The Royal and Administrative Heart of Kedah
Kota Setar District, located in the northwest of Kedah, Malaysia, is home to the state capital Alor Setar, the royal palace, and major government institutions. Rich in history and culture, the district balances heritage architecture, paddy fields, and modern governance, making it one of the most important districts in northern Peninsular Malaysia.
Basic Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| District Name | Kota Setar District |
| State | Kedah |
| District Capital | Alor Setar |
| Area | Approx. 666 sq. km |
| Population (2025 est.) | Approx. 400,000 |
| Parliamentary Seats | 3 (Alor Setar, Kuala Kedah, Pokok Sena – partial) |
| Local Authority | Majlis Bandaraya Alor Setar (MBAS) |
Administrative Subdivisions (Mukim)
Kota Setar District is divided into 28 mukims, some of the notable ones include:
- Alor Merah
- Anak Bukit
- Gunung
- Derga
- Langgar
- Kepala Batas
- Pengkalan Kundur
- Titi Gajah
- Kubang Rotan
- Tandop
Key Areas & Towns
- Alor Setar – Capital of Kedah, administrative and cultural center
- Anak Bukit – Royal capital and location of Istana Anak Bukit
- Langgar – Education and residential zones
- Kuala Kedah – Historic port and fishing town
Governance & Royal Significance
- Alor Setar is the seat of the Sultan of Kedah
- Location of Istana Anak Bukit – official royal residence
- Hosts Kedah’s State Assembly, government departments, and court buildings
- Rich in colonial and traditional Malay governance heritage
Economy & Livelihood
- Major sectors:
- Paddy farming – part of Kedah’s identity as “Malaysia’s Rice Bowl”
- Retail & services – modern malls, markets, and SMEs
- Tourism & cultural heritage
- Port activities at Kuala Kedah (ferry to Langkawi)
- SMEs in textiles, handicrafts, food processing
Education & Healthcare
- Major institutions:
- Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM – Sintok nearby)
- Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah International Islamic University (UniSHAMS)
- Multiple government schools and religious institutions
- Hospitals:
- Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah – major public hospital
- Alor Setar Medical Centre (private), clinics throughout the district
Transport & Connectivity
- Served by Alor Setar Airport (Sultan Abdul Halim Airport)
- North–South Expressway (PLUS) and Federal Route 1
- KTM Intercity & ETS trains at Alor Setar railway station
- Ferry services from Kuala Kedah Jetty to Langkawi Island
Tourism & Heritage
- Zahir Mosque: One of Malaysia’s oldest and most beautiful mosques
- Balai Besar & Balai Nobat: Traditional royal ceremony halls
- Alor Setar Tower (Menara Alor Setar): Iconic telecommunications and viewing tower
- Pekan Rabu: Traditional market founded by Tun Dr. Mahathir
- Kedah State Art Gallery & Paddy Museum
- Royal Museum (Istana Kedah Lama) and Langgar Royal Mausoleum
Culture & Food
- Majority Malay population with Chinese, Indian, and Siamese minorities
- Famous dishes:
- Nasi Lemuni, Laksa Kedah, Nasi Ulam, Pulut Inti
- Traditional kuih: Kuih Karas, Kuih Bunga Pudak
- Night markets (pasar malam) across Alor Setar and surrounding towns
- Cultural events: Maulidur Rasul, Hari Keputeraan Sultan Kedah, Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year
Summary
Kota Setar is the cultural, political, and royal soul of Kedah. With its blend of Islamic heritage, paddy landscapes, and growing modern amenities, the district holds a timeless charm and strategic importance in Malaysia’s northwestern region.