
It oversees business licensing, markets, cleanliness, housing, tourism, and infrastructure.
🧩 State Development & Priorities
Perlis focuses on:
Agriculture (rice, mango, sugarcane)
Cross-border trade with Thailand
Rural modernization
Tourism (nature, caves, heritage)
Higher education expansion (UniMAP)
Perlis balances rural charm with steady economic progress.
🛡️ Law Enforcement & Safety
| Agency | Function |
|---|---|
| PDRM Perlis | State policing |
| Border Enforcement | Padang Besar & Wang Kelian border security |
| Immigration | Foreign worker & visitor management |
| Wildlife Rangers | Nature reserve protection |
Border safety and immigration enforcement are key priorities.
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religions | Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity |
| Cultural Mix | Malay, Siamese Thai, Chinese, Indian |
| Languages | Malay, Thai (border areas), English |
| Traditions | Perlis Malay dialect, Thai cultural influences |
Perlis has a harmonious blend of Malay and Thai northern culture.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Rice, sugarcane, fruits (Harum Manis mango) |
| Trade | Border commerce at Padang Besar |
| Tourism | Nature, caves, ferry transport |
| Fisheries | Kuala Perlis jetty area |
| Education | UniMAP, Islamic institutions |
Harum Manis mango is Perlis’s most famous agricultural product.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Universities | UniMAP (Universiti Malaysia Perlis) |
| Colleges | Politeknik Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin |
| Hospitals | Hospital Tuanku Fauziah (HTF) |
Perlis is known for engineering education through UniMAP.
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Port | Kuala Perlis Jetty (Gateway to Langkawi) |
| Roads | North–South Expressway access |
| Rail | ETS/KTM via Padang Besar (Malaysia–Thailand link) |
| Border | Padang Besar Integrated Checkpoint |
Perlis is a critical link between Malaysia & Thailand.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top Attractions:
Kuala Perlis Jetty
Wang Kelian Viewpoint
Tasik Melati
Bukit Keteri
Perlis State Park
Snake & Reptile Farm
Masjid Al-Hussain (Floating Mosque of Perlis)
Natural landscapes and peaceful villages make Perlis a charming travel destination.
🌍 Global Role & Relations
Key Malaysia–Thailand entry point
Regional tourism hub (Langkawi route)
Cross-border commercial cooperation
📝 Summary
Perlis may be Malaysia’s smallest state, but it is rich in identity, agriculture, natural landscapes, and border culture. With peaceful towns, limestone hills, and strong educational institutions, Perlis offers a unique blend of simplicity and growth.
📢 News & Articles
“Harum Manis Mango: Malaysia’s Premium Fruit”
“Padang Besar Border Trade Boom”
“Perlis Eco-Tourism Growth”
🎯 Our Mission
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