MENTION Kedah and images of padi fields and rural landscapes come to mind – not surprisingly, as villages that exude rustic charm still dot much of the state while vistas of padi fields stretch out for miles in many directions.

Kedah, also known as the Rice Bowl of Malaysia, is responsible for between 40% and 50% of the country’s rice crop. The state covers an area of 9,426sq km in the north-west of Peninsular Malaysia. It is divided into 11 districts with a total population of about 1.6 million.

Langkawi, an archipelago of 99 tropical islands, is probably the most well-known district. This international tourist destination attracted 1.53 million visitors in 2002, almost 680,000 of whom were foreigners.

The great eagle of Langkawi greets you as you arrive by ferry

Kedah’s capital is Alor Star, one of the oldest towns in the region, having been founded in 1735. It has a population of about 200,000 and is on the verge of gaining city status.

The head of state is Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, who is Kedah’s 28th ruler. The state government, led by Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Syed Razak Syed Zain, has embarked on an ambitious 10-year master plan to transform Kedah into a developed state by 2010.

Focus on industry

The focus of the Kedah Maju 2010 Action Plan will be on industry, information and communication technology, tourism, agriculture, education, human resource development, infrastructure, entrepreneur development, and spiritual and social development.

Major projects include the 3,514ha Kota Perdana city project in Bukit Kayu Hitam, the 220-megawatt power plant in Yan, the Alor Star airport expansion, Kuala Kedah marina harbour, a RM130mil agriculture college in Bukit Tangga, the RM150mil Anak Bukit royal township and the third phase of the Kulim Hi-Tech Park.

There are also plans to build a major port in Kuala Kedah; an inland four-lane dual carriageway from Durian Burung to Kulim; and Kota Putra border town in Durian Burung which will be a new gateway between Malaysia and Thailand.

Rural paradise

Kedah is blessed with abundant greenery and has permanent forest reserves covering a total area of 346,224ha.

A canopy of trees at Lagenda Theme Park

There are many opportunities for eco-tourism and adventure sports such as jungle trekking, mountain climbing, white-water rafting and diving.

Langkawi aside, there are ample attractions on the mainland to keep visitors occupied. They can soak in the hot springs at Baling, bathe in waterfalls all over the state, or pamper themselves at the luxury resort in Pedu Lake. The Archaeological Museum in Bujang offers a trip into the past, as does a river cruise through historical Alor Star.

Kedah has a wide range of Malay, Chinese, Indian and Thai delicacies in its cuisine, which comprises such traditional dishes as gulai nangka (jackfruit curry) and pekasam (fish preserved in salt and pounded, fried padi). Nasi ulam, which is prepared by blending rice with fresh vegetables and spices, is a favourite among locals.

Pulau Payar Marine Park

Internet resources:
Kedah state government
Kulim Hi-Tech Park