Page 29 - The Guide To Malaysia 9th Edition

THE GUIDE TO MALAYSIA 25 Malaysia Maps
Kedah Darul Aman
(Kedah, Abode of Peace)
automotive, aerospace, electronics and IT, as well as motorcycles. Tourism is driven by the world-famous Langkawi archipelago
and Jerai Geopark, the eco-tourism hub for the mainland. Kedah also benefits from cross-border trade with Thailand and
a modest mining sector
Kulim Hi-Tech Park (KHTP),
Population: 2.19 million. Area: 9,447sq km
Major Towns: Alor Setar (state capital), Anak Bukit (royal town), Sungai Petani, Kulim, Kuah (Langkawi). State Website: kedah. gov.my
HOW TO GET THERE
By Air: Sultan Abdul Halim Airport, Alor Setar and Langkawi International Airport (free port status).
By Road: North-South Expressway from Kuala Lumpur & Penang.
By Rail: KTM stations in Alor Setar, Gurun, Sungai Petani.
By Sea: Kuala Kedah Jetty, ferry to Langkawi Island.
(2017 - present), is Head
of State and Head of Islam and governs together with the State Executive Council under the Menteri Besar (Chief Minister).
Major Economic Activities
The main economic activities are services (56.2% of
state GDP), manufacturing (28.7%) and agriculture and fisheries (12.1%). Kedah is
the rice bowl of Malaysia, accounting for almost 42% of national production, and is noted for its high quality Jelapang rice. Aquaculture, fisheries, rubber, oil
palm, timber, feedlots, poultry and horticulture are also significant. The manufacturing sector focuses on high-tech
Labuan
KEDAH
(iron, granite and quartz). Development is also facilitated by Northern Corridor Economic Region initiatives (see page 369).
Main Industrial Areas
the first of its kind in
Historical Background
Kedah, the oldest state in
the Malay Archipelago, dates from around 110 CE. Sultan Mudzaffar Shah I embraced Islam in 1136 CE, founding
the oldest Royal House in Malaysia and one of the oldest in the world. Invaded by Siam in 1821, Kedah remained under Siamese control until 1909 when it
was transferred to Britain. During WWII the Japanese returned Kedah to their Thai allies, but British rule resumed after the war. Kedah gained independence in 1957 as part of the Malay Federation.
State Government
The current (29th) Sultan, Tuanku Sallehuddin Ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah
Malaysia, has attracted
over 40 leading technology companies including Intel, Osram, Celestica, First
Solar, Silterra, Fuji Electric and Infineon. Its strategic advantages include its location, global connectivity, dedicated Local Authority and dedicated power utility. Other major industrial
sites include Modenas Motorcycles at Gurun and the Asian Composites plant at Bukit Kayu Hitam.
Future Investment Opportunities
The 1,224-acre Kedah Rubber City (KRC) in Padang Terap will be developed into a “Rubber Corridor” linking the
major rubber producers
in the Indonesia-Malaysia- Thailand Growth Triangle. It is expected to contribute RM14.7 billion to GDP when fully realised.
SARAWAK