Wikipedia

Alor Setar

For the federal constituency represented in the Dewan Rakyat, seeAlor Setar (federal constituency).

Alor Setar(Kedah Malay:Loqstaq,Jawi:الور ستار‎) is the state capital ofKedah,Malaysia.[2]It is the second-largest city in the state afterSungai Petaniand one of the most-important cities on the west coast ofPeninsular Malaysia.It is home to the third-tallest tower inMalaysia,theAlor Setar Tower.[3]

Alor Setar
Loqstaq(Kedah Malay)
State capitalcityanddistrict capital
City of Alor Setar
Bandaraya Alor Setar
Other transcription(s)
•Jawiالور ستار‎
•ChineseÁ la sĩ đánh
Yàluó Shìdǎ(Hanyu Pinyin)
•Tamilஅலோர் சேதார்
Alōr Cētār(Transliteration)
City centre skyline
Nobat Tower
Flag of Alor Setar
Flag
Official seal of Alor Setar
Seal
Motto(s):
Bandaraya Berdayahuni 2035
"Livable City by 2035"
Map
Location of Alor Setar in Kedah
Alor Setar is located in Kedah
Alor Setar
Alor Setar
Alor SetarinKedah
Alor Setar is located in Malaysia
Alor Setar
Alor Setar
Alor Setar (Malaysia)
Alor Setar is located in Southeast Asia
Alor Setar
Alor Setar
Alor Setar (Southeast Asia)
Alor Setar is located in Asia
Alor Setar
Alor Setar
Alor Setar (Asia)
Coordinates:06°07′06″N100°22′10″E/ 6.11833°N 100.36944°E/6.11833; 100.36944
CountryMalaysiaMalaysia
StateKedahKedah
DistrictKota Setar
Pokok Sena
Establishment30 December 1735
Establishment of the local government1905
Establishment of the town board1958
Establishment of the town council1970
Establishment of the local government district council1976
Municipality status1 February 1978
City status21 December 2003;21 years ago(21 December 2003)
Founded bySultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin II
Government
• TypeCity council
• BodyAlor Setar City Council
•MayorDato' Haji Mohd Yusri Haji Md Daud (since August 2022)
Area
424 km2(257.14 sq mi)
Elevation
57 m (187 ft)
Highest elevation
(Mount Keriang)
99 m (325 ft)
Population
(2020)[1]
417,800
• Density982.00/km2(2,543.4/sq mi)
•Metro
839,400
Time zoneUTC+8(MST)
• Summer (DST)Not observed
Postal code
05xxx
International dialling code prefix+6047 (landline only)
Websitembas.gov.my

Its location along the main travel corridor from Malaysia to Thailand has long made it a major transportation hub in the northernMalay Peninsula.Alor Setar sits along the country's longest expressway, located 430 km (270 mi) from Kuala Lumpur and 79 km (49 mi) north ofGeorge Town,Penang.From Thailand, the city is easily accessible via thePadang Besar–Sadao Highway,it is 51.8 km (32.2 mi) fromSadaoand 106 km (66 mi) fromHat Yai.

The city was originally founded as Kota Setar in 1785. Owing to the long status as thecapitalof Kedah, Alor Setar is regarded as one of the core cultural centres for theKedahan Malays.It is also among the key pioneer in theMalayantransportation history, therailway stationis commissioned in 1915 followed by itsairportin 1929.

Alor Setar is home to the Central State Administration Centre and is theadministrative centreofKota Setar District.At present, the city covers a land area of 666 km2(257 sq mi), which is occupied by more than 400,000 inhabitants (as per the 2020 census). At the local-government level, Alor Setar is administered by the Alor Setar City Council.[4]

It is the birthplace of two pivotalprime ministers of Malaysia;namelyTunku Abdul Rahman,the founding father of the nation (in office from 1957 to 1970) andMahathir Mohamad,the country's longest-serving prime minister of 24 years (in office from 1981 to 2003, from 2018 to 2020).[5][6]

Etymology

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The name came from the combination of twoMalaywords:Alor( "small stream" ) andSetar(Bouea macrophyllaGriff.; known as the marian plum, gandaria, or plum mango), a tree which is related tomango.[7]

The city's name was changed toAlor Starduring a 21 December 2003 ceremony proclaiming it a city. The city's previous name was restored on 15 January 2009.[8]

History

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Origin

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The Kedah Royal Museum. Completed in 1735, it was formerly functioned as the official residence for several sultans of Kedah. The current building is dated from the 19th century.

