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Perlis
Perlis
Perlis
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Perlis[note 1] (Kedah Malay (Perlis dialect): Peghelih) is a state of Malaysia in the northwestern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It is the smallest state in Malaysia by area and population. The state borders the Thai provinces of Satun and Songkhla to the north and the Malaysian state of Kedah to the south. Perlis is the only Malaysian state that is not divided into districts, due to its small size, but it is still divided into several communes.[8] It was called Palit (Thai: ปะลิส) by the Siamese when it was under their influence. Perlis had a population of 227,025 as of the 2010 census.[1]

Key Information

Perlis experiences a tropical monsoon climate. Much of the state's highlands are part of the Nakawan Range, a subrange of the Tenasserim Hills system that spans through southern Myanmar, Southern Thailand and the Peninsular Malaysia, with Mount Perlis as the highest point at 733 m. The Nakawan also forms a natural frontier between Perlis and Thailand.

The capital of Perlis is Kangar, and the royal capital is Arau. Another important town is Padang Besar, at the Malaysia–Thailand border and Kuala Perlis, the ferry town to Langkawi. The main port and ferry terminal is at the small village of Kuala Perlis, linking mostly to Langkawi Island. Another important lately developed area is Pauh Putra within the subdistrict of Kurong Anai which houses the main campus of Malaysia University of Perlis[9] and Politeknik Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin. Perlis has a snake sanctuary and research centre at Sungai Batu Pahat. Perlis State Park and Gua Kelam are among the popular tourist attractions.

Etymology

[edit]

The origin of the toponym 'Perlis' is vague. However, there are several theories:

  • According to a Malaysian historian, Mohd Yusuf bin Adil, the name comes from the Thai phrase "phrao loi" (Southern Thai: พร้าวลอย) which means kelapa hanyut (coconut washed ashore) since there were many coconuts found on the shores of Kuala Perlis. The phrase has been shortened by locals until it sounded like "pereleh" or Perlis.
  • It has also been suggested Perlis may be a shortened form of a Malay word "peroleh" (obtain) as the state was a "gift" from Kedah, since it was a part of Kedah before becoming a state on its own.
  • According to Negeri Perlis Indera Kayangan: Sejarah Pembentukan Sebuah Negeri Berdaulat by Ahmad Ismail, the name comes from a tree of the same name, which may have gone extinct.
  • Some researches suggests the name is derived from a northern Malay dialect word "perelus" which roughly translates as "foot falling into a crack", since Perlis is said to have a wide land filled with mud, and the people's feet may sink into the mud.[10]
  • Additional suggestions include being named after someone, or derived from the French word "perlite" which means "rock" due to a huge rock near Sungai Perlis.[11]

The honorific "Indera Kayangan" was given by Tuanku Raja Syed Hussin Jamalullail (who ruled Perlis from 1843 to 1873) after the royal town of Indera Kayangan II (1797 until 1813) he was raised in now located in Kampung Langgar, Kayang within the Kuala Perlis area.[12] However, this epithet became less popular under the recommendation of Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail in 2015, in which according to him is inline with the official singular name given in the state constitution his father signed without any long epithets in general "which is related to deities, or any 'Darul'..."".[7]

History

[edit]
Map of Siam in 1900 with Perlis as a vassal state

Perlis was originally part of Kedah, although it occasionally came under the rule of Siam or Aceh. Perlis was historically an important realm within the Kingdom of Kedah. Sultan Muhyiddin of Kedah made his capital in Kota Sena, while Sultan Dhiauddin II made Kota Indera Kayangan his capital.[13] Sultan Dhiauddin II of Kedah was honorifically titled as Raja Muda of Perlis and Kedah,[14][15] akin to the title Prince of Wales in the United Kingdom. During his reign as the Sultan of Kedah, he oversaw a treaty with George Leith to cede Province Wellesley to Penang. He was titled as Raja Muda of Perlis and Kedah.[16] This fact depicted Perlis was a special realm within the Kedah sultanate.

