My hOme TowN

The state of Kedah Darul Aman is a land of unique natural beauty, surrounded by the greenery of paddy fields, rolling hills and clear blue skies. Located 410 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur, in the northwest of the Peninsular, it shares a common border with Thailand. Kedah covers an area of 9,425 sq.km, and its highest peak is Gunung Gerai. The state capital of Kedah is Alor Setar which was officially declared as a city on 28th November 2003. The state has eleven main districts – Kota Setar, Baling, Kubang Pasu, Kuala Muda, Bandar Bharu, Kulim, Langkawi, Padang Terap, Sik, Yan and Pendang. The state’s population in 2003 was estimated to be 1.7 million people ( i'm the one who was working outside Kedah but Kedah always in my heart..).Kedah is the oldest state in Malaysia with a history that dates back to the 5th century AD. During ancient times, it was a famous trading centre for merchants from as far as China, Middle East and India. Since 1958, Kedah has been ruled by the Sultan of Kedah, Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah whose royal lineage can be traced to Sultan Mudzafar Shah in 1136.

TERENGGANU DARUL IMAN

About Terengganu
Terengganu is located at the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. To the north there lies the Kelantan state, then neigbouring with Pahang at the south.

History
History of Terengganu began long before the establishment of Melaka sultanate. The archaeological evidences found in Bewah Cave in Kenyir Lake proven that this state has already been resided since 4,000 B.C. However, the Sultanate of Terengganu began only in 1724 with Sultan Zainal Abidin as the first sultan for this state.
During the early sultanate period, although Siam claimed that Terengganu was part of its dominion resulted from the Bunga Emas and Bunga Perak sent by the latter in every 3 years, it was said that the gift was actually a present of courtesy and token of friendship but not tributes as to prevent the interference of British in the state’s administration. Siam handed over Terengganu to British in 1909 after signing the Bangkok Agreement but this was rejected by Terengganu. Another agreement was then signed between Terengganu and British in 1910 and thereafter Terengganu officially recognized the appointment of a British Representative with the condition the British agent was not empowered to interfere in the administration of the state. The British who was not satisfy with their status continued to look for ways to get involve in the internal affairs of the state. In 1919, their attempt finally succeeded. Another agreement was signed between British and Sultan Muhammad. Terengganu officially accepted a British advisor, seek and follow his counsels in all administrative matters except religion issues.
Nevertheless, the involvement of British had brought to resistance from the people. The patriotic awareness had spread among the state and led to the establishment of Association of Young Malays (Kesatuan Melayu Muda, KMM) in 1937. A series of campaigns was held by KMM during 1940-1941. In 1942 when the Japanese took the control of Peninsular Malaysia, KMM was dissolved and Terengganu was under the administration of Japanese Army until 1943 when the governance authority was transferred to the Thai Army. Thai administration remained in Terengganu until Japan conceded defeat to the alliance in August 1945, then it was again back to the hand of British until the Federation of Malaya achieved her independence on 31 August 1957.

Today
Terengganu today covers 12,995 square kilometers and comprises of seven districts: Setiu, Kemaman, Dungun, Marang, Hulu Terengganu and Kuala Terengganu. There is approximately 1 million of population in this state which 90% are Malays and the reminder share among the Chinese and Indians and a very small percentage goes to aborigines.

Economy
The discovery of offshore oil in gas in 1974 has granted Terengganu a significant change to its economic, technology and social structure. At current production, the oil and gas reserves are estimated to last for another 13 years and 41 years respectively.
Terengganu has enjoyed considerable development over the past 30 years with its rapid industrialization and growing economic activity after the discovery of these reserves. Before this, farming and fishing were the main economic activities for the state.
Even so, 45% of its land is still covered by lush pristine forests and rivers also home for some very old Malaysia traditional culture whose practices and customs have been handed down the generations. The 225 km of coastline is not only making Terengganu the state with the longest coastline in Peninsular Malaysia but also contributing to the state GNP. As a holiday destination, Terengganu is a neverending journey of discovery with its rich and exotic culture, breathtaking wonders of nature and endless potential for adventure.

Culture and Religion
Due to its history background and geographical location, Terengganu receives cultural influences from the neighbour in the north: Kelantan and Thailand. Though it is conservative Muslim state, the general public is still enjoying the freedom of worship. However, beer or alcohol is not widely available in certain places especially Malay own shops. Always remember that while n Rome, do as the Romans do.