Alor Setar was established on 30 December 1735 by Kedah's 19th Ruler,Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin IIand was the state's eighth administrative centre since the establishment of the Kedah Sultanate in 1136.[9]The earlier administrative centres were located in Kota Bukit Meriam, Kota Sungai Emas, Kota Siputeh, Kota Naga, Kota Sena, Kota Indera Kayangan and Kota Bukit Pinang.[10]

The pre-existing settlement was originally a small village. However, the sultan found the area to be in a strategic location, he was drawn to the area as it was covered in a lush greenery and a center between the two estuaries ofKedah Riverconverged. Upon the agreement with fellow Kedahan ministers, they agreed to institute a new town known as "Kota Setar" (the "Town of Setar" ). The name was derived fromBouea macrophylla,a type of tree that can be found in the area.[11]

Period of turbulence

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A new administration institution was constructed in the settlement, with the sultan resided in Istana Kota Setar. However, the capital suffered a major attack when theBugisarmanda led by Raja Haji managed to destroy both the Istana Kota Setar (Royal Palace) and Balai Besar (Grand Hall) in 1770. In 1771, the British represented by Francis Light and Sultan Abdullah Mukaram Shah entered an agreement to halt the Bugis influence in Kedah.[11]

During the coronation ceremony ofAhmad Tajuddin Halim Shah II of Kedahon 17 March 1805, Siamese forces managed tooccupy the capital.The sultan was forced to retreat to Penang and later Malacca. The settlement was put on a standstill for 20 years. He was restored to the crown in 1842 and the capital was temporary relocated toKota Kuala Mudabefore returning to Kota Setar.[11]

Recovery and growth

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The Balai Besar of Kedah

In October 1883, James F. Agustin, an Englishmen arrived in Kuala Sungai Kedah (now known asKuala Kedah) about 10 km from the capital. He and a few other English explorers embarked their journey towards inland areas of Kedah where he met several Malay settlement on the riverbanks of the Kedah river.[12]

Upon his arrival in Kampung Kota Setar, he befriended several local Malays and they invited him to the sultan's palatial residence. Agustin remarked on the beauty of the palatial architecture and its landscape covered with the stalk trees. He was well received by the sultan and both parties exchanged goods between one another.

The visit by Agustin spurred a growth for a more active and directtrade relationsbetween the area and outside commercial powerhouse. The city attracted various cosmopolitan trading activities from the British, Indian, Chinese together with other local and regional merchants. The town prospered from a small settlement into a bustling town designated to accommodate further population growth, commerce and administration. The British especially, was quite drawn to the potential of Kota Setar (as it was then known).

Gradually, Kota Setar thrived and further evolved into a commercial, transportation and communication hub of Kedah. The name was then changed from Kota Setar into Alor Setar, a reflection of its geographical features located in a small stream (known as "Alor" in Malay) which was frequented by the Malay traders from the neighbouring states. However, the name Kota Setar was retained as sub-district under Alor Setar.

19th and 20th century

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Other significant events during the turn of the 20th century includes the reunification ofPerlisandSetul(nowSatun) to Kedah by the Siamese in May 1897 (both provinces had been separated fromKedahin 1821) held in Balai Besar. The event was attended by the Crown Prince of Kedah, Tuanku Abdul Aziz as a representative of Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah. In 1904, the city witnessed the grand wedding of the five children ofSultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah,lasting for 3 months and the cost estimated to be 3 million Ringgit.[13]

On 25 July 1905, the Legislative Council of Kedah (Majlis Mesyuarat Negeri) was formed in Alor Setar, with the Crown Prince, Tuanku Abdul Aziz held as its president. Following theAnglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909on 7 July 1909, the transfer of power from the Siamese to British administration was held on 15 July 1909 Balai Besar.[11]

The exterior view of the Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Gallery. Built in 1922, the building formerly operated as the High Court of Kedah before relocating to the new Alor Setar Courts Complex in 2005.

Alor Setar fell to theJapanese occupationon 13 December 1945 and wasannexed to the Siameseuntil 1946. The handover ceremony from Siamese to the British was held in Padang Court, Alor Setar 18 October 1946.[11]

The town joined theprotest against Malayan Unionduring the post-war period. The mass protest was attended by 10,000 against theBritish backed-proposal.It was led byTunku Abdul Rahmantogether with key leaders fromUMNO.[11]The town also witnessed the 4thUMNOGeneral Assembly which lay the draft for the foundation of the present-dayConstitution of Malaysia.

