View source for Alor Setar

{{Short description|State capital of Kedah, Malaysia}}
{{For|the federal constituency represented in the Dewan Rakyat|Alor Setar (federal constituency)}}
{{EngvarB|date=July 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2016}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Alor Setar
| native_name        = {{native name|meo|Loqstaq}}
| settlement_type    = [[list of capitals in Malaysia|State capital]] [[List of cities in Malaysia|city]] and [[List of capitals in Malaysia#District capitals|district capital]]
| official_name      = City of Alor Setar<br />{{nobold|''Bandaraya Alor Setar''}}
| image_skyline      = {{multiple image
| border                          = infobox
| total_width                     = 290
| image_style                     = border:1;
| perrow                          = 1/3/3/2
| image1                          = AlorSetarSkyline.jpg
| caption1                        =
City centre skyline
| image2                          = Menara Alor Setar-zamwan.jpg
| caption2                        =
[[Alor Setar Tower]]
| image3                          = Balai Nobat.jpg
| caption3                        =
Nobat Tower
| image4                          = Istana anak bukit.jpg
|caption4                         =
[[Anak Bukit|Anak Bukit Palace]]
| image5                          = Muzium seni kedah.jpg
| caption5                        =
[[Kedah State Art Gallery|State Art Gallery]]
| image6                          = Pekan Rabu, Alor Setar.jpg
| caption6                        =
[[Pekan Rabu]]
| image7                          = MasjidZahir.jpg
| caption7                        =
[[Zahir Mosque]]
| image8                          = Kuala Kedah.jpg
| caption8                        =
[[Kuala Kedah]] Marina
| image9                          =
Tun Dr M house-zamwan.jpg
| caption9                        =
[[Mahathir Mohamad]]'s house
}}
| image_caption      = 
| image_flag         = The Flag of Alor Setar City Council.png
| image_seal         = Alor Setar Emblem.svg
| seal_size          = 100px
| nickname           = 
| motto              = {{lang|ms|Bandaraya Berdayahuni 2035}}<br /> {{smaller|"Livable City by 2035"}}
| image_map          = {{maplink|frame=yes|plain=yes|type=shape|stroke-width=2|stroke-color=#000000|zoom=10|frame-lat=6.11833333333333|frame-long=100.36944444444444}}
| map_caption        = Location of Alor Setar in Kedah
| pushpin_map        = Malaysia Kedah#Malaysia##Southeast Asia#Asia
| pushpin_mapsize    = 275px
| pushpin_map_caption = {{Legend inline|#800000|outline=black}} '''Alor Setar''' in {{Legend inline|#FEFEEF|outline=black}} '''[[Kedah]]'''
| coordinates        = {{Coord|06|07|06|N|100|22|10|E|region:MY|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type   = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name   = {{flagicon|Malaysia}} [[Malaysia]]
| subdivision_type1  = [[States and federal territories of Malaysia|State]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[List of districts in Malaysia|District]]
| subdivision_name1  = {{flagicon|Kedah}} [[Kedah]]
| subdivision_name2  = [[Kota Setar District|Kota Setar]]<br />[[Pokok Sena District|Pokok Sena]]
| founder            = [[Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin II]]
| established_title  = Establishment
| established_date   = 30 December 1735
| established_title1 = Establishment of the local government
| established_date1  = 1905
| established_title2 = Establishment of the town board
| established_date2  = 1958
| established_title3 = Establishment of the town council
| established_date3  = 1970
| established_title4 = Establishment of the local government district council
| established_date4  = 1976
| established_title5 = Municipality status
| established_date5  = 1 February 1978
| established_title6 = City status
| established_date6  = {{start date and age|2003|12|21|df=y}}
| government_type    = [[List of local governments in Malaysia|City council]]
| governing_body     = [[Alor Setar City Council]]
| leader_title       = [[Mayor]]
| leader_name        = Yang Berbahagia Dato' Haji Abdul Gafar bin Yahya (since 2 February 2025)
| area_total_km2     = 424
| area_total_sq_mi   = 257.14
| elevation_m        = 57
| elevation_max_m    = 99
| elevation_max_point = Mount Keriang
| population_total   = 417,800
| population_as_of   = 2020
| population_footnotes = <ref name="stats">{{cite web|url=http://www.statistics.gov.my/portal/download_Population/files/population/03ringkasan_kawasan_PBT_Jadual1.pdf |title=Key Summary Statistics For Local Authority Areas, Malaysia 2010 |publisher=Department of Statistics, Malaysia |access-date=19 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205090002/http://www.statistics.gov.my/portal/download_Population/files/population/03ringkasan_kawasan_PBT_Jadual1.pdf |archive-date=5 February 2015 }}</ref>
| population_density_km2 = 982.00
| population_metro   = 839,400
| population_demonym = 
| postal_code_type   = [[Postal codes in Malaysia|Postal code]]
| postal_code        = 05xxx
| area_code          = +6047 (landline only)
| area_code_type     = [[Telephone numbers in Malaysia|International dialling code prefix]]
| website            = {{URL|https://pbt.kedah.gov.my/index.php/majlis-bandaraya-alor-setar/|mbas.gov.my}}
| footnotes          = 
| timezone           = [[Time in Malaysia|MST]]
| utc_offset         = +8
| timezone_DST       = Not observed
}}

'''Alor Setar''' ([[Kedah Malay]]: {{lang|meo|Loqstaq}}) is the state capital of [[Kedah State|Kedah]], [[Malaysia]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=L5nIAlHSMxgC&q=alor+setar+capital+kedah|title=Fact Sheets on the Federation of Malaya|date=1957|language=en}}</ref> It is the second-largest city in the state after [[Sungai Petani]] and one of the most-important cities on the west coast of [[Peninsular Malaysia]]. It is home to the third-tallest tower in [[Malaysia]], the [[Alor Setar Tower]].<ref>{{Cite book|last=Atiyah|first=Jeremy|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uRX5zMsCeNgC&q=alor+setar+second+largest&pg=PA716|title=Southeast Asia|date=2002|publisher=Rough Guides|isbn=978-1-85828-893-2|language=en}}</ref>

Its location along the main travel corridor from Malaysia to Thailand has long made it a major transportation hub in the northern [[Malay Peninsula]]. Alor Setar sits along the country's longest expressway, located {{convert|430|km|abbr=on}} from Kuala Lumpur and {{Convert|79|km|abbr=on}} north of [[George Town, Penang|George Town]], [[Penang]]. From Thailand, the city is easily accessible via the [[Padang Besar–Sadao Highway]], it is {{Convert|51.8|km|abbr=on}} from [[Sadao District|Sadao]] and {{Convert|106|km|abbr=on}} from [[Hat Yai]].

The city was originally founded as Kota Setar in 1785. Owing to the long status as the [[List of capitals in Malaysia|capital]] of Kedah, Alor Setar is regarded as one of the core cultural centres for the [[Kedahan Malays]]. It is also among the key pioneer in the [[British Malaya|Malayan]] transportation history, the [[Alor Setar railway station|railway station]] was commissioned in 1915 followed by its [[Sultan Abdul Halim Airport|airport]] in 1929.

