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State Flag

State Emblem / Logo

The state flag features a red crescent moon below a green shield and is enveloped by a yellow wreath against a red background. Red is the traditional colour of the state and also signifies prosperity while the crescent moon is symbolic of Islam. The shield symbolises the Sultan of the state as the protector and guardian of his subjects.

The wreath which consists of paddy seeds symbolises the state's principal agricultural commodity - rice. The crescent moon symbolises Islam while the shield represents the sovereign's authority.

Area : 9,426 square km

Royal Town : Anak Bukit

State Capital : Alor Setar

Head of State : His Royal Highness Al Sultan Almu'tasimu Billahi Muhibbuddin Tuanku Alhaj Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Badlishah. D.K., D.K.H., D.K.M., D.U.K, D.K. (Kelantan), D.K. (Pahang), D.K. (Selangor), D.K. (Perlis), D.K. (Negeri Sembilan), D.K. (Johor), D.K. (Terengganu), D.K. (Perak), D.K. (Sarawak), D.U.N.M., S.P.M.K., S.S.D.K., D.H.M.S.

Chief Minister : The Honourable Dato' Seri Syed Razak Bin Haji Syed Zain, SSDK.,DSDK.,KMN.,BKM.,JP.

District : Baling, Bandar Bharu, Kota Setar, Kuala Muda, Kubang Pasu, Kulim, Langkawi, Padang Terap, Pendang, Sik, Yan

Kedah Darul Aman

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Kedah Darul Aman ( Abode of Peace )

The Rice Bowl of Malaysia

	Kedah has the distinction of being the "Rice Bowl of Malaysia" a term that takes on aesthetic significance when one sees the vastness of paddy fields against the hilly backdrop. The oldest civilization in the Peninsular Malaysia, Kedah is one of the best destinations for those seeking retreat from urban living as mirrors the quintessential of Malay persona and offers visitors a glimpse into interesting people and intriguing attractions. Off Kedah's western shores are clusters of sun-drenched islands that comprise the legendary archipelago of Langkawi Island, easily the most popular resort location in the country. More than a land of mere scenery, however, Kedah is also the site of Malaysia's most extensive ruins. The Lembah Bujang (Bujang Valley) contains the sprawling remains of the Langkasuka Kingdom, a Hindu kingdom believed to date back to the 5th century A.D. However, other powers soon asserted themselves in Kedah, including both the Portuguese and the rising Achenese, and by the end of the 18th century the Thai threat arose once more. Fearing renewed domination by its northern neighbours, Kedah appealed to the British for assistance. As inducements to a commitment, Kedah ceded first Penang (1796) and then the adjoining strip of coastal land (1800) to the British. Nonetheless, Kedah fell to the Thais in 1821. Thailand transferred their sovereignty to the British in 1909. With the exception of the period of occupation by the Japanese during World War II, Kedah remained under British influence until independence. The Kedah Sultanate began when the 9th Kedah Maharaja Derbar Raja (1136-1179 AD) converted to Islam and changed his name to Sultan Muzaffar Shah. Since then there have been 27 Sultans who ruled Kedah. Covering an area of 9,425 sq km with an interesting landscape of miles and miles of lush green paddy during the planting season and golden hues during the harvest season. Off its coast are the isles of Langkawi, and rising to meet the western shoreline is the mountain of Gunung Jerai (1,200 meters above sea level). Like other states in Malaysia, Kedah has its share of rich cultural traditions, songs and dances. Due to its close proximity to Thailand, some of these traditions are Thai in influence and origin, and faces of Kedah's people often bear signs of Thai or Achenese ancestry. Its capital, Alor Setar is a treasure filled with historical royal buildings of impressive architecture that date back as far as 200 years.

	Dining

	The state offers mouth-watering recipes of Kedah cuisine, which is not only unique but also prepared fast enough to whet the appetite of everybody. It has a wide variety of Thai, Chinese, Malay, and Indian food to choose from. Favourite traditional local dishes are gulai nangka, sayur keladi’, and pekasam. Nasi ulam is another local food that is prepared by blending rice with varied fresh vegetables and spices. Pulut, or glutinous rice is an old-time favourite of the northerners and is taken with fruits such as mango, durian and even banana. Other pulut delicacies are pulut sambal, pulut inti, and tapai pulut. Laksa is rice noodles taken with a preparation of thick fish gravy and cucumber, onions and shoots. Popular sweet cakes are baulu and dodol – a preparation of coconut, sugar and flour.

	Kuala Kedah, a busy fishing town and a jumping off point to Langkawi Island, is famous for its Laksa Kuala Kedah, a local delicacy of thick rice vermicelli and spicy fish gravy.

	The food stalls at Pantai Murni Esplanade is a great place to relish the wide-range array of spicy Malaysian and Kedah favourites. Best choices are the varied preparations of fresh seafood such as chilli crabs, grilled squids, fish or prawns. The breezy esplanade draws the crowd to its excellent view of beautiful sunset amidst the speckle of islands beyond. Sea products lovers may go to Tanjung Dawai, a fishing village where salted fish, fish crackers, salted sea food and others are sold in the small local bazaar.

	Pekan Rabu. Located near the government offices in Alor Setar, Pekan Rabu which means "Wednesday Market," but the popularity of this vibrant market has extended its business hours throughout the entire week, from morning till midnight. Colourful stalls sell handicrafts as well as delicious food.

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