The coronation ceremony ofAbdul Halim of Kedah,the 28th Sultan of Kedah was held in Balai Besar on 20 February 1959. The city celebrates thesilver jubileeof Sultan Abdul Halim in 1983.[11]

The change of status of Alor Setar throughout the 20th century was also closely parallel by the rise of its urban development, demographic and population growth. The council was upgraded to Kota Setar Municipal Council on 1 February 1978, which traced its origin to Kota Setar District Council on 1 March 1976, Alor Star Municipal Board in 1958 and Alor Star Sanitary Board in 1905.[14]

The town celebrated its 250th birthday in 1985.[15]A proposal to upgrade the town into a city status was proposed by theMalaysian Ministry of Housing and Local Governmentin 2000.

21st century

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Alor Setar was proclaimed a city – the ninth inMalaysia– on 21 December 2003. A ceremony was held at Dataran Tunku, Alor Setar, attended by the Kedah's SultanTuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah,his consort Che' Puan Haminah Hamidun, the heir apparent, other royalty and politicians.[16]

During the ceremony, the city was formally renamed as "Alor Star", the third time the city has changed its name, from Kota Setar to Alor Setar and Alor Star. On 15 January 2009, the historical spelling "Alor Setar" was returned to be its official designation.

The classic and modern architectural landmarks of Alor Setar: the Alor Setar Clock Tower (far left),Alor Setar Tower(left), Balai Nobat and Istana Kota Tengah Gate (middle left), Balai Besar (right) and Kedah Royal Museum entrance (far right)

Governance

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class=notpageimage|
Locations of Alor Setar and its immediate suburbs

Alor Setar is being represented by threeMembers of Parliamentand nineState Legislative Assemblyseats.

Parliamentary Constituencies State Constituencies
P.008Pokok Sena N.09 Bukit Lada, N.4 Pantai Damai, N.10 Bukit Pinang, N.11 Derga
P.009Alor Setar N.12 Suka Menanti, N.13 Kota Darul Aman, N.14 Alor Mengkudu
P.010Kuala Kedah N.15 Anak Bukit, N.16 Kubang Rotan, N.17 Pengkalan Kundor

State government

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As the state capital, Alor Setar holds a pivotal role on maintaining the political and economic interest of Kedah. The city is the seat of the local government where all of the state ministries and agencies are primarily located. The Office of the Chief Minister and theKedah State Legislative Assemblyare both based in Wisma Darul Aman.[17][18]The official residence of Sultan of Kedah, is located inAnak Bukit.

Local government

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Alor Setar has been governed by a town council form of government since 1905 following the establishment of Alor Star Sanitary Board.[19]By 2013, it was elevated to be a city status by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government and being administered asMajlis Bandaraya Alor Setar.The current mayor of Alor Setar is Mohd Zohdi Saad.

Geography

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Mount Keriang, the highest peak in Alor Setar

Alor Setar is located in the northwestern part of Peninsular Malaysia, at the edge of theMalacca Straitwhich separatesMalaysiafromIndonesia.TheKota Setardistrict includes Alor Setar, and borders the districts of Kubang Pasu, Pokok Sena and Pendang.

The city encompasses an area of 666 km2(257 sq mi), including the neighbouring district ofPokok Senawhich falls under the jurisdiction of theAlor Setar City Council.[20][21]Alor Setar is surrounded by important river systems such as the Kedah, Langgar, Tajar, Anak Bukit, Alor Malai and Alor Merah Rivers. Alor Setar'sHausbergis a 217.9m (715 feet) highmogote,Mount Keriang (Gunung Keriang), where there is a network oflimestone caveslocated within it, as well as housinggeodesofcalcitecrystals.[22]

Climate

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Alor Setar features atropical monsoon climate(Am) under theKöppen climate classification.←[circular reference]
Alor Setar has a very lengthywet season.As is common in several regions with this climate, precipitation is seen even during the short dry season. Temperatures are relatively consistent throughout the course of the year, with average high temperatures around 32 degrees Celsius and average low temperatures around 23 degrees Celsius. Alor Setar has an average 2,300 mm (91 in) of annualprecipitation.