Alor Setar is home to the Central State Administration Centre and is the [[administrative centre]] of [[Kota Setar District]]. At present, the city covers a land area of {{Convert|666|km2|mi2|abbr=on}}, which is occupied by more than 400,000 inhabitants (as per the 2020 census). At the local-government level, Alor Setar is administered by the Alor Setar City Council.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-08-12|title=Message from Mayor|url=http://www.mbas.gov.my/en/mas/management/message-mayor|access-date=2020-12-24|website=Official Portal of Alor Setar City Council (MBAS)|language=ms}}</ref>

It is the birthplace of two pivotal [[Prime Minister of Malaysia|prime ministers of Malaysia]]; namely [[Tunku Abdul Rahman]], the founding father of the nation (in office from 1957 to 1970) and [[Mahathir Mohamad]], the country's longest-serving prime minister of 24 years (in office from 1981 to 2003, from 2018 to 2020).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Alhaj {{!}} Prime Minister of Malaysia|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tunku-Abdul-Rahman-Putra-Alhaj|access-date=2020-12-23|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Mahathir bin Mohamad {{!}} Facts & Biography|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Mahathir-bin-Mohamad|access-date=2020-12-23|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en}}</ref>

==Etymology==
The name came from the combination of two [[Malay language|Malay]] words: ''Alor'' ("small stream") and ''Setar'' (''[[Bouea macrophylla]]'' Griff.; known as the marian plum, gandaria, or plum mango), a tree which is related to [[mango]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2009&dt=0115&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Dalam_Negeri&pg=dn_28.htm|title=15/01/2009, Alor Star kembali ke Alor Setar, © Utusan Melayu (M) Bhd}}</ref>

The city's name was changed to ''Alor Star'' during a 21 December 2003 ceremony proclaiming it a city. The city's previous name was restored on 15 January 2009.<ref name="unrename">{{cite web |last=Majid |first=Embun |date=15 January 2009 |title=Archives &#124; The Star Online |url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/1/15/nation/3024815&sec=nation |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090417002201/http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2009%2F1%2F15%2Fnation%2F3024815&sec=nation |archive-date=17 April 2009 |access-date=27 September 2013 |publisher=Thestar.com.my |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

==History==
===Origin===
[[File:Muzium Diraja Kedah (11270861454).jpg|thumb|left|The Kedah Royal Museum. Completed in 1735, it was formerly functioned as the official residence for several sultans of Kedah. The current building is dated from the 19th century.]]
Alor Setar was established on 30 December 1735 by Kedah's 19th Ruler, [[Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin II]] and was the state's eighth administrative centre since the establishment of the Kedah Sultanate in 1136.<ref>{{cite web|title=Background of Alor Setar |url=http://www.mbas.gov.my/latarbelakang |work=Alor Setar's Early History |publisher=Alor Setar City Council |access-date=29 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717100534/http://www.mbas.gov.my/latarbelakang |archive-date=17 July 2011 }}</ref> The earlier administrative centres were located in Kota Bukit Meriam, Kota Sungai Emas, Kota Siputeh, Kota Naga, Kota Sena, Kota Indera Kayangan and Kota Bukit Pinang.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Cayron|first=Jun G.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ntNp_IeYbQsC&q=The+earlier+administrative+centres+&pg=RA1-PA31|title=Stringing the Past: An Archaeological Understanding of Early Southeast Asian Glass Bead Trade|date=2006|publisher=UP Press|isbn=978-971-542-506-3|language=en}}</ref>

The pre-existing settlement was originally a small village. However, the sultan found the area to be in a strategic location, he was drawn to the area as it was covered in a lush greenery and a center between the two estuaries of [[Kedah River]] converged. Upon the agreement with fellow Kedahan ministers, they agreed to institute a new town known as "Kota Setar" (the "Town of Setar"). The name was derived from [[Bouea macrophylla]], a type of tree that can be found in the area.<ref name="hasrulhassan.com">{{cite web |title= Ketahui Asal-Usul Alor Setar & Sejarah Unik Disebalik Ibu Negeri Tertua di Malaysia|url=https://www.hasrulhassan.com/2020/03/asal-usul-alor-setar-sejarah-unik.html|website= Hasrul Hassan}}</ref>

===Period of turbulence===
A new administration institution was constructed in the settlement, with the sultan resided in Istana Kota Setar. However, the capital suffered a major attack when the [[Bugis]] armanda led by Raja Haji managed to destroy both the Istana Kota Setar (Royal Palace) and Balai Besar (Grand Hall) in 1770. In 1771, the British represented by Francis Light and Sultan Abdullah Mukaram Shah entered an agreement to halt the Bugis influence in Kedah.<ref name="hasrulhassan.com"/>

During the coronation ceremony of [[Ahmad Tajuddin Halim Shah II of Kedah]] on 17 March 1805, Siamese forces managed to [[Siamese invasion of Kedah|occupy the capital]]. The sultan was forced to retreat to Penang and later Malacca. The settlement was put on a standstill for 20 years. He was restored to the crown in 1842 and the capital was temporary relocated to [[Kota Kuala Muda]] before returning to Kota Setar.<ref name="hasrulhassan.com"/>

===Recovery and growth===
[[File:Alor Setar (29100830826).jpg|thumb|left|The Balai Besar of Kedah]]
In October 1883, James F. Agustin, an Englishmen arrived in Kuala Sungai Kedah (now known as [[Kuala Kedah]]) about 10&nbsp;km from the capital. He and a few other English explorers embarked their journey towards inland areas of Kedah where he met several Malay settlement on the riverbanks of the Kedah river.<ref>{{cite web |title= Alor Setar : Ibu Negeri Tertua di Malaysia/The Oldest State Capital|url=https://library.uum.edu.my/blog-post/alor-setar-ibu-negeri-tertua-di-malaysia-the-oldest-state-capital/|website= [[Universiti Utara Malaysia]]}}</ref>

Upon his arrival in Kampung Kota Setar, he befriended several local Malays and they invited him to the sultan's palatial residence. Agustin remarked on the beauty of the palatial architecture and its landscape covered with the stalk trees. He was well received by the sultan and both parties exchanged goods between one another.

The visit by Agustin spurred a growth for a more active and direct [[Trade|trade relations]] between the area and outside commercial powerhouse. The city attracted various cosmopolitan trading activities from the British, Indian, Chinese together with other local and regional merchants. The town prospered from a small settlement into a bustling town designated to accommodate further population growth, commerce and administration. The British especially, was quite drawn to the potential of Kota Setar (as it was then known).

Gradually, Kota Setar thrived and further evolved into a commercial, transportation and communication hub of Kedah. The name was then changed from Kota Setar into Alor Setar, a reflection of its geographical features located in a small stream (known as "Alor" in Malay) which was frequented by the Malay traders from the neighbouring states. However, the name Kota Setar was retained as sub-district under Alor Setar.

===19th and 20th century===
Other significant events during the turn of the 20th century includes the reunification of [[Perlis]] and [[Setul Kingdom|Setul]] (now [[Satun Province|Satun]]) to Kedah by the Siamese in May 1897 (both provinces had been separated from [[Kedah]] in 1821) held in Balai Besar. The event was attended by the Crown Prince of Kedah, Tuanku Abdul Aziz as a representative of Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah. In 1904, the city witnessed the grand wedding of the five children of [[Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah]], lasting for 3 months and the cost estimated to be 3 million Ringgit.<ref>{{Cite web|date=July 31, 2016|first=Laurie|last=Sams|title=Hat Yai, Thailand to Alor Setar, Malaysia|url=http://www.thelongridehome.com.au/hat_yai_thailand_to_alor_setar_malaysia|access-date=2020-12-23|website=The Long Ride Home}}</ref>

On 25 July 1905, the Legislative Council of Kedah (Majlis Mesyuarat Negeri) was formed in Alor Setar, with the Crown Prince, Tuanku Abdul Aziz held as its president. Following the [[Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909]] on 7 July 1909, the transfer of power from the Siamese to British administration was held on 15 July 1909 Balai Besar.<ref name="hasrulhassan.com"/>

[[File:High Court Building converted into Galeri Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah.JPG|thumb|The exterior view of the Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Gallery. Built in 1922, the building formerly operated as the High Court of Kedah before relocating to the new Alor Setar Courts Complex in 2005.]]
Alor Setar fell to the [[Malayan campaign|Japanese occupation]] on 13 December 1945 and was [[Si Rat Malai|annexed to the Siamese]] until 1946. The handover ceremony from Siamese to the British was held in Padang Court, Alor Setar 18 October 1946.<ref name="hasrulhassan.com"/>

The town joined the [[Tunku Abdul Rahman#Protest against Malayan Union|protest against Malayan Union]] during the post-war period. The mass protest was attended by 10,000 against the [[Malayan Union|British backed-proposal]]. It was led by [[Tunku Abdul Rahman]] together with key leaders from [[UMNO]].<ref name="hasrulhassan.com"/> The town also witnessed the 4th [[UMNO]] General Assembly which lay the draft for the foundation of the present-day [[Constitution of Malaysia]].

