Kerian District

Northern Gateway of Perak — Fertile Fields, Border Towns, and Agro-Innovation

Kerian District, located at the northern tip of Perak, shares borders with Kedah and Penang, and is famed for its paddy cultivation, irrigation infrastructure, and growing commercial and cross-state connectivity. Its capital Parit Buntar is a vibrant town that blends education, trade, and tradition.

Formation and Historical Background

• Formed: During British colonial administration, Kerian evolved from small riverine Malay and Chinese settlements into a full district
• The area’s strategic location near the Perak River delta made it ideal for rice farming
• The Kerian Irrigation Scheme, developed with Japanese aid post-WWII, transformed the region into a major rice-producing area
• Over time, the district expanded to include Parit Buntar, Bagan Serai, Kuala Kurau, and Tanjung Piandang, which remain centers of farming and trade

Basic Information

Administrative Subdivisions (Mukim / Towns)

• Parit Buntar – Administrative center, education hub
• Bagan Serai – Town with strong Malay community and markets
• Kuala Kurau – Fishing town at river mouth
• Tanjung Piandang – Paddy fields and coastal fishing
• Simpang Lima, Beriah, Gunong Semanggol – Rural zones

Government and Notable Figures

Key Towns and Areas

• Parit Buntar – District capital, urban commerce, UiTM campus
• Bagan Serai – Local business, government offices, mosques
• Kuala Kurau – River fishing, seafood, traditional boat making
• Tanjung Piandang – Paddy land and fishing, cultural hub

Economy & Livelihood

• Agriculture:
  • Paddy fields dominate landscape; mechanized rice farming
• Fisheries & Aquaculture:
  • Kuala Kurau & Tanjung Piandang lead in shrimp and fish supply
• Retail and Cross-Border Trade:
  • Parit Buntar serves as a trade and education link with Penang
• Small industries:
  • Kuih, tofu, dried fish, woven mats, agricultural tools

Education & Institutions

• Government schools and religious madrasahs
• UiTM Cawangan Perak (Parit Buntar)
• Technical colleges, vocational schools
• Pondok institutions and Quranic centers in rural areas

Healthcare Facilities

• Hospital Parit Buntar – Public healthcare center
• Klinik Kesihatan in Bagan Serai, Kuala Kurau, and nearby towns
• Private clinics and women-childcare services

Transport & Connectivity

• Connected by Federal Route 1 and North–South Expressway (PLUS)
• Railway access at Parit Buntar Station (ETS/Komuter)
• Easy road links to Nibong Tebal, Penang, and Kulim
• Local bus and van networks serve rural areas

Tourism & Attractions

• Kuala Kurau River Cruise – Fireflies, traditional fishing
• Tanjung Piandang Beach – Quiet and scenic village coast
• Historical mosques and suraus – Kampung Air Jernih, Beriah
• Kerian Agrotourism Tours – Paddy field visits, village homestays
• Food trails – Parit Buntar laksa, kuih koci, keropok lekor

Culture & Local Cuisine

• Ethnic diversity: Predominantly Malay, with significant Chinese (Teochew) and Indian communities
• Food highlights:
  • Mee Udang Kuala Kurau, Nasi Lemuni, Kerabu Pucuk Paku, Kuih Koci, Laksa Bagan Serai
• Cultural traditions:
  • Kenduri kampung, Maulid processions, temple parades, and gotong-royong events

Summary

Kerian District is Perak’s northern green belt—where rice flows, rivers whisper, and rural Malaysia thrives with quiet dignity. From sunset over paddy fields to seafood by the river, Kerian embodies the spirit of sustainable tradition and borderland opportunity.