Sultan Dhiauddin then made Syed Harun Jamalullail, father of the future first Raja of Perlis as chieftain of Arau as a wedding gift to his marriage with his daughter, Tengku Sofiah. Syed Harun's descendant eventually become deputy governor (1839) and Raja of Perlis.[17]

After the Siamese conquered Kedah in 1821, the British felt their interests in Perak were threatened.[18] This resulted in the 1826 Burney and Low Treaties[19] formalising relations between the two Malay states and Siam, their nominal overlord. In the Burney Treaty, the exiled Sultan of Kedah, Ahmad Tajuddin was not restored to his throne. Sultan Ahmad and his armed supporters then fought in a series of war known as Perang Musuh Bisik for his restoration from 1830 to 1842.[20] Towards the end of the conflict and the death of Siam's Ligor governor in 1839 (Siam's main authority figure over Kedah), Perlis was separated with Kedah.[18]

In 1842, the Sultan agreed to accept Siamese terms and was restored to the throne of Kedah. However, Siam separated Perlis into a separate principality which was a direct vassal of Bangkok. The Siamese made Raja Long Krok as the Governor of Siam in Perlis while Syed (or Sayyid) Hussain Jamalullail as deputy governor. On 20 May 1843, the Siamese made Sayyid Hussain Jamalulail, the paternal grandson of a Hadhrami Arab Sayyid immigrant and maternal grandson of the Sultan of Kedah, the first Raja of Perlis[21] which made Perlis a sovereign state. His descendants still rule Perlis, but as rajas, instead of as sultans.

In 1897, Kedah led by its prime minister, Wan Mat Saman began efforts to end the sovereignty of Perlis (similar to the Kingdom of Kubang Pasu which was absorbed into Kedah). After several tense occasions and disputes, the Siamese king Chulalongkorn sided with Perlis.[22] Perlis also had several disputes with the state of Setul before the 1900s.

As with Kedah, the Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 forced Siam to relinquish its southern Malay vassal states of Kelantan, Trengganu, and Monthon Syburi (comprising Kedah, Perlis, and Satun (but Satun remained with Thailand)) to Great Britain. The British installed a Resident in the Perlis royal capital of Arau. Perlis was returned to Siam in World War II as 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 the Malayan Union, then the Federation of Malaya in 1957, and lastly, Malaysia in 1963.

Since 2000, the raja has been Sirajuddin. He was the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King of Malaysia) from 13 December 2001 to 12 December 2006.[23] Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra was the Regent of Perlis during the five-year period when Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin was Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The Chief Executive or Menteri Besar is currently Mohd Shukri Ramli of the Perikatan Nasional.

Geography

[edit]
Bukit Chabang, a landmark twin-peaked mogote towering over paddy field squares

Perlis is the smallest state in Malaysia, covering a total land area of 819 km2. Like other west coast states, it has a coastline facing the Strait of Malacca, measuring around 20.4 km (12.7 mi) from Kuala Sanglang at the border with Kedah's Kubang Pasu District up north towards the Malaysia-Thailand border near Pos Batu Putih, in the vicinity of Kuala Perlis.

From south to north, its topographical profile consists of flat, arable lands of the Kedah–Perlis Plain dotted with numerous mogotes, and abruptly rises up high as rolling karstic hills of the Nakawan Range, which forms the natural boundary between the state and the province of Satun on the Thai side. In general, paddy fields dominate much of the state's landscape as the Perlisian portion of the Kedah–Perlis Plain had been utilized for rice farming since antiquity. Meanwhile, the Nakawan runs southwest–northeast along the Thai border from Kuala Perlis towards Kaki Bukit. The range is home to the 733-metre tall Mount Perlis, the highest point in the state.

Climate

[edit]

Along with northern Kedah, the entirety of Perlis experiences tropical monsoon climate (Köppen climate classification: Am).