The coronation ceremony of [[Abdul Halim of Kedah]], the 28th Sultan of Kedah was held in Balai Besar on 20 February 1959. The city celebrates the [[silver jubilee]] of Sultan Abdul Halim in 1983.<ref name="hasrulhassan.com"/>

The change of status of Alor Setar throughout the 20th century was also closely parallel by the rise of its urban development, demographic and population growth. The council was upgraded to Kota Setar Municipal Council on 1 February 1978, which traced its origin to Kota Setar District Council on 1 March 1976, Alor Star Municipal Board in 1958 and Alor Star Sanitary Board in 1905.<ref>{{cite web |title= Sejarah Penubuhan MBAS|url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/56918767/SEJARAH-PENUBUHAN-MBAS|website= Scribd}}</ref>

The town celebrated its 250th birthday in 1985.<ref>{{cite web |title= Alor Setar - 250 tahun|url=https://p-library2.s3.filebase.com/singapore-malaysia/Kerajaan%20Negeri%20Kedah%20Darulaman/Alor%20Setar%20250%20Tahun%20%28543%29/Alor%20Setar%20250%20Tahun%20-%20Kerajaan%20Negeri%20Kedah%20Darulaman.pdf|website= Filebase}}</ref> A proposal to upgrade the town into a city status was proposed by the [[Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Malaysia)|Malaysian Ministry of Housing and Local Government]] in 2000.

===21st century===
Alor Setar was proclaimed a city – the ninth in [[Malaysia]] – on 21 December 2003. A ceremony was held at Dataran Tunku, Alor Setar, attended by the Kedah's Sultan [[Tuanku Abdul Halim|Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah]], his consort Che' Puan Haminah Hamidun, the heir apparent, other royalty and politicians.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Queen with a common touch|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2012/04/11/queen-with-a-common-touch|access-date=2020-12-23|website=www.thestar.com.my}}</ref>

During the ceremony, the city was formally renamed as "Alor Star", the third time the city has changed its name, from Kota Setar to Alor Setar and Alor Star. On 15 January 2009, the historical spelling "Alor Setar" was returned to be its official designation.

[[File:Alor Setar (28515134693).jpg|800px|center|thumb|The classic and modern architectural landmarks of Alor Setar: the Alor Setar Clock Tower (far left), [[Alor Setar Tower]] (left), Balai Nobat and Istana Kota Tengah Gate (middle left), Balai Besar (right) and Kedah Royal Museum entrance (far right)]]

==Governance==
{{Location map many|Malaysia Kedah Alor Setar|thumb|float=right|caption=Locations of Alor Setar and its immediate suburbs
|lat1=6.118333|long1=100.369444|label1_size=75 |label1='''Alor Setar'''|position1=bottom
|lat2=6.158832|long2=100.534347|label2_size=65 |label2=[[Pokok Sena District|Pokok Sena]]|position2=right|mark2=Cyan pog.svg
|lat3=6.105182|long3=100.289505|label3_size=65 |label3=[[Kuala Kedah]]|position3=left|mark3=Cyan pog.svg
|lat4=5.974609|long4=100.3998|label4_size=65 |label4=[[Kota Sarang Semut]]|position4=bottom|mark4=Cyan pog.svg
|lat5=6.193248|long5=100.393477|label5_size=65 |label5=[[Kepala Batas, Kedah|Kepala Batas]]|position5=top|mark5=Cyan pog.svg
|lat6=6.145787|long6=100.431516|label6_size=65 |label6=[[Langgar, Kedah|Langgar]]|position6=left|mark6=Cyan pog.svg
}}
Alor Setar is being represented by three [[List of Malaysian electoral districts#Kedah|Members of Parliament]] and nine [[Kedah State Legislative Assembly|State Legislative Assembly]] seats.

{| class="wikitable"
! Parliamentary Constituencies
! State Constituencies
|-
| P.008 [[Pokok Sena (federal constituency)|Pokok Sena]]|| N.09 Bukit Lada, N.4 Pantai Damai, N.10 Bukit Pinang, N.11 Derga
|-
| P.009 [[Alor Setar (federal constituency)|Alor Setar]] || N.12 Suka Menanti, N.13 Kota Darul Aman, N.14 Alor Mengkudu
|-
| P.010 [[Kuala Kedah (federal constituency)|Kuala Kedah]] || N.15 Anak Bukit, N.16 Kubang Rotan, N.17 Pengkalan Kundor
|}

===State government===
As the state capital, Alor Setar holds a pivotal role on maintaining the political and economic interest of Kedah. The city is the seat of the local government where all of the state ministries and agencies are primarily located. The Office of the Chief Minister and the [[Kedah State Legislative Assembly]] are both based in Wisma Darul Aman.<ref>{{cite web |title= Pejabat Menteri Besar dan Setiausaha Kerajaan Negeri Kedah|url=https://www.kedah.gov.my/hubungi/|website= Kedah.gov.my}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title= Hubungi Kami|url=https://mmk.kedah.gov.my/hubungi-kami|website= Pejabat Rasmi Dewan Undangan Negeri dan Majlis Mesyuarat Kerajaan Negeri Kedah}}</ref>  The official residence of Sultan of Kedah, is located in [[Anak Bukit]].

===Local government===
Alor Setar has been governed by a town council form of government since 1905 following the establishment of Alor Star Sanitary Board.<ref>{{cite web |title= Alor Setar Dulu dan Sekarang|url=http://www.memori-kedah.com/page_pengenalan.php?pageNum_Recordset1=6&totalRows_Recordset1=11&p=2&idstopic=42&idskandungan=185&mtopic=5|website= Memori Kedah}}</ref> By 2013, it was elevated to be a city status by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government and being administered as [[Alor Setar City Council|Majlis Bandaraya Alor Setar]]. The current mayor of Alor Setar is Mohd Zohdi Saad.

==Geography==
[[File:Mount Keriang Cave.jpg|thumb|Mount Keriang, the highest peak in Alor Setar]]
Alor Setar is located in the northwestern part of Peninsular Malaysia, at the edge of the [[Malacca Strait]] which separates [[Malaysia]] from [[Indonesia]]. The [[Kota Setar]] district includes Alor Setar, and borders the districts of Kubang Pasu, Pokok Sena and Pendang.

The city encompasses an area of {{Convert|666|km2|mi2|abbr=on}}, including the neighbouring district of [[Pokok Sena District|Pokok Sena]] which falls under the jurisdiction of the [[Alor Setar City Council]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.mbas.gov.my/ms/pelawat/info-alor-setar|title=Info Alor Setar|date=2015-10-15|work=Portal Rasmi Majlis Bandaraya Alor Setar (MBAS)|access-date=2018-07-02|language=ms|archive-date=11 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811225026/http://www.mbas.gov.my/ms/pelawat/info-alor-setar|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/2015/10/alor-star-rising-star|title=Alor Star a rising star|first=Melissa Darlyne|last= Chow|date=13 October 2015|work=[[New Straits Times]]}}</ref> Alor Setar is surrounded by important river systems such as the Kedah, Langgar, Tajar, Anak Bukit, Alor Malai and Alor Merah Rivers. Alor Setar's ''[[Hausberg]]'' is a 217.9m (715 feet) high [[mogote]], Mount Keriang (Gunung Keriang), where there is a network of [[limestone cave]]s located within it, as well as housing [[geodes]] of [[calcite]] crystals.<ref>{{cite web |title= Gunung Keriang Recreational Park|url=https://www.malaysia-traveller.com/gunung-keriang.html|website= Malaysia Traveller}}</ref>