Climate data for Alor Setar (Sultan Abdul Halim Airport) (2007–2020 normals, extremes 2015–present)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 36.0
(96.8) 		37.2
(99.0) 		39.1
(102.4) 		38.0
(100.4) 		36.1
(97.0) 		35.1
(95.2) 		34.5
(94.1) 		34.3
(93.7) 		35.0
(95.0) 		35.0
(95.0) 		34.8
(94.6) 		34.6
(94.3) 		39.1
(102.4)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 32.3
(90.1) 		33.8
(92.8) 		34.4
(93.9) 		33.6
(92.5) 		32.7
(90.9) 		32.0
(89.6) 		31.6
(88.9) 		31.7
(89.1) 		31.7
(89.1) 		31.8
(89.2) 		31.6
(88.9) 		31.3
(88.3) 		32.4
(90.3)
Daily mean °C (°F) 28.0
(82.4) 		28.7
(83.7) 		29.4
(84.9) 		29.4
(84.9) 		29.1
(84.4) 		28.7
(83.7) 		28.2
(82.8) 		28.1
(82.6) 		28.1
(82.6) 		28.1
(82.6) 		28.1
(82.6) 		27.8
(82.0) 		28.5
(83.3)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 23.8
(74.8) 		23.7
(74.7) 		24.3
(75.7) 		25.2
(77.4) 		25.6
(78.1) 		25.3
(77.5) 		24.8
(76.6) 		24.6
(76.3) 		24.4
(75.9) 		24.4
(75.9) 		24.6
(76.3) 		24.3
(75.7) 		24.6
(76.2)
Record low °C (°F) 20.2
(68.4) 		19.6
(67.3) 		20.2
(68.4) 		21.3
(70.3) 		22.5
(72.5) 		22.6
(72.7) 		22.2
(72.0) 		22.0
(71.6) 		21.7
(71.1) 		22.4
(72.3) 		22.9
(73.2) 		21.0
(69.8) 		19.6
(67.3)
Averageprecipitationmm (inches) 80.7
(3.18) 		52.3
(2.06) 		97.4
(3.83) 		190.3
(7.49) 		285.6
(11.24) 		145.6
(5.73) 		219.1
(8.63) 		265.8
(10.46) 		276.0
(10.87) 		304.5
(11.99) 		233.3
(9.19) 		104.7
(4.12) 		2,255.3
(88.79)
Average precipitation days 6.5 3.9 7.0 13.0 16.8 11.5 13.1 14.1 17.2 18.4 14.8 9.4 145.7
Averagerelative humidity(%) 78.4 74.5 75.7 82.7 85.2 85.4 87.0 86.7 86.5 87.3 86.6 83.1 83.3
Source 1: IEM (humidity 2012–2023)[23]
Source 2:World Meteorological Organization(precipitation 1971–2000)[24]Meteomanz (extremes)[25]

Demographics

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Masjid Zahir, the state mosque of Kedah, it is considered as among the main heritage and religious monument in Alor Setar

There is no well-known nor formal adjective or demonyms for the people from Alor Setar. A casual way to address a person from the city is "Orang Alor Setar"; the term derived fromMalaywhere people is being referred to "Orang".

Ethnicity and religion

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The following is based on Department of Statistics Malaysia 2020 census.[1]

Ethnic composition of Alor Setar (2020 Malaysian Census
Ethnicities / Nationality Percentage
Malay
 
 72.0%
Chinese
 
 22.3%
Indian
 
 1.9%
OtherBumiputras
 
 0.1%
Others
 
 0.3%
Non-Malaysians
 
 3.4%

The city of Alor Setar recorded a population of 374,051, according to 2020 census data.[26]The 2010 Malaysian census reported that ethnicMalaysformed the majority of the city with 269,317 (72.0%), predominantly ofKedahan Malayorigin, with smaller numbers of Malays from other territories. The Alor Setar-Chinese forming 83,413 (22.3%). The local Chinese community are mainlyHokkien-speaking together with other Chinese-dialect minorities. Other visible communities includesIndians(mostlyTamils) with 7,107 (1.9%) and other Bumiputeras with 374 (0.1%), as well as other ethnicities (mainlySiamese) with 1,122 (0.3%). The Non-Malaysians constitute 12,718 (3.4%) of the local population.

Languages

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The temple gate of Wat Nikrodharam during theWesak Daycelebration, the entrance is written inThai script.TheBuddhist communityin the city are mainly ofChineseandSiamesedescent.
See also:Kedah Malay

The dominant Malay dialect spoken is theKedah-Northern Malay dialectand functioned as thelingua franca.[27]However, standardMalay(sometimes Johor-Riau Malay dialect),EnglishandManglish(the latter being a localised vernacular version of English) are still widely understood in the city.