Climate data for Kangar
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 30.2
(86.4) 		32.4
(90.3) 		32.4
(90.3) 		31.1
(88.0) 		30.2
(86.4) 		29.9
(85.8) 		29.5
(85.1) 		29.4
(84.9) 		29.1
(84.4) 		28.9
(84.0) 		28.9
(84.0) 		28.9
(84.0) 		30.1
(86.1)
Daily mean °C (°F) 26.4
(79.5) 		27.7
(81.9) 		28
(82) 		27.6
(81.7) 		27.4
(81.3) 		27.4
(81.3) 		27
(81) 		26.9
(80.4) 		26.5
(79.7) 		26.1
(79.0) 		26
(79) 		25.9
(78.6) 		26.9
(80.5)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 23.7
(74.7) 		24.1
(75.4) 		24.8
(76.6) 		25.2
(77.4) 		25.4
(77.7) 		25.3
(77.5) 		25
(77) 		24.8
(76.6) 		24.6
(76.3) 		24.4
(75.9) 		24.3
(75.7) 		24
(75) 		24.6
(76.3)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 48
(1.9) 		44
(1.7) 		121
(4.8) 		171
(6.7) 		205
(8.1) 		161
(6.3) 		167
(6.6) 		196
(7.7) 		220
(8.7) 		272
(10.7) 		218
(8.6) 		129
(5.1) 		1,952
(76.9)
Source: Climate-Data.org[24]

Government

[edit]
Main articles: Government of Perlis, Perlis State Executive Council, and Perlis State Legislative Assembly
See also: Menteri Besar of Perlis
Perlis State Legislative Assembly

Perlis is ruled by the House of Jamalullail. Unlike most other Malay states, in which the ruler is a "sultan", the ruler of Perlis is called the "raja".[25]

Legislative power in the state is exercised by the Perlis State Legislative Assembly, a unicameral chamber in which all 15 seats are elected from single-member constituencies. After the 2022 state election, the Perikatan Nasional coalition, led by the Malaysian Islamic Party, holds 14 of the assembly's 15 seats.

The raja appoints menteri besar (chief minister) and an Executive Council (akin to a Cabinet). Generally, the chief minister is a member of the legislative assembly who can command a majority on the assembly's floor. The raja's appointment powers were at the center of a brief constitutional crisis in the state after the 2008 general election. The Raja sought to appoint a Barisan Nasional assemblyman, Md Isa Sabu, as chief minister despite Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi, who led the national coalition, nominating the incumbent Shahidan Kassim to continue in office. The Raja prevailed and swore in Md Isa, who served a full term as chief minister.[26]

The state elects three members of the federal House of Representatives for the constituencies of Arau, Kangar and Padang Besar. The Perikatan Nasional has held all three seats since the 2022 general elections.

The state also has two federal senators; like all other states, the senators are not directly elected but appointed by a vote of the state legislative assembly.

Affiliation Coalition/Party Leader Status Seats
2022 election Current
  Perikatan Nasional Mohd Shukri Ramli Government 14 14
  Pakatan Harapan Gan Ay Ling Opposition 1 1
Total 15 15
Government majority 9 9

Subdivisions

[edit]
Mukims of Perlis

Perlis, the smallest state by area in Malaysia, is not divided into administrative districts. It is, however, still divided into 22 mukims (communes), namely:

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
YearPop.±%
1970 121,062—    
1980 144,782+19.6%
1991 183,824+27.0%
2000 198,288+7.9%
2010 225,630+13.8%
2020 284,885+26.3%
Source: [27]
Sri Kamatchi Amman temple in Padang Besar
Perlis Hokkien Association

Religion

[edit]
Religion in Perlis – 2010 Census[28]
religion percent
Islam
 
 87.9%
Buddhism
 
 10.0%
Hinduism
 
 0.8%
Christianity
 
 0.6%
Others
 
 0.3%
Chinese Ethnic Religion
 
 0.2%
No Religion
 
 0.2%

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, 0.2% non-religious, 0.2% unknown / none, and 0.1% followers of other religions.

The Malaysian defines "Malay", as those who are Muslim, speak Malay regularly, practise Malay customs, and lived in or have ancestors from Brunei, Malaysia and/or Singapore.[29] Statistics from the 2010 Census indicate that 83.6% of the Chinese population identify as Buddhist, with significant numbers of adherents following Christianity (11.1%) and Taoism (3.4%), along with small Hui-Muslim populations in areas like Penang. The majority of the Indian population follow Hinduism (86.2%), with a significant minority identifying as Christians (6.0%) or Muslims (4.1%). Christianity is the predominant religion of the non-Malay bumiputera community (46.5%) with an additional 40.4% identifying as Muslims.[30]