===Climate===
Alor Setar features a [[tropical monsoon climate]] (Am) under the [[Köppen climate classification]]. ← {{Circular reference|date=January 2025 }}  
<br/> Alor Setar has a very lengthy [[wet season]]. As is common in several regions with this climate, precipitation is seen even during the short dry season. Temperatures are relatively consistent throughout the course of the year, with average high temperatures around 32 degrees Celsius and average low temperatures around 23 degrees Celsius. Alor Setar has an average {{convert|2300|mm|abbr=on}} of annual [[precipitation]].
{{Weather box|width=auto
|metric first=y
|single line=y 
|collapsed = 
|location = Alor Setar ([[Sultan Abdul Halim Airport]]) (2007–2020 normals, extremes 2015–present)
|Jan record high C = 36.0
|Feb record high C = 37.2
|Mar record high C = 39.1
|Apr record high C = 38.0
|May record high C = 36.1
|Jun record high C = 35.1
|Jul record high C = 34.5
|Aug record high C = 34.3
|Sep record high C = 35.0
|Oct record high C = 35.0
|Nov record high C = 34.8
|Dec record high C = 34.6
|Jan record low C = 20.2
|Feb record low C = 19.6
|Mar record low C = 20.2
|Apr record low C = 21.3
|May record low C = 22.5
|Jun record low C = 22.6
|Jul record low C = 22.2
|Aug record low C = 22.0
|Sep record low C = 21.7
|Oct record low C = 22.4
|Nov record low C = 22.9
|Dec record low C = 21.0
|Jan high C = 	32.3
|Feb high C = 	33.8
|Mar high C = 	34.4
|Apr high C = 	33.6
|May high C = 	32.7
|Jun high C = 	32.0
|Jul high C = 	31.6
|Aug high C = 	31.7
|Sep high C = 	31.7
|Oct high C = 	31.8
|Nov high C = 	31.6
|Dec high C = 	31.3
|Jan mean C = 28.0
|Feb mean C = 28.7
|Mar mean C = 29.4
|Apr mean C = 29.4
|May mean C = 29.1
|Jun mean C = 28.7
|Jul mean C = 28.2
|Aug mean C = 28.1
|Sep mean C = 28.1
|Oct mean C = 28.1
|Nov mean C = 28.1
|Dec mean C = 27.8
| year mean C = 
|Jan low C = 	23.8
|Feb low C = 	23.7
|Mar low C = 	24.3
|Apr low C = 	25.2
|May low C = 	25.6
|Jun low C = 	25.3
|Jul low C = 	24.8
|Aug low C = 	24.6
|Sep low C = 	24.4
|Oct low C = 	24.4
|Nov low C = 	24.6
|Dec low C = 	24.3
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation mm = 	80.7
|Feb precipitation mm = 	52.3
|Mar precipitation mm = 	97.4
|Apr precipitation mm = 	190.3
|May precipitation mm = 	285.6
|Jun precipitation mm = 	145.6
|Jul precipitation mm = 	219.1
|Aug precipitation mm = 	265.8
|Sep precipitation mm = 	276.0
|Oct precipitation mm = 	304.5
|Nov precipitation mm = 	233.3
|Dec precipitation mm = 	104.7
|Jan precipitation days = 	6.5
|Feb precipitation days = 	3.9
|Mar precipitation days = 	7.0
|Apr precipitation days = 	13.0
|May precipitation days = 	16.8
|Jun precipitation days = 	11.5
|Jul precipitation days = 	13.1
|Aug precipitation days = 	14.1
|Sep precipitation days = 	17.2
|Oct precipitation days = 	18.4
|Nov precipitation days = 	14.8
|Dec precipitation days = 	9.4
| Jan humidity = 78.4
| Feb humidity =74.5
| Mar humidity =75.7
| Apr humidity =82.7
| May humidity =85.2
| Jun humidity =85.4
| Jul humidity =87.0
| Aug humidity =86.7
| Sep humidity =86.5
| Oct humidity =87.3
| Nov humidity =86.6
| Dec humidity =83.1
|source 1 = IEM (humidity 2012–2023)<ref>{{cite web
|url=https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/sites/monthlysum.php?station=WMKA&network=MY__ASOS
|title= [WMKA] Alor Setar [2000-] Monthly Summaries
|publisher=The Iowa Environmental Mesonet
|access-date=24 December 2024}}</ref>
| source 2 = [[World Meteorological Organization]] (precipitation 1971–2000)<ref name="WMO">{{cite web
|url = https://worldweather.wmo.int/en/city.html?cityId=75
|title = World Weather Information Service
|publisher = World Meteorological Organization
|access-date = 3 July 2023}}</ref> Meteomanz (extremes)<ref name=Meteomanz>{{cite web
| url = http://www.meteomanz.com/sy3?l=1&cou=5010&ind=48603&y1=2015&m1=01&y2=2024&m2=12&so=000&fm=00
| title = SYNOP/BUFR observations. Data by months
| publisher = Meteomanz
| access-date = 22 March 2024}}</ref>
}}

==Demographics==
[[File:Masjid Zahir IjoyIshak.jpg|thumb|Masjid Zahir, the state mosque of Kedah, it is considered as among the main heritage and religious monument in Alor Setar]]
There is no well-known nor formal adjective or demonyms for the people from Alor Setar. A casual way to address a person from the city is "Orang Alor Setar"; the term derived from [[Bahasa Melayu|Malay]] where people is being referred to "Orang".

===Ethnicity and religion===
The following is based on Department of Statistics Malaysia 2020 census.<ref name="stats"/>
{{Bar box|title=Ethnic composition of Alor Setar (2020 Malaysian Census|2020)<ref name="popbreakdown">{{Cite journal|title=Population Distribution and Demography|url=http://www.statistics.gov.my/portal/download_Population/files/census2010/Taburan_Penduduk_dan_Ciri-ciri_Asas_Demografi.pdf|journal=Malaysian Department of Statistics|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113165406/http://www.statistics.gov.my/portal/download_Population/files/census2010/Taburan_Penduduk_dan_Ciri-ciri_Asas_Demografi.pdf|archive-date=13 November 2013}}</ref>|left1=Ethnicities / Nationality|right1=Percentage|float=leftt|bars={{Bar percent|[[Malaysian Malays|Malay]]|Green|72.0}}{{Bar percent|[[Malaysian Chinese|Chinese]]|Red|22.3}}{{Bar percent|[[Malaysian Indian|Indian]]|Orange|1.9}}{{Bar percent|Other [[Bumiputras]]|Teal|0.1}} {{Bar percent|Others|DarkGray|0.3}}{{Bar percent|Non-Malaysians|Purple|3.4}}}}

The city of Alor Setar recorded a population of 374,051, according to 2020 census data.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.statistics.gov.my/portal/download_Population/files/population/04Jadual_PBT_negeri/PBT_Kedah.pdf |title=Total population by ethnic group, Local Authority area and state, Malaysia, 2010 |publisher=Statistics.gov.my |access-date=10 December 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114160228/http://www.statistics.gov.my/portal/download_Population/files/population/04Jadual_PBT_negeri/PBT_Kedah.pdf |archive-date=14 November 2012 }}</ref> The 2010 Malaysian census reported that ethnic [[Malay people|Malays]] formed the majority of the city with 269,317 (72.0%), predominantly of [[Kedahan Malay]] origin, with smaller numbers of Malays from other territories. The Alor Setar-Chinese forming 83,413 (22.3%). The local Chinese community are mainly [[Hokkien]]-speaking together with other Chinese-dialect minorities. Other visible communities includes [[Malaysian Indian|Indian]]s (mostly [[Tamils]]) with 7,107 (1.9%) and other Bumiputeras with 374 (0.1%), as well as other ethnicities (mainly [[Malaysian Siamese|Siamese]]) with 1,122 (0.3%). The Non-Malaysians constitute 12,718 (3.4%) of the local population.

===Languages===
[[File:Wesak Day at Alor Setar (17149100543).jpg|thumb|The temple gate of Wat Nikrodharam during the [[Vesak|Wesak Day]] celebration, the entrance is written in [[Thai script]]. The [[Buddhism in Malaysia|Buddhist community]] in the city are mainly of [[Malaysian Chinese|Chinese]] and [[Malaysian Siamese|Siamese]] descent. ]]
{{See also|Kedah Malay}}
The dominant Malay dialect spoken is the [[Kedah Malay|Kedah-Northern Malay dialect]] and functioned as the [[lingua franca]].<ref>{{cite web |title= Perbezaan Loghat Kedah Mengikut Kawasan|url=https://www.thepatriots.asia/perbezaan-loghat-kedah-mengikut-kawasan/|website= Patriots|date=23 November 2018 }}</ref>  However, standard [[Malay language|Malay]] (sometimes Johor-Riau Malay dialect), [[English language|English]] and [[Manglish]] (the latter being a localised vernacular version of English) are still widely understood in the city.

