MY PHOTO: HISTORIC AND INTERESTING PLACES (KEDAH)

1991: MAKAH MAHSURI, PULAU LANGKAWI

Mahsuri's Tomb in Kampung Mawat, Ulu Melaka, Pulau Langkawi, Kedah. Her tomb has become a tourist attraction on the island. 

Mahsuri binti Pandak Mayah, a young woman who lived in Pulau Langkawi, was accused of adultery by her jealous mother-in-law. She was executed, but before her execution, she cursed Langkawi – declaring that the island would suffer 7 generations of misfortune. When she was stabbed with a keris, a white blood gushes from her wound. 

Local folklore says after the execution, Langkawi was invaded by Siam, became barren – "Padang Jarak Padang Tekukur" (a field of desolation) – and failed to prosper until the 7th generation ended in the 1980s, when Pulau Langkawi began its tourism boom.

6 JULY 2012: ZAHIR MOSQUE, ALOR SETAR, KEDAH

One of the oldest mosques and the grandest in Malaysia. The mosque was built on the site of a cemetery for Kedah warriors who fell defending Kedah against the Siamese invasion of 1821. 

Located at Jalan Pekan Melayu, Medan Bandar, heart of Alor Setar, directly opposite the Balai Besar. 

It was commissioned in 1912 by Tunku Mahmud, son of Sultan Tajuddin Mukarram Shah, under British Malaya. The design is based on Masjid Azizi of Bandar Langkat in North Sumatra. Officially opened on Friday, 15 October 1915, by Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah, who acted as Imam for the day.

It was a memorable experience to perform the Jumaat prayer at Zahir Mosque on 6 July 2012, surrounded by the rich history and architectural beauty of this iconic landmark. The atmosphere was filled with reverence and community spirit as worshippers gathered to fulfil this important religious obligation.

After the prayer, I took a moment to appreciate the intricate details of the mosque's design, which reflects the cultural heritage of Kedah. The serene environment provided a perfect backdrop for reflection and gratitude.

I was at Alor Setar organising the Health Screening Programme at Star Parade, Alor Setar, from 3 to 8 July 2012.

9 JULY 2012 - PEKAN RABU, ALOR SETAR

This photo was taken just before the big rebuild. Located at Jalan Tunku Ibrahim, Alor Setar, Kedah. It is an official opening often dated 1930 at Tanjung Chali, founded by Tunku Yaacob. 

However, the building in my photo was built in 1975 and was officially opened in 1978 by the then Deputy Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed. It is known as the first supermarket run by Malay traders. 

The building was demolished in 2014 and rebuilt into a modern 4-storey complex under one roof with 355 business lots + 48 kiosks and 24 food stalls. 

The new Pekan Rabu

2012: MENARA JAM BESAR, ALOR SETAR

Located on Jalan Pekan Melayu, in Dataran Alor Setar, opposite Masjid Zahir, across the road from Balai Nobat. Built in 1912, around the same time as Masjid Zahir. It is still functioning as a clock and is lit up at night. Here you can see Masjid Zahir, Balai Besar and Balai Nobat all within 100 metres - it's the historical heart of Kedah. 

2012: BALAI NOBAT, ALOR SETAR, KEDAH

Balai Nobat (Hall of Drums) – located at Jalan Pekan Melayu, just across the roundabout from Menara Jam Besar. 

The original Jam Besar was wooden and was among the early buildings already completed when Alor Setar town was officially founded in 1735. The present Jam Besar is the third of its kind, built during the reign of Sultan Abdul Hamid, most recently in 1906. 

Balai Nobat is a ceremonial tower used to house instruments for playing nobat, the dirge for royal ceremonies. 

2012: BIRTHPLACE OF TUN DR MAHATHIR MOHAMAD

The birthplace museum of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in Alor Setar, Kedah. Located at Lorong Kilang Ais, off Jalan Pegawai, Seberang Perak, Alor Setar, Kedah. 

