Discover Kedah Institution

Kedah

Kedah is a thriving state considered as the “rice bowl” of Malaysia, producing almost half of the country’s main staple dish. Home to a wide range of Islamic schools, many come from the surrounding regions for quality religious education. Tourism also thrives thanks to Langkawi Island where it consists of many beautiful islands, pristine beaches and lush rainforests.

Quick Facts

Number of Higher Education Institutions

4

Main City

Alor Setar

Population

2,160,000

Airport

Sultan Abdul Halim Airport (AOR), Langkawi International Airport (LGK)

Living in Kedah

Arriving in Kedah

Kedah is serviced by local and international flights, intercity train and road network. Sultan Abdul Halim Airport on the mainland connects mostly to Kuala Lumpur while Langkawi International Airport also connects to international destinations.

Airports

Langkawi International Airport – International and domestic flights

Sultan Abdul Halim Airport – Domestic flights

Airport Transportation

Bus

The mainland airport is well-connected by bus.

Car

Rentals are available and Malaysian road signs are easy to read. Driving is on the left side of the road and do note that there are toll fees for major highways as well.

Taxi

All vehicles are able to enter and drop-off passengers. Do note that fares will include highway toll fees. Flag downs and ride-hailing apps are popular as well.

Getting Around Kedah

As a developing state, modern infrastructure is mostly confined to urban areas, although good road networks can connect you to any destination by private transportation.

Bus

Long distance sleeper  buses are available from larger cities like Kuala Lumpur and arrive in Kedah via the North-South Highway. Public buses are available within the city.

Car

Renting a vehicle is a good option for travelling around Malaysia for extended periods. As a developed country, there are well-maintained roads, signs in English, and a comprehensive highway system (some of which have toll fees). Using navigation apps such as Google Maps or Waze to get around is convenient too.

Taxi

Kedah has metered taxis plying its routes, do ask them to use the meter. Otherwise, ride-hailing apps provide alternative options at a fixed price.

Train

KTM Intercity trains service the capital, Alor Setar and other major train stations.

Walking

Exploring by foot is encouraged and there are plenty of sights within walking distance of each other. Roads are well-lit after dark, making evening strolling pleasant. Signs are instructive and well-placed and pavements are wide to accommodate human traffic.

6 Things You Need To Do in Kedah

Swim in the Waters of Pulau Langkawi

Dive into the clear waters of Langkawi which consists of over a 100 small islands. Offering beautiful beaches, nature rich in biodiversity, duty-free shopping and picturesque countryside, Langkawi is the perfect paradise for everyone.

Find out more here.

Explore the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park

Kilim Karst Geoforest Park is a protected park with a mix of mangrove forests, white sandy beaches, and winding rivers. Here, you can try your luck at spotting eagles Langkawi is famous for – white-bellied fish eagle, brahminy kite and other sea eagles.

Find out more here.

Drive to Gunung Jerai - Kedah Peak

Enjoy breathtaking views from the peak of Gunung Jerai. You can get to the top by driving or biking trails. A resort and a seat overlooking the Straits of Malacca await those who reach the peak. You may be able to see Indonesia’s Sumatra on a clear day.

Find out more here

Alor Setar Heritage Trail

Apart from vast paddy fields in the countryside, the capital city Alor Setar has many cultural and historical attractions. From the birthplace of current Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to the state mosque of Masjid Zahir, Wat Nikrodharam and Galeri Sultan Abdul Halim.

Find out more here.

Visit Muzium Padi

Known as the “rice bowl” of Malaysia, Kedah accounts for about half of Malaysia’s rice production. Visit the museum that houses exhibits on the development of the state’s main export.

Find out more here.

Bujang Valley Archaeological Museum

Discover once-lost stories from archaeological exhibits that show the area was once a thriving port which served as a trade center between eastern and western countries.

Find out more here.

Kedah

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Sarah Azreen Abdul Samat

Sarah has over 22 years of experience in corporate finance transactions involving equity issuance, mergers and acquisitions, fundraising, corporate restructuring, and corporate valuation, amongst others. She began her career in investment banking with Malaysian International Merchant Bankers Berhad in 2001 after obtaining her professional qualifications from PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Later in her career, she joined other investment banking institutions in Malaysia such as AmInvestment Bank Berhad, Maybank Investment Bank Berhad and RHB Investment Bank Berhad.

Presently, Sarah sits as Non-Independent Non-Executive Director of Reneuco Berhad and Independent Director of Pharmaniaga Berhad. She is currently the Executive Director of 3p Capital Advisers Sdn. Bhd., a company licensed with the Securities Commission Malaysia to provide advisory services to the capital market players.

Tuan Haji Ismail Bin Mohamed

Tuan Haji Ismail Mohamed sits on the Board of Director for Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS). He obtains his Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

Prior to sitting on the EMGS Board, he was also appointed to be the Board of Director to KEJORA from 2013 to 2018, and several companies such as Permodalan Darul Takzim Sdn Bhd, Perbadanan Usahawan Johor Sdn Bhd, PIJ Holding and Ranhil SAJ Sdn Bhd. Tuan Haji Ismail Mohamed also co-founded Pertama.

He started his career by setting up a company and being the founder of JYBB Enterprise. His career came to prominence when he became the co-founder and the Chief Executive Officer of Pertama Polyerethane Technology (M) Sdn Bhd and subsequently became the Special Officer to the Minister of Education in 2013.

Ismail Mohamed is acknowledged for his expertise in Agriculture and Agro-based industry, landing him being appointed as the Chairman of the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Committee of the Johor State, the Chairman of Agro KEJORA and the Chairman of the Johor State Agriculture, Agro-based industry, Entrepreneurial Development and Cooperatives Committee.