Languages

[edit]

Majority of Perlis' population speaks Perlis Malay which is a sub-dialect of Kedah Malay but has its own unique features compared to those of neighbouring Kedah. Perlisian Chinese people are mostly Hokkien by ancestry and speak a dialect of Hokkien. Besides that there is also Hokkien, Mandarin, English, Tamil, Malayalam as well as small numbers of Southern Thai speakers, mostly ethnic Malaysian Siamese. However, large numbers of Perlisians regardless of ethnic origin mainly uses Perlis Malay as a lingua franca. In particular, Perlis is well known for its distinctive Hokkien language, known as Penang Hokkien. Hokkien serves as the lingua franca among the various ethnic Chinese communities in Perlis. Perlis Chinese are predominantly Hokkien and thus mostly speak Hokkien as their first language.

Tourism

[edit]

Some of the tourist attractions in Perlis are:

Gua Kelam (Kelam Cave) entrance in 2010
  • Perlis State Park - Situated on the southern slopes of the Nakawan Range, the park consists of Mata Ayer and Wang Mu Forest Reserves with a total area of about 5,000 ha. Some of the attractions in the park include caves such as Gua Kelam and Gua Wang Burma, which is located within the 500-year-old Setul limestone formation.[31]
    • Gua Kelam - A limestone cave that is one of the most visited destinations in Perlis.[32] Located about 33 km north of Kangar, the capital of Perlis, near Kaki Bukit.
  • Padang Besar - Located near the Malaysia-Thai border, the town is famed for its duty-free shopping scene.
  • Kuala Perlis - One of the popular activities here is fishing. There are also many restaurants that offer fresh seafood that is relatively cheaper than in the capital city.[33] The town is also a transit point for tourists to be ferried to Langkawi.
  • Kota Kayang Museum
  • Melati Lake Gardens
  • Perlis Snake Park
  • Batu Layang Island – Sole natural island in Perlis waters.

Transport

[edit]

The KTM West Coast railway line runs through Perlis with stations at Padang Besar and Arau. KTM ETS (towards KL Sentral) and KTM Komuter Northern Sector (towards Butterworth) trains regularly call at both stations.

Perlis does not have an airport; Sultan Abdul Halim Airport serving Alor Setar in nearby Kedah is the nearest airport within Malaysia and can be reached by one hour's drive from Kangar. A bus service from Arau to the airport is also available.

Recreation

[edit]

There is an outdoor rock climbing area in the limestone hills of Bukit Keteri with over 50 sport climbing routes that are bolted by the world's climbing team; the crags are split into two, both next to each other and the rockfaces rise to 350 m. The range of difficulty is from beginner to expert and many varieties of climbs are available.

See also

[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Perlis.

References

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Perlis

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Perlis is the smallest state in by land area, covering 818 square kilometres in the northwestern corner of , where it shares a border with to the north and east and the state of to the south and west. Its capital is , and it functions as a ruled by the of Perlis from the House of Jamalullail, with Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail serving as the current sovereign since 2000. The state's population was estimated at 292,700 in 2023, reflecting modest growth driven by its primarily rural demographics. Historically, Perlis emerged as a distinct entity in 1843 when it separated from under the leadership of Syed Sharifuddin, though it remained under Siamese suzerainty until the 1909 Anglo-Siamese Treaty transferred control to Britain, integrating it into the . It joined the upon its formation in 1948, achieving independence from Britain as part of Malaya in 1957 and subsequently becoming a state of in 1963. Geographically, Perlis features flat alluvial plains ideal for agriculture, interspersed with hills and formations, supporting its economy which is dominated by farming, particularly and cultivation that accounts for a significant portion of local output. The state's strategic border position facilitates trade and logistics, though its small scale limits industrial diversification, with recent efforts focusing on high-value crops and to bolster growth. Notable landmarks include Gua Kelam, a prominent system, underscoring Perlis's blend of agricultural heritage and natural topography.