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the 4th and 7th Prime Ministers of Malaysia, was born in this house on 20 December 1925. This house was designated as a historic building and a National Historical Building.

2012: RUMAH MERDEKA, ALOR SETAR, KEDAH

"Independence House", the former residence of Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, Malaysia's first prime minister, and is now maintained as the Tunku Abdul Rahman Memorial by the Natonal Archives as a historical building.

It is located along Jalan Putra, Alor Setar, Kedah, behind Royale Hotel, near Sungai Kedah. 

It was built during the Japanese occupation in 1942 and was rebuilt in 1953.

2013: GUNUNG JERAI, KEDAH

Located at Yan, Kedah, it is often called "Roof of Kedah", between the borders of Kuala Muda and the Yan district. 

Formerly known as Kedah Peak to British sailors. For 2,000 years it was the beacon for traders crossing the Straits of Malacca. Archaeological research shows a large cluster of ancient sites between the Muda River and Gunung Jerai dating back 2,000 years – the Hindu-Buddhist kingdom of Ancient Kedah. 

2014: TUGU TSUNAMI, KOTA KUALA MUDA, KEDAH

The main 26 December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami memorial in Malaysia. The first-ever tsunami recorded in modern Malaysian history. It happened around 12:30-1:30 pm local time, almost 4 hours after the earthquake.

The worst hit area in Kedah. The villages affected were Kampung Kepala Jalan, Kampung Tepi Sungai, Kampung Masjid and Kampung Hujong Matang. 

The monument that I photographed (the boat pile sculpture) is located at the junction of the main routes into Kota Kuala Muda. It is made from real fishing boats that were destroyed and tangled by the waves. 

2014: MENARA JAM SUNGAI PETANI, KEDAH

Located at Jalan Ibrahim, Dataran Jam Besar / Zero Kilometre Square, Sungai Petani, Kuala Muda District, Kedah. It was built and unveiled on 4 June 1936 to commemorate King George V's Jubilee, marking 25 years on the throne.

It was presented by Lim Lean Teng, a wealthy Penang entrepreneur and philanthropist, as a gift to the people of Sungai Petani.

2014: OLD SG PETANI POLICE STATION

Located right across from the Clock Tower at Dataran Jam Besar. It was built in 1916 to replace the even older police station in Pekan Lama. It is still operating as a normal police station but is described as the National Heritage of Malaysia. 

2014: OLD HSBC BUILDING, SG PETANI, KEDAH

Officially opened on 13 February 1922 by the Regent of Kedah, Tunku Ibrahim, and British Advisor to Kedah, M.S.H. McArthur. It became the second bank in Kedah after Chartered Bank in Alor Setar. 

The building was used by the Japanese as HQ during WWII. Reopened in 1946 as meeting ground by Freemasons of Lodge Kedah 1946-47. 

HSBC was opened there until 2019, when it moved to Lagenda Heights. The building was vacated and put up for sale by tender in 2024. 

These are pieces of memories of interesting and historical places in Kedah during my trip to the state of Kedah. These memories reflect the rich tapestry of Kedah's history and culture, showcasing its unique landmarks and significant events. Each location tells a story, from the haunting legend of Mahsuri to the architectural marvels like Zahir Mosque and Menara Jam Besar.

Kedah, often referred to as the "Rice Bowl of Malaysia", is not just known for its agricultural significance but also for its historical depth. The remnants of its past, such as the Tugu Tsunami and the birthplace of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, serve as poignant reminders of the resilience and spirit of its people.

As you explore these sites, you can feel the echoes of history in the air, the stories of those who came before us, and the vibrant culture that continues to thrive. Each visit is an opportunity to connect with the past while embracing the present, making Kedah a truly remarkable place to remember and cherish.

Reflecting on these experiences allows us to appreciate the beauty and complexity of Kedah, ensuring that its stories are passed down through generations.

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

30 September 2026: 10:06 p.m