Transformation to industrial powerhouse

The land known as Jelapang Padi Negara is moving ahead with plans to industrialise, changing the landscape of many towns. In a few years time, Kedah will morph into a rather urbanised state.

BEYOND being known as Malaysia’s granary or Jelapang Padi Negara, Kedah is the eighth largest state that also happens to be home to the eighth largest population ranked by state. With a landmass of 9,467sq km, Kedah is smaller than Terengganu (13,035sq km), but slightly larger than Selangor (8,104sq km).

At its northernmost tip, it shares an international boundary with Thailand, with an immigration checkpoint at Bukit Kayu Hitam. Elsewhere, it has state boundaries with Perak, Perlis and Penang.