KEDAH spans approximately 9, 425 sq. km in the northern part of the Peninsular and shares a common border with neighbouring Thailand. It has the population of 1.69 million and is traditionally known as the "Rice Bowl of Malaysia". The Kedah-Perlis rice plains produce more than half of the country's home grown rice supply. Alor Setar, the capital state, is the seat of Government and the business centre of the state and also home to many old buildings which still stand in their original form together with other relics of the past. The flat expanse of padi fields against a backdrop of rolling hills provides a picture of utter serenity that lulls the senses. Off its western shore, are clusters of sun-drenched islands that comprise the legendary islands of Langkawi. Relics uncovered at the Bujang Valley, point to Hindu-Buddhist influence dating back to the fourth century A.D.
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 symbolizes 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.
THE EARLY HISTORY
Kedah, by virtue of research and historical findings, is the most ancient state in the country. The present Royal family can trace back its line to the Hindu times. Situated on one of the main transit routes across the Peninsular on the great East-West trade route, the state has become a prosperous centre for settlement and trade in the old days. Some of the earliest known stone age artifacts and sites are located in Kedah and it is a state which has remnants from the Hindu-Buddhist period in Malaysian histiry. This is reflected in the numerous temple sites in the Bujang Valley.
It was centre which attracted traders who travelled between China and India. The Bujang Valley was ideal "resting destination" then while waiting for the monsoon to change. History has it that in 671 AD, a Buddhist monk from China, I.T. Tsing, stopped at Bujang Valley. Archeologists had unearthed evidence of Hindu civilisation at the location which is home to more than 50 Hindu temples. A visit to the Bujang Valley will unravel a story about Kedah civilisation. The Kedah Sultanate began at Bukit Meriam which is located in the district of Kuala Muda. Maharaja Derbar raja was the first ruler who converted to Islam and changed his name to Sultan Muzaffar Shah. He rule Kedah from 1136 Ad to 1179 AD and was laid to rest at the Kampung Langgar, Mukim Bujang. Since then, there has been 27 Sultans who ruled Kedah. Before Sultan Muzaffar, Kedah had been ruled by eight by eight Maharajas and this is an evidence to show that the Kedah Sultanate in the region.
ECONOMY
Although predominantly an agriculture-based State, Kedah is undergoing rapid development in all sectors. With sound economic planning and supportive policy environment, the State has successfully utilised its advantageous location and rich human and natural resources to create a broadly diversified ecnmy. The State has entered a new era, shifting its economic thrust from agriculture to industry. It has attracted a range of supporting industries, creating thousands of new jobs and hundreds of business opportunities are really available for foreign and domestic investors.
High technology and heavy industries have made their way into Kedah and the State is stepping up its pace to become an industralised state in 20 years' time.
Developing and upgrading physical infrastructures and other supporting services to the the industrial sector and the existence of Kulim Hi-Tech Park, the first high technology park in Malaysia, gives added advantage in boosting the state's economic growth.
The State is also taking advantage of its strategic location within the Northern Growth Triangle. several successful private-sectors's initiated business ventures are now in operation on a joint-venture basis between Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. Although high priority is given to industrial development, agriculture and tourism sectors are also being emphasised upon.