Kedah’s Southern Gateway of Peace, Agriculture, and Border Life
Bandar Baharu District, located in the southeastern tip of Kedah, Malaysia, is the southernmost district in the state. It borders Penang and Perak, serving as a quiet, agriculture-driven region that balances rural traditions with proximity to urban centers like Nibong Tebal and Bukit Mertajam.
Basic Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| District Name | Bandar Baharu District |
| State | Kedah |
| District Capital | Serdang |
| Area | Approx. 278 sq. km (one of the smallest in Kedah) |
| Population (2025 est.) | Approx. 60,000 |
| Parliamentary Seat | Shares Kulim–Bandar Baharu with Kulim District |
| Local Authority | Majlis Daerah Bandar Baharu (MDBB) |
Administrative Subdivisions (Mukim)
Bandar Baharu District consists of 6 mukims:
- Bagan Samak
- Permatang Pasir
- Relau
- Selama
- Serdang
- Sungai Batu
Key Towns and Villages
- Serdang: District capital with local governance and commercial areas
- Bagan Samak: Known for freshwater prawn restaurants and village tourism
- Permatang Pasir & Relau: Farming and traditional kampungs
- Sungai Batu & Selama: Border-side settlements with Perak and Penang access
Geography & Connectivity
- Borders Penang (Nibong Tebal) to the west and Perak (Selama) to the east
- Lies along the Kerian River, with fertile land for agriculture
- Acts as a southern entry point into Kedah from other states
Economy & Livelihood
- Agriculture-based economy:
- Rubber, oil palm, paddy fields, banana, and freshwater fish farming
- Agro-tourism is growing, especially in Bagan Samak
- Food & hospitality businesses for Penang-bound tourists
- SMEs: local food products, forest herbs, eco-farms
Education & Healthcare
- Primary and secondary schools in each mukim
- Government and Islamic religious schools
- Klinik Kesihatan Serdang and other rural health services
Transport & Accessibility
- Easily accessed via Federal Route 1 and roads from Bukit Mertajam, Nibong Tebal
- Nearest train station: Nibong Tebal (Penang)
- No airport—closest: Penang International Airport (~45 mins)
- Buses, private transport, and Grab (in nearby Penang area)
Tourism & Attractions
- Bagan Samak Village:
- Freshwater prawn restaurants and fish farms
- Homestays and kampung experience
- Ladang Forest Recreation Park
- Relau Waterfall & Natural Streams
- Cross-border access to Nibong Tebal Food Court & Pasar Malam
- Religious and cultural events in local surau, temples, and community halls
Culture & Food
- Mostly Malay population, with small Chinese and Indian communities
- Famous local dishes:
- Udang Galah Bakar (Grilled freshwater prawn)
- Nasi Ulam Serdang, Kuih Tepung Pelita, Laksa Kedah
- Peaceful kampung lifestyle with weekly markets and kenduri traditions
Summary
Bandar Baharu may be small in size, but it stands out as Kedah’s southern doorway—rich in agriculture, community warmth, and cross-state connectivity. With its village charm, riverside scenery, and easy access to Penang, the district offers a perfect blend of rural calm and regional opportunity.