The [[Han Chinese]], the second largest community in Alor Setar are primarily [[Penang Hokkien|Hokkien]]-speaking. However, significant [[Mandarin language|Mandarin]] and [[Malaysian Cantonese|Cantonese]] are also well known amongst the local Chinese.<ref>{{cite web |title= Alor Setar – A city that's often overlooked |url=https://tunjukjalan.his.com.my/what-to-do-in-alor-setar-by-a-local/|website= tunjukjalan.his.com.my}}</ref> Additionally, there are also pockets of [[Hakka]], [[Teochew dialect|Teochew]] and other Chinese dialects.

Other languages spoken in Alor Setar includes [[Tamil language|Tamil]], among the Alor Setar Indian population and [[Southern Thai language|Southern Thai]] by the [[Malaysian Siamese|Kedah-Siamese]] community.{{citation needed|date=April 2024}}

===Religion===
A majority of the population adhered to the Islamic faith, which correlates to the strong [[Malayness|Malay/Muslim ethnoreligious]] identity. This is signified with the city's two main mosque - Masjid Zahir and Masjid Al Bukhary. [[Zahir Mosque]] is the state mosque of Kedah and enjoys a royal history and patronage. Built in 1912, its official opening ceremony was held on 15 October 1915 by the late [[Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wonderslist.com/10-most-beautiful-mosques-in-the-world/|title=10 Most Beautiful Mosques in the World |publisher=wonderslist.com|date= 12 July 2013|access-date=3 November 2014}}</ref> The architecture of the mosque was inspired by the Azizi Mosque, the state mosque of [[Sultanate of Langkat|Langkat Sultanate]] in Sumatera. Other major mosque in the city includes Masjid Al Bukhary, completed in 1999, its design draws inspiration from a fusion in the [[Islamic World]], especially from [[Al-Masjid an-Nabawi]], [[Medina]]; [[Mosque of Qaytbay (Qal'at al-Kabsh)|Qaytbay Mosque]], [[Cairo]] and [[Muhammad al-Bukhari|Imam al-Bukhari Complex]], [[Samarkand]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://masjidalbukhary.weebly.com/|title=MASJID ALBUKHARY ALOR MALAIALOR SETAR KEDAH|publisher=masjidalbukhary.weebly|date= 19 January 2022|access-date=19 January 2022}}</ref> There is also a gallery located together with the mosque.<ref>{{cite web |title= Masjid Albukhary buka galeri masjid pertama di Kedah|url=https://www.utusan.com.my/nasional/2020/12/masjid-albukhary-buka-galeri-masjid-pertama-di-kedah/|website= Utusan Malaysia|date=24 December 2020}}</ref> The Muslim life in Alor Setar is centered on the 69 mosques and a large numbers of [[surau]]s located around the city.<ref>{{cite web |title= Direktori Masjid Malaysia|url=https://www.mymasjid.net.my/masjid/location/2/kedah/9/kota-setar/|website=www.mymasjid.net.my}}</ref>

[[Buddhism]] also have a large number of followers in the city, mainly amongst the ethnic Chinese and Siamese communities. Among the main Buddhist shrine located in the city includes Wat Nikrodharam. Its architecture reflects strong Thai elements with minor Chinese motifs. It offers a quiet oasis in the city centre. Both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhist traditions are observed here.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soleilian.com/ |title=soleilian.com |publisher=soleilian.com |access-date=10 December 2013}}</ref> While the Tou Mu Kung Temple (Chinese: 斗母宫), is a Taoist temple situated on Jalan Gangsa. Worshipping the Empress Registrar of Birth or Dou Mu (斗母) and [[Nine Emperor]] (九皇大帝/九皇大帝) deities, the temple has both Taoist and Buddhist influences.

In addition to Islam and Buddhism, other religions and faiths are also practiced in the city, including [[Hinduism]], [[Christianity]], [[Sikhism]] and [[Yiguandao]]. There are many house of worship constructed to accommodate the religious observance of these communities. For Hindus, one of the main temples that can be visited is Sri Maha Mariamman Devasthanam Hindu Temple, located in Jalan Bakar Bata. For Christian adherents, almost all churches located in the city are from various Protestant churches such as Alor Setar Baptist Church located in Jalan Mahdali, just behind Alor Setar Tower and Alor Setar (Chinese & Tamil) Methodist Church located in Lebuhraya Darulaman. In addition, Church of St. Michael, located in Jalan Langgar is the only Roman Catholic Church that exist within the city. While for Sikh adherents, Gurdwara Sahib Alor Setar is the only worship place for Sikhs that can be founded in the same road, not far from the Church of St. Michael. Yiguandao adherents, mostly from the Fayi Group, primarly worship in Yern Chern Tao Study Centre (Chinese: 崇德道院).

==Economy==
[[File:Storm at Kuala Kedah (16594497856).jpg|thumb|A [[kampung]] house with an [[observation tower]], located in a [[paddy field]] in Kuala Kedah, the outskirts of Alor Setar]]
Alor Setar is one of the important commercial and industrial centres in Kedah, alongside [[Sungai Petani]] and [[Kulim]]. There are many international and national-level commercial banks established their branches in the city, together with a few insurance companies.

[[Agriculture|Agricultural industry]], especially [[rice production]] was traditionally the economic core of the community. However, by the 21st century the local economy is also equally driven by various forms of [[primary sector of industry|primary-based industry]] and [[Tertiary sector of industry|tertiary sector]].<ref>{{cite web |title= Urbanisation and Impact on Development in Malaysia |url=http://jgd.uum.edu.my/images/vol3_2007/2.rekayasa-2007-siew%20nooi-ed%20pz-1.pdf|website= REKAYASA}}</ref> Other significant economic activities in Alor Setar includes manufacturing, commerce and retail, hospitality and tourism, financial services, food processing and fishery.
 
The main industrial areas located in Alor Setar includes Mergong Barrage, Mergong 1 & 2, Tandop, Kristial Light Industrial Park and 2010 Industrial Park.<ref>{{cite web |title= KAWASAN PERINDUSTRIAN MERGONG BARRAGE|url=https://www.pknk.gov.my/index.php/ms/maklumat-korporat1/csr/9-uncategorised/96-kawasan-perindustrian-mergong-barrage|website= Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Kedah}}</ref>

==Transportation==
The capital of [[Kedah]] is well connected to all parts of [[Peninsular Malaysia]] by all transport modes.
[[File:Sultan Abdul Halim Airport (15540574277).jpg|thumb|The [[Sultan Abdul Halim Airport]] Terminal. Established in 1929, the airport provides year-round air connection between Alor Setar to [[KLIA|Kuala Lumpur]], [[Subang Airport|Subang]] and [[Senai Airport|Johor Bahru]], as well as seasonal charter service to [[Jeddah Airport|Jeddah]] and [[Medina Airport|Medina]] ]]

===Land===
The [[North–South Expressway (Malaysia)|North–South Expressway]], which extends from [[Bukit Kayu Hitam]] (Malaysia–Thai border town) to Singapore, has made it easy to drive to Kedah. It is a 6–7-hour drive from [[Kuala Lumpur]] and a 1.5-hour drive from [[Penang]] via expressway. [[Songkhla province]] in Thailand is also about a 1-hour drive from Alor Setar via [[Padang Besar–Sadao Highway]].

Alor Setar is approached from the east coast via [[East–West Highway (Malaysia)|East–West Highway]] (Lebuhraya Timur Barat). Towns such as [[Butterworth, Penang|Butterworth]] and [[Kangar]] etc., can also be accessed from Alor Setar. Car rental services are available.

===Bus===
Most of bus companies in Peninsular Malaysia provide air-conditioned express bus services. Tickets can be bought at bus terminals or ticket offices. All buses that arrive in Alor Setar stop at Shahab Perdana Terminal Bus.<ref>{{cite web |title= Terminal Bas Shahab Perdana, Alor Setar, Kedah|url=https://www.landasan.info/stesen/terminal-bas-shahab-perdana-alor-setar-kedah/|website= Landasan}}</ref> Those who wish to travel to other towns, including [[Thailand]], can board their bus at this terminal. Local bus services are also available, serving almost all towns in [[Kedah]].

