Prepared by :

Hariz Razak

Perlis may be the smallest state in Malaysia,

but it boasts a wealth of natural, cultural and
historical splendours that rival the bigger
states.

Introduction
Perlisis the smallest state inMalaysia. It lies at the northern part of the west

coast ofPeninsular Malaysiaand has theSatunand SongkhlaProvinces

ofThailandon its northern border. It is bordered by the state ofKedahto the
south. The formal name of Perlis isPerlis Indera Kayangan. It was
calledPalit(Thai:) by the Siamese when it was under their influence.
Perlis had a population of 227,025 as of 2010.
The capital of Perlis isKangar, and the Royal capital isArau. Another important

town isPadang Besar, at the MalaysiaThailand border. The main port and ferry
terminal is at the small village ofKuala Perlis, linking mostly toLangkawi
Island. Perlis has a famous snake farm and research center at Sungai Batu
Pahat. Among the main tourist attractions arePerlis State Parkand Gua Kelam.

History

Perlis

was originally part ofKedah, although it occasionally came under rule

bySiam orAceh. After theSiameseconquered Kedah in 1821, theBritishfelt their
interests in Perakto be threatened. This resulted in the 1826 Burney and Low
Treaties formalising relations between the twoMalay statesand Siam, their
nominal overlord. In theBurney Treaty, the exiled Kedah sultanAhmad
Tajuddinwas not restored to his throne. Sultan Ahmad and his armed supporters
then fought unsuccessfully for his restoration over twelve years (18301842).

In

1842, the Sultan finally agreed to accept Siamese terms, and was restored to
his throne of Kedah. However, Siam separated Perlis into a separate principality
directly vassal toBangkok. TheSiamesemade Raja Long Krok as the Governor of
Siam in Perlis while Syed (or Sayyid) Hussain Jamalullail as deputy governor.
Finally, on20 May 1843, theSiamesemadeSayyid Hussain Jamalulail, the
paternal grandson of aHadhramiArabSayyid immigrant and maternal grandson
of the Sultan of Kedah, became the firstRajaof Perlis. This made Perlis as a
sovereign state. His descendants still rule Perlis, but as rajas, instead of as
sultans.

As with Kedah, theAnglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909forced

Siam to relinquish its southern Malay vassal states

toGreat Britain. The British installed aResidentin the
Perlis Royal capital ofArau. Perlis was returned to Siam
inWorld War IIas a reward for Siam's alliance with
Japan, but this brief annexation ended with the
Japanese surrender. After World War II, Perlis returned to
British rule until it became part of theMalayan Union,
then theFederation of Malayain 1957 and lastly
theFederation of Malaysiain 1963.

Demographics
The ethnic composition for the year 2000 in Perlis was:
Malay (174,805 or 79.74%),
Chinese (21,058 or 9.6%),
Indian (2,658 or 1.21%) and others (20,690 or 9.45%).

As of 2010 the population of Perlis is 87.9% Muslim,

10.0% Buddhist,
0.8% Hindu,
0.6% Christian,
0.2% Taoist or Chinese religion followers,
0.3% followers of other religions, and 0.2% non-religious.

Tourist Attractions/Places to
See
Gua Kelam
Padang Besar
Wang Kelian
Tasik Melati
Arau (royal town)
Snake farm
Bukit Ayer
Chuping Sugar Cane Plantation

Gua Kelam

Wang Kelian

Tasik Melati

Snake Farm

Tanam Anggur

Chuping Sugar Cane Plantation

Local Cuisine
Perlis is probably the state that serves the best tom yam

in the country, thanks to its neighboring relations to

Thailand. Besides Thai dishes, you must also try the exotic
traditional Malay fare, Chinese cuisine and Indian meal.
Laksa Perlis is a homemade thick, rich, spicy, and
creamy fish gravy seafood noodle, its ingredients can be
combined according to you preference.
Kuala Perlis is also known for its mouth-watering and easily
available seafood. Not only is seafood fresh, but it is also
relatively cheaper than in other parts of the country.

Laksa

Culture
Tarian Canggung, a traditional dance, was brought from early

historical times, and performed by the people as a form of

celebration after harvest time. In fact, it is the peoples dance
where singing and exchanges of words in stanzas (called
berbalas pantun) are freely and jestingly called for to the
accompaniment of music.
Tarian Terinai, is yet another dance and musical presentation,
performed specifically during a royal ceremony. The musical
accompaniment is usually provided by the beating of Gendang
Terinai (drums), normally performed by five musicians.

Tarian Canggung

Tarian Terinai

Thank
You