An Introduction to Perlis

Perlis

It is worth mentioning Perlis when talking about Malaysia because even though it is the smallest state in the country, it has its own surreal and authentic ambiance. Unlike the other states it is not so much talked about in terms of city life, tourist attractions and places to visit but most would agree that is a place open to exploration and adventure. If you would like a serene and scenic getaway then Perlis is perfect with its traditional villages, paddy fields and cultural traditions evident in the lifestyles of the residents.

Its location is in the northern tip of West Malaysia with Thailand in the north and Kedah to the east and south. It is 810 km² and has a population of 241,000 as of 2009. Its state capital is Kangar. Some of the other towns in Perlis are Arau, Kuala Perlis and Padang Besar. Perlis was formerly part of Kedah and came under the rule of Siam, Aceh, Japan and finally the British before becoming an independent state in Malaysia.

Transportation and Accessibility

Perlis does not have an airport but you can fly to Alor Setar in Kedah and take a 45 minute taxi ride to Kangar. There are regular bus services from Kangar to major towns including Kuala Lumpur, Alor Setar, Butterworth, Johor Bahru, Kuantan, Terengganu, Seremban and Ipoh while the local bus service operates from Kangar to Kuala Perlis, Simpang Empat, Bukit Keteri Mata Air and Padang Besar and Kodiang. Ferry services take scheduled trips from Kuala Perlis to Langkawi.

Amenities and Facilities

Although Perlis does not boast 5 star hotels or expensive lodgings, its accommodation are decent, modest and homely. Also, although they are few in number, the hotels in Perlis have enough facilities for a comfortable stay. The hotels in Kangar are Ban Cheong Hotel, Eagle Park resort, Federal Hotel, Kangar Travelodge, Malaysia hotel while the hotel in Kuala Perlis is Pens Hotel. When in Perlis, one may want to take their leisurely time going around seeing places and doing things as there is no regular hum drum of the city. While enjoying the slow and relaxed pace of life here, visitors may want to see Arau the royal town with its splendid Malay architecture displayed in the Istana Arau and the Royal Mosque.

Other places of interest are the Museum Kota Dayang, a historical spot previously a fort site, Padang Besar one of Perlis’ towns, the Perlis Craft Cultural Complex, an excellent place for arts and crafts, The Snake and Reptile Farm for those who are daring, and the Melati Lake. Also for nature lovers, the Gua Kelam Recreational Park, Gunung Medan, the Bukit Air recreational Park and the Wang Kelian State Park are favourites. The hospital located in Perlis is the Kangar Hospital, Perlis. Additionally, for those wishing to study in Perlis, the universities are Universiti Institute Teknologi Mara, Arau, Institute Teknologi Mara, UITM Perlis and University Malaysia Perlis.

Economy

Driven by sugar cane and rice plantations, Perlis’ economy also includes the growing of fruits such as watermelon and mangoes. Agriculture is the main industry of Perlis and also the main contributor to its GDP. It takes up 63% of the total land use while manufacturing and mining occupy 0.1% of land use and contribute to 25% of the GDP. Fishing and forestry are also carried out here. As a move to diversify the economy of Perlis, the Regent of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail has stated that sports should become a profitable industry and contribute to the overall economy of the country as written in an article by NST dated March 8, 2010.

Development

Some developments in Perlis include the Sungai Chuchoh Industrial Park, a high-tech industry, the sugar refinery at Chuping and a cement factory at Bukit Keteri. Also prominent are the Kuala Perlis and Padang Besar Real industrial estates. From the Property Market Report 2005 by C H Williams Talhar & Wong, Perlis Holdings Sdn Bhd is said to build a RM35 million hotel in Kuala Perlis. This will be a 3 star sea front hotel covering 8.4 acres with a convention centre having a capacity of 1,500. Also, from the same report it is noted that one of the residential launches in the area will be a new township in Padang Besar covering 138 acres with an inland port and border market. Although Perlis is not known for its shopping centres, there are a few in the area that caters for both locals and visitors alike. They are The Store, Green Earth Duty Free Sdn Bhd, KC Ceria, RMT Mart and Emas Kerajang Sdn Bhd. The major golf club in Perlis is the Putra Golf Club in Kangar.

Property Developments

As far as property developers are concerned, a few of the major ones are Nepta Development Sdn Bhd., Syarikat Jali Sdn Bhd, Maha Emas Sdn Bhd, Asota Enterprise Sdn Bhd, Sunrise Matrix Sdn Bhd and Bakau Jaya Development Sdn Bhd. The Perlis State Economic Deveolopment Corporation (PSEDC) is responsible for the Taman Aman housing project as well as the Putra Palace Hotel in Perlis.

Industrial Properties

The PSEDC is also in charge of the industrial areas such as Jejawa, Chuping, Kuala Perlis and Padang Besar. View more