===Rail===
[[File:Alor Setar Railway Station.jpg|thumb|[[Alor Setar railway station|Alor Setar Railway Station]]]]
Train services are provided by [[Keretapi Tanah Melayu|Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad]] (KTMB) through their [[KTM ETS|ETS]] services.<ref>{{cite web |title= Stesen Keretapi Alor Setar|url=https://www.myjadual.com/ms/tren-ktm-ets-ktm-intercity/stesen-keretapi-alor-setar/|website= MyJadual|date=16 January 2016}}</ref> Train are available between Alor Setar and Kuala Lumpur, Butterworth, Padang Besar, and Gemas. The city' two railway stations are [[Alor Setar railway station]] and [[Anak Bukit railway station]]. Tickets can be obtained from the train station or online booking.

===Air===
Built in 1929, the [[Sultan Abdul Halim Airport]] (Alor Setar Airport, [[IATA]] code: AOR) is the second oldest airport in Malaysia. It is located at Kepala Batas, {{convert|15|km|abbr=on}} north of the city. It caters almost exclusively on domestic routes. [[Malaysia Airlines]], [[Firefly (airline)|Firefly]], [[Malindo Air]], and [[AirAsia]] provides multiple daily connections to and from Alor Setar and [[Kuala Lumpur]]; the airport also served flights connecting Alor Setar to [[Johor Bahru]] four times per-week from 1 October 2018.<ref>{{cite web |title= AirAsia further expands Johor Bahru hub with two new cities|url=https://newsroom.airasia.com/news/2018/7/18/airasia-further-expands-johor-bahru-hub-with-two-new-cities|website= AirAsia}}</ref> Since 9 September 2013, Malaysian Airline System connects Alor Setar with a seasonal international direct flights to [[Madinah Airport|Madinah]] and [[Jeddah Airport|Jeddah]] for the [[Hajj]] pilgrims.<ref>{{cite web |title= Buat Pertama Kali Penerbangan Haji Terus Dari Alor Setar Ke Madinah|url=https://www.mstar.com.my/lokal/semasa/2013/08/20/buat-pertama-kali-penerbangan-haji-terus-dari-alor-setar-ke-madinah|website= MStar|date=20 August 2013}}</ref>

===Sea===
Passenger ferry services to and from [[Langkawi]] to Kuah Ferry Service are provided at Jeti Kuala Kedah, Alor Setar.<ref>{{cite web |title= About Us|url=https://www.langkawiferryline.com/|website= Langkawi Ferry Line}}</ref> The jetty is located {{convert|15|km|abbr=on}} west of the city. Travellers can take bus, taxi or [[Ridesharing company|e-hailing]] from the city centre to the jetty.

==Other utilities==
[[Image:Complete administrative building on the East side of Anak Bukit.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Wisma Persekutuan located in Anak Bukit, Alor Setar]]

===Administration===
According to the [[Ninth Malaysia Plan]], by the year 2010, Bandar Muadzam Shah in [[Anak Bukit]] will become the new [[Administrative Centre]] after Alor Setar city.<ref>{{cite web |title= Kompleks Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan Bandar Muadzam Shah, Kedah|url=http://cimms.kkr.gov.my/Portal/PBangunanDetail1.php?buildid=24|website= Centralised Information Maintenance Management System}}</ref> Bandar Muadzam Shah ([[Anak Bukit]]) is going through major infrastructure development, including the new Anak Bukit police station, new National Registration Department (Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara) of Kedah and also new [[state government]] buildings.

[[Anak Bukit railway station]] was established in 2015, to enhance the connectivity between the administrative centre to the Peninsula Malaysia's rail network.

[[File:Syariah Court building on the West side in Anak Bukit, Alor Setar, Malaysia.jpg|thumb|200px|right|The new [[Syariah Court]] building]]

===Courts of law and legal enforcement===
The Alor Setar Court Complex located in Jalan Suka Menanti.<ref>{{cite web |title= Alamat Mahkamah Negeri Kedah|url=https://kedah.kehakiman.gov.my/ms/hubungi-kami/alamat-mahkamah-negeri|website= MAHKAMAH NEGERI KEDAH}}</ref> The complex houses High Court, Magistrates' court and the Sessions Court. For the Islamic family matters, the cases are mainly heard in [[Syariah Court]] in Bandar Muadzam Shah.<ref>{{cite web |title= Alamat & Talian|url=https://syariah.kedah.gov.my/ms/Page?type=zByNQuF9FYw=&pid=BzdX/h8r2xw=|website= Laman Web Rasmi - Jabatan Kehakiman Syariah Negeri Kedah}}</ref>

The Kedah Police Contingent Headquarters is located in Jalan Stadium.<ref>{{cite web |title= Direktori PDRM|url=https://www.rmp.gov.my/direktori/direktori-pdrm/kedah|website= The Official Portal of Royal Malaysian Police}}</ref>  While the Kota Setar district headquarters in Jalan Raja. There are also several police stations located in Kuala Kedah, Anak Bukit, Kepala Batas and Alor Jaggus.

[[File:Stadium Darul Aman.jpg|thumb|Stadium Darul Aman, the home stadium for [[Kedah Darul Aman F.C.]] ]]

===Sports venue===
There are several large sports venue in the city. The largest of which would be the [[Darul Aman Stadium]], opened in 1962 it can accommodate 30,000 [[seating capacity]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Stadium Darul Aman|url=https://www.stadiumkedah.gov.my/portfolio/stadium-darul-aman/|website=Stadium Kedah}}</ref> The stadium also has hosted the [[2006 Sukma Games]]. It was one of the venues for the [[1997 FIFA World Youth Championship]].

Other major sports venues in the city includes Sultan Abdul Halim Stadium, Kedah Aquatic Centre, Muadzam Shah Complex and MBAS Swimming Pool Complex.{{citation needed|date=April 2024}}

===Parks and recreation===
[[File:Music Fountain at Taman Jubli Emas (17767965545).jpg|thumb|Spectators enjoying [[musical fountain]] performance in Taman Jubli Emas]]
There are several public parks maintained by the city council. Among the best known [[urban park]] in Alor Setar is the Taman Jubli Perak (Silver Jubilee Park). The park contains two restored century old [[Rumah Melayu|traditional Malay Houses]] (Rumah Seri Banai and Rumah Tok Su) in the Heritage Village (Kampung Warisan).<ref name="Rumah Warisan">{{cite web |title=Rumah Warisan|url=https://www.muziumkedah.gov.my/index.php/muzium/rumah-warisan|website=Portal Rasmi Lembaga Muzium Negeri Kedah Darul Aman}}</ref> The Heritage Village is located beside the Warrior Square (Dataran Pahlawan).

Other parks located in the city includes Taman Jubli Emas, known for its [[Tengkolok]] monument constructed for [[Golden jubilee]] celebration of [[Abdul Halim of Kedah|Sultan Abdul Halim]] named the Jubli Emas Monumental Tower in 2008; Dataran Tanjung Chali (Cape Chali Square) with Rumah Api Tanjung Cahli (Cape Chali Lighthouse); Taman Persisiran Sungai Kedah, where the annual [[List of water sports|water sports]] events are usually held; Taman Rekreasi Medan Peremba and Taman Rekreasi Medan Merdeka.<ref>{{cite web |title=Taman Jubli Emas|url=https://www.tripadvisor.com.my/Attraction_Review-g298282-d11953190-Reviews-Taman_Jubli_Emas-Alor_Setar_Kota_Setar_District_Kedah.html|website=Trip Advisor}}</ref>

===Healthcare===
{{See also|List of hospitals in Malaysia}}
The city is served by one public hospital, two private hospitals, three 1Malaysia clinics together with many public health and other type of health clinics.

Inaugurated in 2007, replacing the old Alor Setar Hospital, Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital is the largest and the main medical centre in the state, equipped with 1040 beds.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah|url=https://hsbas.moh.gov.my/images/borang/penerbitan_bahan_rujukan/LT2019.pdf|website= Hsbas.moh.gov.my}}</ref> As one of the important and major medical facilities in the northern Kedah, Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital also served as the [[tertiary referral hospital]] for twelve public health clinic in the Kota Setar/Pendang district, eight government hospitals and eleven private hospitals.

