Kangar
Ben van Wijnen

The JKR clock tower in Kangar

Perlis was originally part of Kedah, until 1842. A series of conflicts between Kedah, Perak and Siam forced British intervention in 1826 where the Burney and Low Treaties were signed formalising relations between the two Malay states and Siam, their nominal overlord. In the Burney Treaty, the exiled Kedahan sultan Ahmad Tajuddin was not restored to his throne. Sultan Ahmad and his armed supporters then fought for his restoration over twelve years (1830-1842).

In 1842 Britain put pressure on Siam to restore the Sultan. This was done, but Perlis and Setul were separated. Perlis was given to Syed Sapee, an Arab merchant. His descendants still rule Perlis, as rajas, instead of as sultans.

The Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 transferred Thai sovereignty over Perlis to the British but the Japanese "handed it back" to Thailand during its occupation of the Malay Peninsular. After the Japanese surrendered, Perlis once again came under British protection until it gained independence under the banner of the Federation of Malaya in 1957.

The Heritage Town Clock building which housed the Mentri Besar's office and State Assembly Hall in Kangar

Kangar is the state capital of Perlis and it is a business center with people trading mainly in seafood, rice, sugar, mangoes and other local fruits. It is belived that the name Kangar was derived from a species of hawk named Kangkok or Spizaetus Limnaetu. The state capital is Kangar, while Arau, 10 km away, is the Royal town. So.... Kangar is the seat of government. It is located in the heart of the country's "rice bowl" area and depending on the season, is surrounded by lush green fields or golden yellow padi, ripe for harvest. Although new buildings can be seen, Kangar retains much of its old world charm.

 

A small town, with everything within walking distance, Kangar is not lacking in amenities and facilities. The major landmark of the town is the state mosque, Masjid Alwi. The Masjid Alwi is situated along Jalan Kangar in Kangar. It was built in 1910, it is a former State Mosque. It's early days design, and the yellow coloured blinds are some of the very interesting views.

Another major landmark of the town is the golden-domed state Mosque on Jalan Besar close to the Kangar Travelogue. A small town, Kangar's stadium, general hospital, hotels and schools are all within walking distance.   The Pasar Malam in Kangar is on Wednesday. Pasar Malam is an open-air affair where business is already brisk at 5.00 pm, and are very popular because of the fiesta-like atmosphere. A pasar malam is held on an open ground or even a full stretch of a road or thoroughfare,

according to what has been approved by the local authorities. The police keep a friendly surveillance, especially when a road has been blocked off and passage impeded.

 

The State Museum is the place that stores the rich history of Perlis It was granted by Raja Syed Alwi to his younger brother, Syed Salim bin Syed Muhammad al-Jafri, who was a senior minister. Towards the end of the 19th century, Syed Salim built his residence and stayed there with his family until it was sold to the State Government just after the signing of the 1909 Bangkok Treaty. Since then, the building became the official residence of the state British Advisors. The first British Advisor, Mr. Meadow Frost and his successors resided in the house until the Second World War in 1941. From 1941 until 1943, the building was taken over by Japanese Military Administration, while from 1943 until 1945, the Thai Military Government took over the building. After Independence, the building became the Perlis Chief Minister's official residence. It became popularly known as Rumah Tetamu (Guest House) after it was vacated by Chief Minister Dato' Jaafar Hassan in early 1980s. In 1991, the building was demolished to make way for the construction of the present State Museum, which is structurally identical to the old building. The Kompleks Warisan Negeri, which is a new building in Kangar, is also within the compounds of the State Museum. From Kangar town, take Jalan Kolam, heading eastward until you reach Jalan Tun Abdul Razak. The museum is located near the junction. One of the main landmarks close by is the Kangar Hospital.

PERLIS STATE MUSEUM

January to April the weather is generally warm and dry. Days are hot and windy but nights can become cold towards dawn. September to December is wet. The average annual rainfall is between 2,000 ml and 2,500 ml (80" to 100") and humidity is high throughout the year. Temperature varies little the year round, ranging from 21°C to 32°C.

A rare occurence in Kangar.
A traffic jam along the Jalan Raja Syed Alwi
leading to a polling station on polling day
for the Indera Kayangan By election.