Kedah’s Tranquil Agricultural Basin with Rich Islamic Heritage
Pendang District, located in the central-western region of Kedah, Malaysia, is a land of green paddy fields, deep-rooted Islamic tradition, and rural harmony. As one of Kedah’s major rice-producing districts, it also holds historical significance with old mosques, pondok schools, and early centers of Islamic learning in the state.
Basic Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| District Name | Pendang District |
| State | Kedah |
| District Capital | Pendang Town |
| Area | Approx. 629 sq. km |
| Population (2025 est.) | Approx. 120,000 |
| Parliamentary Seat | 1 (Pendang) |
| Local Authority | Majlis Daerah Pendang (MDPe) |
Administrative Subdivisions (Mukim)
Pendang District consists of 8 mukims:
- Air Puteh
- Bukit Raya
- Guar Kepayang
- Padang Kerbau
- Padang Pusing
- Pendang
- Tobiar
- Rambai
Key Towns and Areas
- Pendang Town – Administrative and commercial center
- Bukit Raya & Tobiar – Known for paddy farming and Islamic schools
- Air Puteh & Padang Pusing – Rural villages with traditional culture
Economy & Agriculture
- Paddy cultivation is the district’s backbone – part of the “Rice Bowl of Malaysia”
- Other crops: sugarcane, rubber, coconut, vegetables
- Livestock farming: poultry, cattle, and goats
- Home-based cottage industries: kuih, snacks, batik printing
Education & Religious Institutions
- Several pondok and madrasah institutions—notably in Tobiar and Bukit Raya
- Government primary and secondary schools in each mukim
- Islamic boarding schools and Quranic education are widespread
Healthcare
- Hospital Pendang (public)
- Rural clinics (Klinik Kesihatan) available in major villages
- Traditional Malay medicine and herbal remedies still practiced
Transport & Connectivity
- Connected via Federal Route 1, Route 175, and local highways
- Accessible from Alor Setar, Gurun, and Sik
- Nearest railway station: Anak Bukit (approx. 25 km)
- Bus services and private transport widely used
Tourism & Attractions
- Pondok Traditional Islamic Schools – Cultural and spiritual visits
- Tasik Pendang (Pendang Lake Recreational Park):
- Boating, fishing, lakeside jogging track
- Masjid Lama Pendang: Historic mosque with 100+ years of heritage
- Agro-tourism: Kampung stays, rice farming experiences
- Cultural festivals: Maulidur Rasul, Eid kenduris, local fairs
Culture & Local Food
- Predominantly Malay-Muslim community
- Food specialities:
- Nasi Ulam, Gulai Ikan Kering, Kuih Karas, Lemang
- Kampung-style breakfast stalls and pasar pagi
- Close-knit community life with weekly tazkirah and majlis
Summary
Pendang District is Kedah’s peaceful agricultural soul, rich in Islamic heritage, paddy landscapes, and rural warmth. With its quiet roads, age-old mosques, and kampung hospitality, Pendang offers an authentic northern Malaysian experience grounded in faith and farming.