===Education===
[[File:Kedah Public Library Corporation.jpg|thumb|right|Kedah State Library at Jalan Kolam Air.]]
{{See also|List of schools in Kedah}}
There are many government schools available in the city, which are managed by Kota Setar District Education Office (Pejabat Pendidikan Daerah Kota Setar).<ref>{{cite web |title=PEJABAT PENDIDIKAN DAERAH (PPD) KEDAH|url=http://www.pendidikanmalaysia.com/2018/08/pejabat-pendidikan-daerah-ppd-kedah.html|website=Pendidikan Malaysia}}</ref> Among the well established schools in the city includes Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Sultanah Asma, Jalan Langgar, [[Kolej Sultan Abdul Hamid]], [[Keat Hwa Secondary School]] and [[Sekolah Menengah Teknik Alor Setar]].

Alor Setar is home to several institute of higher learning. The city is the main campus for two universities, [[Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah International Islamic University]] (UniSHAMS)<ref>{{cite web |title= UniSHAMS Highlight|url=http://unishams.edu.my/portal/en|website= UniSHAMS}}</ref> and Albukhary International University (AIU), which offers scholarships to international students.<ref>{{cite web |title= About AIU|url=https://www.aiu.edu.my/|website= Albukhary International University}}</ref> Other colleges and universities located in Alor Setar includes Kolej Poly-Tech MARA,<ref>{{cite web |title= Kolej Politik Mara Alor Setar|url=https://astar.kptm.edu.my/|website= KPTM ASTAR}}</ref> Royal Air Force College,<ref>{{cite web |title= KOLEJ TENTERA UDARA|url=http://airforce.mil.my/index.php/bm/allcategories-ms-my/uncategorised/kolej-tentera-udara|website= KOLEJ TENTERA UDARA}}</ref>  [[Universiti Tun Abdul Razak]], Mara Industrial Institute,<ref>{{cite web |title= Senarai Kursus dan Lokasi Giatmara Kedah|url=https://www.permohonan.my/senarai-kursus-dan-lokasi-giatmara-di-kedah/|website= Permohonan MY|date=24 August 2017}}</ref> Medical Assistant College and Alor Setar Nursing College.

Alor Setar is home to '''Kedah State Library''' ({{langx|ms|Perpustakaan Negeri Kedah}}), the main public library of the State of Kedah and the headquarters of the '''Kedah Public Library Corporation''' ({{langx|ms|Perbadanan Perpustakaan Awam Kedah}}, abbreviated as '''PPAK''').<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kedahlib.gov.my/|title=Kedah Public Library Corporation Website}}</ref>

===Historical & Cultural sites===
[[File:Rumah Tok Su.jpg|thumb|Rumah Tok Su, one of the two restored [[Rumah Melayu|traditional Kedahan Malay house]]s in Kampung Warisan (Heritage Village) located in Taman Jubli Perak, Alor Setar.]]
* '''Balai Besar''' -Initially the function of the building was as the Balai Rong Seri or Balai Penghadapan (grand audience hall), that was situated at the back of the Kota Setar Palace complex (Istana Kota Setar). The original building was built in 1735 by [[Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin II]], the 19th Sultan of [[Kedah]]. The pillars, roofs and floors were made of wood.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asiaexplorers.com/malaysia/balai_besar.htm |title=Balai Besar, Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia |publisher=Asiaexplorers.com |date=20 February 1959 |access-date=10 December 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001120117/http://www.asiaexplorers.com/malaysia/balai_besar.htm |archive-date=1 October 2013 }}</ref> Two Kedah sultans were officially installed at the Balai Besar: [[Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Halim Shah II]] in 1805, and [[Tuanku Abdul Halim|Sultan Abdul Halim]] in 1959.
* '''Balai Nobat''' - This {{convert|18|m|ft|adj=mid|-tall}} three-tiered octagonal tower's sole purpose is to house the royal musical instruments including the ''serunai'' (wooden flute), ''nafiri'', ''gendang'' (drum) and ''[[nobat]]'' (gong). The original Balai Nobat, constructed of wood, was among the early buildings already completed when Alor Setar town was officially founded in 1735. It has been rebuilt twice, most recently in 1906 in concrete and metal with a dome representing the Islamic element.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Alor Setar - Attractions|url=http://www.wonderfulmalaysia.com/attractions/alor-setar.htm|access-date=2020-12-24|website=www.wonderfulmalaysia.com}}</ref>
* '''Istana Anak Bukit''' - Anak Bukit is the birthplace and royal palace of Sultan [[Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah]] and of the current ruler, [[Sallehuddin of Kedah|Sultan Sallehuddin]]. Sungai Anak Bukit which is situated behind the royal palace, flows through Alor Setar and is connected by the Kedah River to Kuala Kedah. Since 2008, it has been used in royal ceremonies, replacing the old Balai Besar, and is the very palace were Sultan Sallehuddin was officially enthroned and installed.
* '''[[Kedah Royal Mausoleum]]''' -The Kedah royal mausoleum is located in Langgar, near the city centre.
[[File:Pintu Kacapuri.jpg|thumb|The Kacapuri Gate, completed in 1780, the historical entrance to Kota Kuala Kedah (Kuala Kedah Fort)]]
* '''Kota Kuala Kedah''' - Kota Kuala Kedah ({{a.k.a.}} Kota Kuala Bahang) is the remains of a fort on the bank of the Kedah River (Sungai Kedah), which for centuries protected the [[Kuala Kedah]] Kingdom from naval attacks.  The fort was originally constructed to provide protection against the Portuguese, and also stood against attacks from the [[Acehnese people|Achenese]] from Sumatra and the [[Bugis people|Bugis]]. The fort was rebuilt in 1771–1780.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ying|first=Teoh Pei|date=2019-05-26|title='Kuala Kedah re-energises my soul'|url=https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/sunday-vibes/2019/05/491546/kuala-kedah-re-energises-my-soul|access-date=2020-12-24|website=NST Online|language=en}}</ref> A museum and a lighthouse are also located inside the fort complex.<ref>{{cite web |title=10 amazing reasons to visit Alor Setar|url=https://theculturetrip.com/asia/malaysia/articles/10-amazing-reasons-to-visit-alor-setar-malaysia/|website=Culture Trip|date=9 August 2018}}</ref>
* '''[[Wan Mat Saman Aqueduct|Wan Mat Saman Canal]]''' - Wan Mat Saman Aqueduct is the longest aqueduct in Malaysia. It connects [[Kedah River]] in Alor Setar to Gurun at the south, and was built to boost the state's rice production.
* '''[[Pekan Rabu]]''' - Pekan Rabu is located near the city's government offices. Although the name literally means "Wednesday Market", this market is open all week long. It sells a variety of handicrafts and is a popular spot for tourists and locals.
* '''Rumah Tok Su & Rumah Sri Banai''' - Two restored classical Kedahan Malay houses, located in the Heritage Village (Perkampungan Warisan), Taman Jubli Perak.<ref name="Rumah Warisan"/>
* '''Pekan Cina & Pekan Melayu''' - lit. "Chinatown" and "Malaytown".<ref>{{cite web |title= Alor Setar – A city that's often overlooked |url=https://tunjukjalan.his.com.my/what-to-do-in-alor-setar-by-a-local/|website= Tunjuk Jalan}}</ref> The old town of Alor Setar where presevered old shophouses are still in use.
* '''Istana Sepachendera''' - The Sepachendera Palace, a palace constructed for Che Sepachendera in 1882, Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah's first consort.<ref>{{cite web |title= The Relationship Between The Socio-culture of Royalty and the Architecture of Istana Sepahchendera|url=http://umkeprints.umk.edu.my/300/1/Paper%201.pdf|website= UMK}}</ref> As Che Sepachendera is from [[Rattanakosin Kingdom (1782–1932)|Siam]], visible elements of [[Architecture of Thailand|Siamese architecture]] style was incorporated throughout the building. The palace ground is currently abandoned, however there are plans to restore the complex into a museum.<ref>{{cite web |title= Facelift for abandoned palace mooted
|url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/2015/09/facelift-abandoned-palace-mooted|website= New Straits Times}}</ref>