TheHan Chinese,the second largest community in Alor Setar are primarilyHokkien-speaking. However, significantMandarinandCantoneseare also well known amongst the local Chinese.[28]Additionally, there are also pockets ofHakka,Teochewand other Chinese dialects.

Other languages spoken in Alor Setar includesTamil,among the Alor Setar Indian population andSouthern Thaiby theKedah-Siamesecommunity.[citation needed]

Religion

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A majority of the population adhered to the Islamic faith, which correlates to the strongMalay/Muslim ethnoreligiousidentity. This is signified with the city's two main mosque - Masjid Zahir and Masjid Al Bukhary.Zahir Mosqueis the state mosque of Kedah and enjoys a royal history and patronage. Built in 1912, its official opening ceremony was held on 15 October 1915 by the lateSultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah.[29]The architecture of the mosque was inspired by the Azizi Mosque, the state mosque ofLangkat Sultanatein Sumatera. Other major mosque in the city includes Masjid Al Bukhary, completed in 1999, its design draws inspiration from a fusion in theIslamic World,especially fromAl-Masjid an-Nabawi,Medina;Qaytbay Mosque,CairoandImam al-Bukhari Complex,Samarkand.[30]There is also a gallery located together with the mosque.[31]The Muslim life in Alor Setar is centered on the 69 mosques and a large numbers ofsurauslocated around the city.[32]

Buddhismalso have a large number of followers in the city, mainly amongst the ethnic Chinese and Siamese communities. Among the main Buddhist shrine located in the city includes Wat Nikrodharam. Its architecture reflects strong Thai elements with minor Chinese motifs. It offers a quiet oasis in the city centre. Both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhist traditions are observed here.[33]While the Tou Mu Kung Temple (Chinese: Đấu mẫu cung ), is a Taoist temple situated on Jalan Gangsa. Worshipping the Empress Registrar of Birth or Dou Mu ( đấu mẫu ) andNine Emperor( chín hoàng đại đế / chín hoàng đại đế ) deities, the temple has both Taoist and Buddhist influences.

In addition to Islam and Buddhism, other religions and faiths are also practiced in the city, includingHinduism,ChristianityandSikhism.There are many house of worship constructed to accommodate the religious observance of these communities. For Hindus, one of the main temples that can be visited is Sri Maha Mariamman Devasthanam Hindu Temple, located in Jalan Bakar Bata. For Christian adherents, almost all churches located in the city are from various Protestant churches such as Alor Setar Baptist Church located in Jalan Mahdali, just behind Alor Setar Tower and Alor Setar (Chinese & Tamil) Methodist Church located in Lebuhraya Darulaman. In addition, Church of St. Michael, located in Jalan Langgar is the only Roman Catholic Church that exist within the city. While for Sikh adherents, Gurdwara Sahib Alor Setar is the only worship place for Sikhs that can be founded in the same road, not far from the Church of St. Michael.

Economy

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Akampunghouse with anobservation tower,located in apaddy fieldin Kuala Kedah, the outskirts of Alor Setar

Alor Setar is one of the important commercial and industrial centres in Kedah, alongsideSungai PetaniandKulim.There are many international and national-level commercial banks established their branches in the city, together with a few insurance companies.

Agricultural industry,especiallyrice productionwas traditionally the economic core of the community. However, by the 21st century the local economy is also equally driven by various forms ofprimary-based industryandtertiary sector.[34]Other significant economic activities in Alor Setar includes manufacturing, commerce and retail, hospitality and tourism, financial services, food processing and fishery.

The main industrial areas located in Alor Setar includes Mergong Barrage, Mergong 1 & 2, Tandop, Kristial Light Industrial Park and 2010 Industrial Park.[35]

Transportation

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The capital ofKedahis well connected to all parts ofPeninsular Malaysiaby all transport modes.

TheSultan Abdul Halim AirportTerminal. Established in 1929, the airport provides year-round air connection between Alor Setar toKuala Lumpur,SubangandJohor Bahru,as well as seasonal charter service toJeddahandMedina

Land

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TheNorth–South Expressway,which extends fromBukit Kayu Hitam(Malaysia–Thai border town) to Singapore, has made it easy to drive to Kedah. It is a 6–7-hour drive fromKuala Lumpurand a 1.5-hour drive fromPenangvia expressway.Songkhla provincein Thailand is also about a 1-hour drive from Alor Setar viaPadang Besar–Sadao Highway.

