Kedah’s Youngest District Rooted in Agriculture and Islamic Scholarship
Pokok Sena District, officially formed in 2010, is the youngest administrative district in Kedah, Malaysia. Located centrally between Alor Setar, Pendang, and Padang Terap, this district is well-known for its paddy fields, peaceful kampungs, and renowned Islamic institutions. Though small in size, Pokok Sena plays an important role in Kedah’s agricultural economy and religious education.
Basic Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| District Name | Pokok Sena District |
| State | Kedah |
| District Capital | Pokok Sena Town |
| Area | Approx. 231 sq. km (among the smallest in Kedah) |
| Population (2025 est.) | Approx. 70,000 |
| Parliamentary Seat | 1 (Pokok Sena) |
| Local Authority | Majlis Daerah Pokok Sena (MDPS) |
Administrative Subdivisions (Mukim)
Pokok Sena District is divided into 3 mukims:
- Pokok Sena
- Bukit Lada
- Bukit Tinggi
Key Towns and Areas
- Pokok Sena Town – Administrative and commercial center
- Bukit Lada & Bukit Tinggi – Agricultural villages and Islamic learning zones
- Surrounding Kampungs: Kampung Baru, Kampung Batu 17, Kampung Telaga Mas
Geography & Connectivity
- Strategically located between Alor Setar, Pendang, and Padang Terap
- Fertile plains along the Muda River irrigation scheme
- Connected by Federal Route 175 and local roads
Economy & Livelihood
- Agriculture-focused district:
- Paddy farming, vegetables, coconut, and small fruit plantations
- Livestock farming: poultry, goats, and buffaloes
- Small industries: food processing (kerisik, sambal), batik, and kuih
- Government employment and Islamic education also contribute to income
Education & Religious Institutions
- A strong center of Islamic education in northern Kedah
- Madrasah Misbah Al-Falah, Maahad Tahfiz, and several pondok schools
- Government primary and secondary schools throughout the district
- High participation in Quranic memorization (tahfiz) programs
Healthcare Services
- Pokok Sena Health Clinic (Klinik Kesihatan Pokok Sena)
- Rural clinics and outreach health teams
- Nearest major hospital: Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah (Alor Setar)
Tourism & Attractions
- Islamic tourism: Visiting pondok schools, attending religious events
- Agro-tourism: Experience paddy fields, village stays, and local farming life
- Bukit Tinggi Waterfall (Lata Bukit Tinggi) – a hidden recreational spot
- Local homestay programs in Bukit Lada and surrounding kampungs
Culture & Local Cuisine
- Predominantly Malay-Muslim population with traditional kampung lifestyle
- Local dishes:
- Nasi Kerabu Pokok Sena, Gulai Daging Salai, Pulut Durian
- Kuih-muih like Tepung Pelita, Kuih Lopes, Kuih Seri Muka
- Strong kenduri (community feast), tazkirah, and Quran recitation culture
Summary
Pokok Sena is Kedah’s newest yet spiritually rich rural district—offering a tranquil lifestyle steeped in faith, farming, and simplicity. With its strong Islamic educational roots and tight-knit village communities, Pokok Sena represents the heart of traditional Malay-Muslim identity in Kedah.