===Museums and Galleries===
[[File:Menara Alor Setar by Jensen Ng.JPG|thumb|Completed in 1997, the Alor Setar Tower stands as the third tallest tower in Malaysia]]
* '''Kedah State Museum''' ({{langx|ms|Muzium Negeri Kedah}}) houses a large collection of Kedah's historical, cultural, and royal heritage. The collection includes early Chinese porcelain, artefacts from the archaeological excavations in Bujang Valley, and a pokok bunga emas or 'gold tree' produced as a tribute to the Thais. The museum is also a research centre which specialises on Kedah's cultural history. Before the present premises were built in 1936, parts of the museum's collection were on display at the Balai Besar. The museum was officially opened on 3 February 1957.<ref>{{cite web |title=Muzium Negeri Kedah|url=https://www.muziumkedah.gov.my/index.php/muzium/kedah|website=Portal Rasmi Lembaga Muzium Negeri Kedah Darul Aman}}</ref>
* '''National Science Centre Northern Region Branch''' ({{langx|ms|Pusat Sains Negara Cawangan Wilayah Utara}}, abbreviated as PSNCWU) is located at Gunung Keriang next to the Alor Setar Aquatic Centre and Paddy Museum. It is the first science centre built in northern Malaysia.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pusat Sains Negara Cawangan Wilayah Utara (PSNCWU)
|url=https://pusat-sains-negara-cawangan-wilayah-utara-psncwu.business.site/|website=Pusat Sains Negara Cawangan Wilayah Utara (PSNCWU)}}</ref>
* '''[[Paddy Museum]]''' ({{langx|ms|Muzium Padi}}) is the first paddy museum in Malaysia, and the fourth in the world after Japan, Germany and the Philippines.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.malaysia-traveller.com/kedah-paddy-museum.html |title=Kedah Paddy Museum – Muzium Padi |publisher=Malaysia-traveller.com |access-date=27 September 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The Paddy Museum |url=http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/my/web-page/places/states-of-malaysia/kedah/the-paddy-museum?page=/6 |work=[[Tourism Malaysia]] |access-date=26 May 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140527213618/http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/my/web-page/places/states-of-malaysia/kedah/the-paddy-museum?page=%2F6 |archive-date=27 May 2014 }}</ref> The museum showcases the rice cultivation process in Malaysia and the tools and equipment used. Murals feature the work of 60 artists from North Korea.
* '''[[Kedah State Art Gallery]]''' ({{langx|ms|Balai Seni Negeri Kedah}}) was set up with the objective of fostering interest in and an appreciation of art in the state. Its collection includes paintings, photographs, musical instruments and handicrafts.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kedah State Art Gallery|url=https://gokayu.com/malaysia/kedah/alor-setar/attraction/kedah-state-art-gallery|website=Gokayu}}</ref>
* '''[[Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Gallery]]''' ({{langx|ms|Galeri Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah}}) originally housed the Alor Setar High Court, before it was moved to Kompleks Mahkamah Alor Setar in Suka Menanti. This building is located at the junction of Jalan Putera, adjacent to the Balai Nobat.<ref>{{cite web |title=Galeri Sultan Abdul Halim|url=https://www.lonelyplanet.com/malaysia/alor-setar/attractions/galeri-sultan-abdul-halim/a/poi-sig/1327866/1317190|website=Lonely Planet}}</ref>
* '''Kedah Royal Museum''' ({{langx|ms|Muzium Diraja Kedah}}) had originally been part of the Kota Setar palace. It was rebuilt after attacks by the [[Bugis]] (1770) and [[Siam]]ese (1821). The current concrete building was completed during the reign of [[Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Mukarram Shah]], who once stayed in this palace with his queen. This palace is also known as the "Pelamin Palace" after it was extended to include a pavilion and additional rooms, when [[Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah]] arranged marriages for his five children. The grand wedding ceremony lasted for three months in 1904. After 1941, the palace was used as a school and an office for several organisations including the office for the St. John Ambulance and the [[Persekutuan Pengakap Malaysia|Scout movements]]. On 25 July 1983, the palace was declared the Kedah Royal Museum.<ref>{{cite web |title=Muzium Diraja|url=https://www.muziumkedah.gov.my/index.php/muzium/diraja|website=Muzium Diraja Kedah}}</ref>
* '''[[Alor Setar Tower]]''' ({{langx|ms|Menara Alor Setar}}) - Located in the heart of Alor Setar, this {{convert|165.5|m|ft|0|adj=mid|-tall}} tower is a prominent modern landmark that signifies the rapid development in [[Kedah]]. It serves as a telecommunications tower and tourist attraction, offering a panoramic view of the city and surroundings.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tower Info|url=https://www.menaraalorsetar.com.my/en/the-tower/tower-info|website=Menara Alor Setar}}</ref>
* '''Mahathir Birth House''' ({{langx|ms|Rumah Kelahiran Mahathir}}) - The birthplace of Tun Dr [[Mahathir Mohamad|Mahathir]], the fourth and seventh [[Prime Minister of Malaysia]], has been designated as a historic building. Located at {{abbr|No.|number}}&nbsp;18 Lorong Kilang Ais, off Jalan Pegawai, it was restored by the National Archives in 1992.<ref name=birthplace>{{cite web|title=Mahathir's Birthplace or 'Rumah Kelahiran Mahathir' |url=http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/my/web-page/places/states-of-malaysia/kedah/mahathirs-birthplace-or-rumah-kelahiran-mahathir?page=/5 |work=Tourism Malaysia |access-date=26 May 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140527220248/http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/my/web-page/places/states-of-malaysia/kedah/mahathirs-birthplace-or-rumah-kelahiran-mahathir?page=%2F5 |archive-date=27 May 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.virtualmalaysia.com/destination/view.cfm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130205223136/http://www.virtualmalaysia.com/destination/view.cfm?id=651D847D-5622-4BA1-B7B2F87AEDA22EBC|archive-date=5 February 2013|url-status=dead|title=Mahathir's Birth Place &#124; Malaysia Destination|access-date=7 September 2012}}</ref>
* '''Independence House''' ({{langx|ms|Rumah Merdeka}}) is a designated historic building which houses the collection and memorial of [[Tunku Abdul Rahman]], the first [[Prime Minister of Malaysia]]. It is owned by the national archives.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arkib.gov.my/en/rumah-merdeka |title=Independence House – Arkib Negara Malaysia |publisher=Arkib.gov.my |date=7 June 1966 |access-date=27 September 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224083112/http://www.arkib.gov.my/en/rumah-merdeka |archive-date=24 December 2013 }}</ref>

==Notable people from Alor Setar==
===Arts===
* Singers and Actors: [[Yuna (singer)|Yunalis Zarai]], [[Shanon Shah]]
* Actors: [[Azean Irdawaty]], [[Bront Palarae]], [[Angelica Lee]], [[Farid Kamil]], [[Rozita Che Wan]], [[Jit Murad]]
* Writers and Arts: Dato' [[Abdullah Hussain]], Dato' [[Shahnon Ahmad]]

===Sports===
* Badminton: [[Tan Boon Heong]], [[Lee Zii Jia]]
* Football: [[Mohd Helmi Eliza Elias]], [[Mohd Khyril Muhymeen Zambri]]
* Team manager: Dato' Paduka [[Ahmad Basri Akil]]
* Football manager: [[Tan Cheng Hoe]]

===Government and politics===
* Politicians: 
** [[Tunku Abdul Rahman]], first Prime Minister of Malaysia, 1957–70
** [[Mahathir Mohamad]], fourth and seventh Prime Minister of Malaysia, 1981-2003 and 2018–2020
** [[Daim Zainuddin]], Finance Minister 1984–91
** [[Fadzil Noor]], [[Parti Islam Se-Malaysia|PAS]] President 1989–2002,
* Judiciary:
** Tan Sri [[Zaki Tun Azmi]]
** Tun [[Ahmad Fairuz Abdul Halim]]
** Tun [[Mohamed Azmi Mohamed]]
** Tun [[Syed Sheh Hassan Barakbah]]

===Businessmen===
* [[Tan Sri]] [[Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary]]

==References==
<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/2015/10/alor-star-rising-star | title=Alor Star a rising star &#124; New Straits Times| date=13 October 2015}}</ref>
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
*{{wikivoyage inline}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20120426070553/http://www.town.com.my/ Towns and Cities in Malaysia]

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[[Category:Alor Setar| ]]
[[Category:Populated places in Kedah]]
[[Category:Northern Corridor Economic Region|Alor Setar, Kedah]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1735]]
[[Category:1735 establishments in Asia]]
[[Category:State capitals in Malaysia]]