Alor Setar is approached from the east coast viaEast–West Highway(Lebuhraya Timur Barat). Towns such asButterworthandKangaretc., can also be accessed from Alor Setar. Car rental services are available.

Bus

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Most of bus companies in Peninsular Malaysia provide air-conditioned express bus services. Tickets can be bought at bus terminals or ticket offices. All buses that arrive in Alor Setar stop at Shahab Perdana Terminal Bus.[36]Those who wish to travel to other towns, includingThailand,can board their bus at this terminal. Local bus services are also available, serving almost all towns inKedah.

Rail

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Alor Setar Railway Station

Train services are provided byKeretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad(KTMB) through theirETSservices.[37]Train are available between Alor Setar and Kuala Lumpur, Butterworth, Padang Besar, and Gemas. The city' two railway stations areAlor Setar railway stationandAnak Bukit railway station.Tickets can be obtained from the train station or online booking.

Air

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Built in 1929, theSultan Abdul Halim Airport(Alor Setar Airport,IATAcode: AOR) is the second oldest airport in Malaysia. It is located at Kepala Batas, 15 km (9.3 mi) north of the city. It caters almost exclusively on domestic routes.Malaysia Airlines,Firefly,Malindo Air,andAirAsiaprovides multiple daily connections to and from Alor Setar andKuala Lumpur;the airport also served flights connecting Alor Setar toJohor Bahrufour times per-week from 1 October 2018.[38]Since 9 September 2013, Malaysian Airline System connects Alor Setar with a seasonal international direct flights toMadinahandJeddahfor theHajjpilgrims.[39]

Sea

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Passenger ferry services to and fromLangkawito Kuah Ferry Service are provided at Jeti Kuala Kedah, Alor Setar.[40]The jetty is located 15 km (9.3 mi) west of the city. Travellers can take bus, taxi ore-hailingfrom the city centre to the jetty.

Other utilities

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Wisma Persekutuan located in Anak Bukit, Alor Setar

Administration

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According to theNinth Malaysia Plan,by the year 2010, Bandar Muadzam Shah inAnak Bukitwill become the newAdministrative Centreafter Alor Setar city.[41]Bandar Muadzam Shah (Anak Bukit) is going through major infrastructure development, including the new Anak Bukit police station, new National Registration Department (Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara) of Kedah and also newstate governmentbuildings.

Anak Bukit railway stationwas established in 2015, to enhance the connectivity between the administrative centre to the Peninsula Malaysia's rail network.

The newSyariah Courtbuilding
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The Alor Setar Court Complex located in Jalan Suka Menanti.[42]The complex houses High Court, Magistrates' court and the Sessions Court. For the Islamic family matters, the cases are mainly heard inSyariah Courtin Bandar Muadzam Shah.[43]

The Kedah Police Contingent Headquarters is located in Jalan Stadium.[44]While the Kota Setar district headquarters in Jalan Raja. There are also several police stations located in Kuala Kedah, Anak Bukit, Kepala Batas and Alor Jaggus.

Stadium Darul Aman, the home stadium forKedah Darul Aman F.C.

Sports venue

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There are several large sports venue in the city. The largest of which would be theDarul Aman Stadium,opened in 1962 it can accommodate 30,000seating capacity.[45]The stadium also has hosted the2006 Sukma Games.It was one of the venues for the1997 FIFA World Youth Championship.

Other major sports venues in the city includes Sultan Abdul Halim Stadium, Kedah Aquatic Centre, Muadzam Shah Complex and MBAS Swimming Pool Complex.[citation needed]

Parks and recreation

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Spectators enjoyingmusical fountainperformance in Taman Jubli Emas

There are several public parks maintained by the city council. Among the best knownurban parkin Alor Setar is the Taman Jubli Perak (Silver Jubilee Park). The park contains two restored century oldtraditional Malay Houses(Rumah Seri Banai and Rumah Tok Su) in the Heritage Village (Kampung Warisan).[46]The Heritage Village is located beside the Warrior Square (Dataran Pahlawan).

