Kedah is truly a land of contrasts. On the one hand it has a recorded history of strong connections with Hindus and Buddhists, and yet it is a very strong Muslim State today. Then, it is considered to be that most basic of providers, the "Rice Bowl", and on the other hand, it is home to the futuristic Kulim Hi-Tech Park. The people of Kedah are known for their down-to-earth attitudes, and yet they have an "Island of Legends" in Pulau Langkawi. They are not known for their political fervour, and yet they have produced two out of the four Prime Ministers to have led Malaysia. And yet, underneath all the contrasts, Kedah is one of the most stable States in terms of leadership and economic development today. It also offers those who live within its´ boundaries a quality of life which is hard to match. The contrasts between the new and the ancient, the young and the old, the mythical and the factual, are the reasons why many multinationals have made Kedah their home today, and it is also why many more will make their homes here tomorrow. ( Picture shows an aerial view of padi fields )

History

Kedah was visited by traders from India as early as the 6^th Century. They called the area Katharai. This legendary kingdom is believed to have existed in the Bujang Valley, where archaeologists have unearthed more than fifty temples or candis (shrines) out of which eight have been restored to their original state using original materials for their re-construction. ( Picture shows a Candi temple )

Early Kedah was subject to the control of the Empire of Funan in Vietnam, followed by subjection to the Sri Vijaya Empire near Palembang in Southern Sumatra. Then, Kedah fell under the influence of the Malacca Sultanate. In the years that followed, the Rulers of Kedah had to fight the Portuguese, Thais, Bugis, Burmese and Dutch, in order to preserve their customs and way of life. Finally, they put their faith in British power, and promptly lost Penang. For the next twenty years, the State came under the rule of Bangkok but regained its’ autonomy by giving up Perlis to them. Perlis became a separate principality under Thai protection in 1842. From 1842 until 1909, Kedah and Perlis were vassal States of Thailand. In 1909 under the terms of the Anglo-Siamese Treaty, the two States came under the control of the British. Although British rule was accepted, Kedah was more successful than the other States as far as maintaining their own identity was concerned.

Geography

The State of Kedah lies to the north-west of Malaysia. It has a land area of nine thousand, four hundred and twenty five square kilometres, and shares an international border with Thailand, and local borders with the Malaysian States of Perlis, Kelantan and Perak. The legendary island of Pulau Langkawi lies offshore to the north, parallel to Perlis.

The State enjoys a mainly flat terrain, and this has contributed to the fact that Kedah is considered the ´Rice Bowl´ of Malaysia. Gunung Jerai is the highest mountain in Kedah, and stands at approximately one thousand and two hundred metres above sea level. The area around Sik, seventy two kilometres south-east of Alor Setar, has many hills and mountains, and is suitable for hiking and camping. Gunung Raya is Pulau Langkawi’s highest mountain and stands at nine hundred metres above sea level.

There are many rivers in Kedah, and the longest one is the Sungei Kedah. Contained within Kedah´s landmass is Lake Pedu, which occupies an area of fifty two hectares. On one of the islands of Langkawi,called Pulau Dayang Bunting, is found the famous Dayang Bunting Lake. The legend surrounding this lake offers a story of hope for all childless couples.

States of Malaysia