Nomenclature

Etymology

The name Perlis is most commonly attributed to the Southern Thai phrase phrao loi (พร้าวลอย), translating to "drifting " or " washed ashore," as proposed by Malaysian Mohd Yusuf bin Adil; this likely references coconuts carried northward by currents to the region's coastline. Under Siamese administration prior to the , the territory was recorded as Palit (Thai: ปะลิส), a phonetic variant possibly influencing the modern Malay form. Alternative derivations include the Northern Malay dialect term perelus, interpreted as "foot falling into a crack," evoking the area's formations and sinkholes. Local historian Dato' Yazid b. Mat suggested the name originated from a now-obscure once prevalent in the region, though no botanical records confirm this. Other speculative links tie it to a prominent stone at the Perlis River's mouth or a contraction of the Malay peroleh ("to obtain"), reflecting its cession from , but these lack primary historical corroboration. The state's formal title, Perlis Indera Kayangan ("Perlis of the Exalted Heavens"), was adopted in the early , emphasizing its elevated status under the Jamalullail dynasty without altering the core toponym. These theories reflect a blend of linguistic, environmental, and administrative influences, with no single origin definitively verified in pre-colonial records.

History

Pre-colonial era

Archaeological discoveries in Perlis reveal evidence of early human habitation extending back approximately 10,000 years, including human remains and cave paintings uncovered in sites such as Gua Semadong and Bukit Keteri. These findings, documented through explorations by Malaysian heritage authorities, indicate sporadic prehistoric settlements likely tied to or early agrarian groups adapted to the region's limestone caves and riverine environments. Additional sites, including Gua Bintong, Gua Semadong, Bukit Jernih, and Bukit Keteri, feature prehistoric motifs that suggest cultural continuity among indigenous populations before organized polities emerged. The area corresponding to modern Perlis formed a northern frontier of the , established around the 12th century, with pre-Islamic influences from the adjacent Bujang Valley's Hindu-Buddhist complexes dating to the 5th–14th centuries. Clay sealings bearing Buddhist dhāraṇī inscriptions, linked to the Bodhigarbhālankāralakṣadhāraṇī tradition, attest to Perlis's integration into broader Southeast Asian networks of Indianized culture, likely through and religious dissemination from Tua. Local communities engaged in rice cultivation, along coastal and river systems, and small-scale in like , which showed stylistic affinities with Kedah's ancient ceramics, reflecting agrarian self-sufficiency without evidence of monumental architecture or dense . Governance in pre-colonial Perlis lacked centralized authority, relying instead on localized chieftaincies subordinate to Kedah's viceroys, with administrative outposts such as Kota Sena (active until circa 1664) and Kota Indera Kayangan (1661–1687) serving defensive and economic roles along trade routes to Siam and the Straits of Malacca. This decentralized structure, characterized by village headmen overseeing wet-rice padi fields and fisheries, fostered vulnerability to external pressures but sustained Malay-Muslim settlements influenced by Kedah's Islamization from the onward. Oral traditions and fragmentary records indicate a mix of Malay and indigenous Thai-related groups, though archaeological data prioritizes continuity from Kedah's domain rather than independent polities.

Period of Siamese influence and British intervention

Following the in 1821, the northern territories of the sultanate, including the area that would form , came under Siamese administration as a means to secure control over the Malay Peninsula's frontier regions. To stabilize governance and create a loyal entity, Siam detached from Kedah and elevated Syed Hussain Jamalullail, a descendant of Hadhrami with ties to Kedah's ruling family, to the position of on May 20, 1843, thereby founding the Jamalullail dynasty and establishing as a semi-autonomous under Siamese . As a , was required to send the (golden flowers) and other tribute to , reinforcing its subordinate status while allowing local rule under the . British interest in the region intensified due to Siamese expansion threatening trade routes to , prompting diplomatic maneuvers such as the Burney Treaty of , which tacitly acknowledged Siamese overlordship north of in exchange for commercial privileges. However, mounting pressures from British colonial expansion in the led to negotiations that culminated in the , under which Siam relinquished all rights of suzerainty, protection, administration, and control over Perlis—along with , , and —to the . This transfer marked the onset of direct British intervention, positioning Perlis as an Unfederated Malay State where the maintained nominal sovereignty over internal affairs, subject to British oversight through advisors appointed to guide policy on revenue, justice, and infrastructure. The arrangement of persisted until the Japanese invasion disrupted colonial authority; in , Imperial Japanese and allied Thai forces overran Perlis as part of the broader , incorporating it into the occupied Syonan territories until Japan's surrender in 1945. Postwar restoration of British administration reaffirmed Perlis's protectorate status, with the first formal British advisor, Meadows Frost, installed in 1930 to formalize advisory influence prior to the war's interruptions, though full integration into British Malaya's framework emphasized economic development like rice cultivation over political centralization.