Other parks located in the city includes Taman Jubli Emas, known for itsTengkolokmonument constructed forGolden jubileecelebration ofSultan Abdul Halimnamed the Jubli Emas Monumental Tower in 2008; Dataran Tanjung Chali (Cape Chali Square) with Rumah Api Tanjung Cahli (Cape Chali Lighthouse); Taman Persisiran Sungai Kedah, where the annualwater sportsevents are usually held; Taman Rekreasi Medan Peremba and Taman Rekreasi Medan Merdeka.[47]

Healthcare

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See also:List of hospitals in Malaysia

The city is served by one public hospital, two private hospitals, three 1Malaysia clinics together with many public health and other type of health clinics.

Inaugurated in 2007, replacing the old Alor Setar Hospital, Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital is the largest and the main medical centre in the state, equipped with 1040 beds.[48]As one of the important and major medical facilities in the northern Kedah, Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital also served as thetertiary referral hospitalfor twelve public health clinic in the Kota Setar/Pendang district, eight government hospitals and eleven private hospitals.

Education

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Kedah State Library at Jalan Kolam Air.
See also:List of schools in Kedah

There are many government schools available in the city, which are managed by Kota Setar District Education Office (Pejabat Pendidikan Daerah Kota Setar).[49]Among the well established schools in the city includes Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Sultanah Asma, Jalan Langgar,Kolej Sultan Abdul Hamid,Keat Hwa Secondary SchoolandSekolah Menengah Teknik Alor Setar.

Alor Setar is home to several institute of higher learning. The city is the main campus for two universities,Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah International Islamic University(UniSHAMS)[50]and Albukhary International University (AIU), which offers scholarships to international students.[51]Other colleges and universities located in Alor Setar includes Kolej Poly-Tech MARA,[52]Royal Air Force College,[53]Universiti Tun Abdul Razak,Mara Industrial Institute,[54]Medical Assistant College and Alor Setar Nursing College.

Alor Setar is home toKedah State Library(Malay:Perpustakaan Negeri Kedah), the main public library of the State of Kedah and the headquarters of theKedah Public Library Corporation(Malay:Perbadanan Perpustakaan Awam Kedah,abbreviated asPPAK).[55]

Historical & Cultural sites

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Rumah Tok Su, one of the two restoredtraditional Kedahan Malay housesin Kampung Warisan (Heritage Village) located in Taman Jubli Perak, Alor Setar.
  • Balai Besar-Initially the function of the building was as the Balai Rong Seri or Balai Penghadapan (grand audience hall), that was situated at the back of the Kota Setar Palace complex (Istana Kota Setar). The original building was built in 1735 bySultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin II,the 19th Sultan ofKedah.The pillars, roofs and floors were made of wood.[56]Two Kedah sultans were officially installed at the Balai Besar:Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Halim Shah IIin 1805, andSultan Abdul Halimin 1959.
  • Balai Nobat- This 18-metre-tall (59 ft) three-tiered octagonal tower's sole purpose is to house the royal musical instruments including theserunai(wooden flute),nafiri,gendang(drum) andnobat(công). The original Balai Nobat, constructed of wood, was among the early buildings already completed when Alor Setar town was officially founded in 1735. It has been rebuilt twice, most recently in 1906 in concrete and metal with a dome representing the Islamic element.[57]
  • Istana Anak Bukit- Anak Bukit is the birthplace and royal palace of SultanTuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shahand of the current ruler,Sultan Sallehuddin.Sungai Anak Bukit which is situated behind the royal palace, flows through Alor Setar and is connected by the Kedah River to Kuala Kedah. Since 2008, it has been used in royal ceremonies, replacing the old Balai Besar, and is the very palace were Sultan Sallehuddin was officially enthroned and installed.
  • Kedah Royal Mausoleum-The Kedah royal mausoleum is located in Langgar, near the city centre.
The Kacapuri Gate, completed in 1780, the historical entrance to Kota Kuala Kedah (Kuala Kedah Fort)
  • Kota Kuala Kedah- Kota Kuala Kedah (a.k.a.Kota Kuala Bahang) is the remains of a fort on the bank of the Kedah River (Sungai Kedah), which for centuries protected theKuala KedahKingdom from naval attacks. The fort was originally constructed to provide protection against the Portuguese, and also stood against attacks from theAchenesefrom Sumatra and theBugis.The fort was rebuilt in 1771–1780.[58]A museum and a lighthouse are also located inside the fort complex.[59]
  • Wan Mat Saman Canal- Wan Mat Saman Aqueduct is the longest aqueduct in Malaysia. It connectsKedah Riverin Alor Setar to Gurun at the south, and was built to boost the state's rice production.
  • Pekan Rabu- Pekan Rabu is located near the city's government offices. Although the name literally means "Wednesday Market", this market is open all week long. It sells a variety of handicrafts and is a popular spot for tourists and locals.
  • Rumah Tok Su & Rumah Sri Banai- Two restored classical Kedahan Malay houses, located in the Heritage Village (Perkampungan Warisan), Taman Jubli Perak.[46]
  • Pekan Cina & Pekan Melayu- lit. "Chinatown" and "Malaytown".[60]The old town of Alor Setar where presevered old shophouses are still in use.
  • Istana Sepachendera- The Sepachendera Palace, a palace constructed for Che Sepachendera in 1882, Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah's first consort.[61]As Che Sepachendera is fromSiam,visible elements ofSiamese architecturestyle was incorporated throughout the building. The palace ground is currently abandoned, however there are plans to restore the complex into a museum.[62]

