Kedah’s Northern Academic Hub and Gateway to Thailand
Kubang Pasu District, located in northern Kedah, is a rapidly developing region known for its educational institutions, cross-border trade, and historical legacy. Sharing a border with Thailand, the district plays a significant role in diplomatic, economic, and academic growth in the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia.
Basic Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| District Name | Kubang Pasu District |
| State | Kedah |
| District Capital | Jitra |
| Area | Approx. 948 sq. km |
| Population (2025 est.) | Approx. 250,000 |
| Parliamentary Seat | 1 (Kubang Pasu) |
| Local Authority | Majlis Perbandaran Kubang Pasu (MPKP) |
Administrative Subdivisions (Mukim)
Kubang Pasu District is divided into 20 mukims, including:
- Jitra
- Changlun
- Malau
- Temin
- Tunjang
- Gelong
- Pering
- Pulau Nyior
- Bukit Tangga
- Tanah Merah
- Wang Tepus
Key Towns and Areas
- Jitra: Administrative and commercial center
- Changlun: Border town with major educational presence
- Bukit Kayu Hitam: Main border crossing to Thailand (Danok/Sadao)
- Sintok: Home to Malaysia’s top northern university, UUM
Economy & Livelihood
- Key sectors:
- Education – UUM and other institutions make it a student hub
- Agriculture: paddy fields, vegetables, livestock
- Logistics & cross-border trade at Bukit Kayu Hitam
- Retail & food businesses in Jitra, Changlun
- Agro-tourism and eco-tourism are emerging industries
Education
- Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) – Premier public management university
- Kolej Matrikulasi Kedah (KMK)
- Government schools, Islamic institutions, international students’ presence
- Strategic education corridor in Sintok and Changlun
Healthcare
- Hospital Jitra – government hospital
- Rural clinics in mukim areas
- Private clinics and pharmacies concentrated in Jitra & Changlun
Transport & Connectivity
- North–South Expressway (PLUS): Bukit Kayu Hitam exit
- Federal Route 1 runs through Jitra and Changlun
- Bus stations in Jitra and Changlun for intercity and student travel
- Bukit Kayu Hitam Immigration Complex: Gateway to Thailand
- KTM rail connection nearby in Anak Bukit (Alor Setar area)
Tourism & Attractions
- Bukit Kayu Hitam Duty-Free Zone
- UUM Campus Tour & Northern University Museum
- Darulaman Park (Taman Darulaman): Lake, paddle boats, and family recreation
- Masjid Al-Aqla (Jitra) – modern Islamic architecture
- Eco-tourism: Paddy field views, kampung homestays, buffalo farms
- Padang Sera & Gua Kerbau (Cave exploration)
Culture & Food
- Multicultural: Predominantly Malay with Thai-influenced villages
- Local specialties:
- Laksa Utara Kubang Pasu
- Pulut Durian, Nasi Ulam, Gulai Itik
- Thai-Malay fusion dishes in Changlun
- Fresh local kuih at morning and night markets
Historical Note
- Kubang Pasu was once an autonomous Malay sultanate in the 19th century
- Historically important in northern Kedah’s political landscape
- Maintains close cultural ties with Thai-Muslim communities
Summary
Kubang Pasu is Kedah’s northern frontier of knowledge, connectivity, and community. With its world-class university, thriving border economy, and peaceful rural life, this district bridges Malaysia’s modern progress with its traditional roots—while opening the door to international opportunities.