Integration into Malaysia and post-independence developments

Perlis acceded to the through the signing of the Federation Agreement on 21 January 1948 by its , Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail, which formalized the state's integration into the new federation comprising eleven Malay states and two settlements. The agreement took effect on 1 February 1948, replacing the short-lived and restoring pre-war state structures while establishing a central federal government with British oversight, thereby granting Perlis greater autonomy in local affairs under a unified framework aimed at eventual . Upon the Federation of Malaya's independence on 31 August 1957, Perlis transitioned to sovereign status within the new nation, with the Commission-recommended constitution enshrining safeguards for the state's , including the Raja's role as head of , custodian of Malay customs, and veto powers over certain state matters, alongside participation in the for federal appointments like the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. This framework preserved dynastic continuity, as evidenced by Tuanku Syed Putra's election as the third Yang di-Pertuan Agong from 1960 to 1965, reinforcing Perlis's stake in national leadership rotation among the rulers. In 1963, Perlis seamlessly incorporated into the enlarged on 16 September, alongside , , and (the latter exiting in 1965), maintaining its and monarchical privileges amid the broader union's emphasis on and special rights for Malay rulers. Post-independence developments highlighted the resilience of Perlis's Jamalullail dynasty, which endured wartime disruptions—such as the 1943 exile and death of preceding Raja Syed Alwi under Japanese occupation—through Tuanku Syed Putra's uncontested reign from 1945 until his death on 16 April 2000, followed immediately by the accession of his son, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, on 17 April 2000. Tuanku Sirajuddin's tenure, marked by his election as the twelfth Yang di-Pertuan Agong from 2001 to 2006, exemplified Perlis's contributions to federal stability via the rotational system, with the actively engaging in religious and customary oversight to uphold state cohesion within 's constitutional order. These successions underscored the dynasty's adaptability, avoiding post-1957 interruptions and aligning with federal mechanisms that prioritize ruler consensus for national governance.

Geography

Location and borders

Perlis occupies the northernmost position among the states of Peninsular Malaysia, located along the northwestern coast of the Malay Peninsula. Its northern land border aligns with Satun Province in Thailand, forming a key segment of the Malaysia-Thailand international boundary that supports cross-border movement and economic exchanges. The southern boundary interfaces directly with the neighboring Malaysian state of Kedah, while the western edge abuts the Strait of Malacca, enabling coastal access for fisheries and limited port activities at Kuala Perlis. Encompassing a land area of 819 km², Perlis ranks as the smallest state in Malaysia by territorial extent, a factor that amplifies its geopolitical significance as a compact buffer and gateway in northern . This limited footprint concentrates infrastructure and population near the borders, influencing regional connectivity via land crossings such as and rail links at Padang Besar. The state's borders, delineated through historical treaties and natural features like watersheds, underscore its role in bilateral relations without extending into expansive territorial disputes.

Topography and natural features

Perlis features predominantly flat coastal plains in its southern and central regions, forming part of the broader Kedah-Perlis suitable for intensive such as cultivation, with elevations averaging around 50 meters above . These low-lying terrains gradually rise northward into undulating hills and formations, reaching a maximum of approximately 733 meters at Mount Perlis. The hilly interiors, including areas like Bukit Lagi, constrain large-scale settlement and urban expansion, channeling human activity toward the fertile plains while preserving upland areas for ecological functions. Geologically, Perlis preserves a near-complete sedimentary sequence, dominated by alternating clastic and carbonate rocks from formations such as the Cambrian-Triassic Machinchang, Ordovician-Devonian Setul s, and overlying Kubang Pasu clastics. These Setul limestones underpin extensive landscapes, including tower s, sinkholes, and over 370-meter-long cave systems like Gua Kelam, which exhibit unique hydrological features and historical alluvial tin deposits exploited until the mid-20th century. Such limits soil depth and in upland zones, influencing localized economies reliant on quarrying while fostering habitat isolation that enhances . The , encompassing hills in the Nakawan Range, serves as a critical amid these features, harboring at least 215 species in 65 families, with 22% endemic to and eight unique to Perlis. Mammal diversity includes rare taxa like the (Macaca arctoides), alongside documented small mammals from surveys spanning 2009-2020, underscoring the reserve's role in conserving limestone-adapted ecosystems amid surrounding agricultural pressures. Low topographic relief exacerbates flood vulnerability, with flat plains and minimal drainage gradients amplifying monsoon runoff risks, as evidenced by GIS-based susceptibility models identifying high-risk zones that historically dictate settlement avoidance in prone valleys.