Museums and Galleries

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Completed in 1997, the Alor Setar Tower stands as the third tallest tower in Malaysia
  • Kedah State Museum(Malay:Muzium Negeri Kedah) houses a large collection of Kedah's historical, cultural, and royal heritage. The collection includes early Chinese porcelain, artefacts from the archaeological excavations in Bujang Valley, and a pokok bunga emas or 'gold tree' produced as a tribute to the Thais. The museum is also a research centre which specialises on Kedah's cultural history. Before the present premises were built in 1936, parts of the museum's collection were on display at the Balai Besar. The museum was officially opened on 3 February 1957.[63]
  • National Science Centre Northern Region Branch(Malay:Pusat Sains Negara Cawangan Wilayah Utara,abbreviated as PSNCWU) is located at Gunung Keriang next to the Alor Setar Aquatic Centre and Paddy Museum. It is the first science centre built in northern Malaysia.[64]
  • Paddy Museum(Malay:Muzium Padi) is the first paddy museum in Malaysia, and the fourth in the world after Japan, Germany and the Philippines.[65][66]The museum showcases the rice cultivation process in Malaysia and the tools and equipment used. Murals feature the work of 60 artists from North Korea.
  • Kedah State Art Gallery(Malay:Balai Seni Negeri Kedah) was set up with the objective of fostering interest in and an appreciation of art in the state. Its collection includes paintings, photographs, musical instruments and handicrafts.[67]
  • Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Gallery(Malay:Galeri Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah) originally housed the Alor Setar High Court, before it was moved to Kompleks Mahkamah Alor Setar in Suka Menanti. This building is located at the junction of Jalan Putera, adjacent to the Balai Nobat.[68]
  • Kedah Royal Museum(Malay:Muzium Diraja Kedah) had originally been part of the Kota Setar palace. It was rebuilt after attacks by theBugis(1770) andSiamese(1821). The current concrete building was completed during the reign ofSultan Ahmad Tajuddin Mukarram Shah,who once stayed in this palace with his queen. This palace is also known as the "Pelamin Palace" after it was extended to include a pavilion and additional rooms, whenSultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shaharranged marriages for his five children. The grand wedding ceremony lasted for three months in 1904. After 1941, the palace was used as a school and an office for several organisations including the office for the St. John Ambulance and theScout movements.On 25 July 1983, the palace was declared the Kedah Royal Museum.[69]
  • Alor Setar Tower(Malay:Menara Alor Setar) - Located in the heart of Alor Setar, this 165.5-metre-tall (543 ft) tower is a prominent modern landmark that signifies the rapid development inKedah.It serves as a telecommunications tower and tourist attraction, offering a panoramic view of the city and surroundings.[70]
  • Mahathir Birth House(Malay:Rumah Kelahiran Mahathir) - The birthplace of Tun DrMahathir,the fourth and seventhPrime Minister of Malaysia,has been designated as a historic building. Located atNo.18 Lorong Kilang Ais, off Jalan Pegawai, it was restored by the National Archives in 1992.[71][72]
  • Independence House(Malay:Rumah Merdeka) is a designated historic building which houses the collection and memorial ofTunku Abdul Rahman,the firstPrime Minister of Malaysia.It is owned by the national archives.[73]

Notable people from Alor Setar

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Arts

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Sports

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Government and politics

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Businessmen

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References

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[74]

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Preceded by
Kulim 		Capital ofKedah
(1901-present) 		Succeeded by
present
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