Vast potential of Alor Setar

ALOR SETAR which was founded in 1735 by Kedah’s 19th Ruler, Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin II, has evolved over the years from a small town into a city.

The name Alor Setar is apparently derived from the combination of two Malay words which is Alor meaning a ‘small stream’ and Setar (Bouea macrophylla Griff’), a tropical fruit tree native to South-East Asia.

Alor Setar was granted city status on Dec 21, 2003.

As the eighth administrative centre of Kedah since the establishment of the Kedah Sultanate in 1136, Alor Setar is the heart of the state.

There is a rustic charm about the city with a mixture of culture and tradition that has blended well with modern development.

It is also the birthplace of two prime ministers Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia’s first Prime Minister and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysia’s fourth Prime Minister.

The Alor Setar parliamentary constituency consists of three state seats – Bakar Bata, Kota Darulaman and Alor Mengkudu.

One major attraction here is Pekan Rabu where traders sell a variety of items from titbits to handicraft.

It is a popular spot for tourists and locals. Dr Mahathir sold banana fritters and ginger drinks there during his younger days.

Another famous landmark is the Alor Setar Tower. Standing at 165.5m, it is the tallest building in Alor Setar.

The Zahir Mosque, the state mosque in Kedah, enjoys royal history and patronage. Built in 1912, it was officially opened by the late Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah three years later.

Locals claimed much of the development in Alor Setar was done during Barisan Nasional administration of the state.

Businessman Lim Joo Seng, 55, said the present Pakatan Rakyat state government continued only on what was left.

“The spurt of economic development occurred during the Barisan era. Many factories were opened and housing estates came up everywhere,” he said.

Lim, who is Taman Seri Impian Residents Association secretary, said new business areas included the Mergong Light Industrial Area and the Simpang Kuala town.

“Business was good then. But there has not been much development for the past five years,” he said.

Lim said the Federal Government through the Housing and Local Government Ministry had spearheaded the beautification and maintenance of flats that were neglected over the years.

“This shows that the Federal Government still cared for the welfare of Kedahans although the state is governed by Pakatan,” he said.

Lim hoped Alor Setar would be brighter in future with more business activities than can create job opportunities for school leavers.

Office cleaner R. Kamala, 43, from Kampung Seberang Tambang Badak, said not many changes have happened in Alor Setar despite the change in state government during the last general election.

Kamala said she wanted the government to be more caring towards elderly folk and the needy.

She said her family lived in a village and they were close to their neighbours, including those from other races.

“If anyone is in need of help, the neighbours will come forward to give a helping hand. Some send food and some help to buy medicine,” she said.

Baharudin Baharom, 70, from Seberang Terus flats said locals valued peace, harmony and prosperity.

“We are simple people. We want only a roof over our head, food on the table and education facilities for our children. We want to live in a peaceful neighbourhood,” he said.

Baharudin acknowledged efforts made by both the state and Federal governments in helping the people.

However, he said the Federal Government played a more active role as they had well-planned programmes.

Kedah Chinese Assembly Hall deputy chairman Datuk Tan Son Lee said the Chinese community were hoping for better business environment and better education facilities for their children.

He said business had been slow in the past five years.

Among the reasons was the fewer number of new housing estates constructed due to land issue.

“Much of vacant land available in the city are Malay Reserve land,” he said.

Tan said whoever lead Kedah in future must make sure that the welfare of the people is given due importance.

He said equal opportunities should be given to all races in all state development programmes so that everyone benefits from them.

Several locals said they were glad that the Federal Government would soon demolish the Pekan Rabu Complex and rebuild it as a modern shopping venue with better facilities.

This was following the announcement by Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob that the new building would cost RM55.58mil.

Civil servant Mohd Ali Junid, 52, said he was glad that the current 347 traders would not lose an income since they would be moved to a temporary site when construction work begins.