Climate and environmental conditions

Perlis exhibits a marked by consistently high temperatures averaging 24°C to 33°C year-round, with minimal diurnal or seasonal variation, and relative frequently surpassing 80%. Annual precipitation totals approximately 1,952 mm, predominantly during the northeast monsoon from to and southwest monsoon influences from May to September, while a drier inter-monsoon period from December to April records as little as 46 mm in . This pattern results in frequent heavy downpours that can trigger flash floods, contrasted by dry spells that strain , exacerbating scarcity for the state's intensive and cultivation. The environmental conditions feature oppressive humidity and overcast skies for much of the year, supporting lush vegetation in and ecosystems but also fostering challenges like from erratic rainfall and agricultural expansion. formations, integral to Perlis's , are vulnerable to drying trends during low-rainfall periods, which reduce and heighten risks in a region already modified by land clearance for farming, diminishing natural forest buffers against extremes. Conservation initiatives, including community-driven rehabilitation in areas like the Sungai Jernih Geopark, address these pressures by enhancing local engagement to counteract habitat degradation and adapt to variability in patterns, though broader trends in northern indirectly amplify and water retention issues upstream. Such efforts underscore the causal link between unchecked anthropogenic and diminished , prioritizing restoration over further intensification to sustain hydrological balances.

Government and Administration

Constitutional monarchy and the role of the Raja

Perlis functions as a within Malaysia's federal framework, where the holds the position of with executive authority vested in the ruler but exercised on his behalf by the Menteri Besar and State Executive Council. The appoints the Menteri Besar, who must command the confidence of the , and consents to the formation of the executive council. Under the Perlis Constitution, the provides to legislation passed by the assembly; although assent is typically granted, the provision to return bills for reconsideration grants a discretionary power akin to a if concerns over compatibility with Islamic principles or state customs arise. The ruling House of Jamalullail has maintained hereditary succession since Syed Hussain Jamalullail was installed as the first Raja on 20 May 1843, following Siamese recognition of Perlis as a distinct . This system adheres to agnatic , ensuring direct lineage continuity without the intra-dynastic elections or rotations seen in states such as or [Negeri Sembilan](/page/Negeri Sembilan), where succession alternates among district chiefs or elected heirs. Such unbroken heredity has sustained monarchical stability, serving as a fixed institution that mitigates potential disruptions from political flux and reinforces social order in Perlis's compact society. As the official under Article 3 of the Perlis Constitution, integrates closely with the monarchy, with the acting as president of the Majlis Agama dan Adat Istiadat Melayu Perlis (MAIPs), overseeing religious affairs, courts, and customary practices. This role positions the as a guardian of Islamic orthodoxy and Malay traditions, influencing fatwas and religious policy to align state with faith-based norms. The 's dual secular and religious underscores the monarchy's contribution to cultural cohesion, providing a stabilizing to democratic processes by embodying enduring values amid electoral changes.

State legislature and executive

The , known as Dewan Undangan Negeri Perlis, is a unicameral body comprising 15 elected members representing single-member constituencies across the state. These assemblymen are elected through periodic state elections held concurrently with federal polls, typically every five years, to deliberate and pass state laws on matters within Perlis's constitutional , such as and Islamic affairs. The executive branch is headed by the Menteri Besar, who serves as the and leads the state executive council (EXCO), appointed from among the assembly majority. The Menteri Besar is formally appointed by the Raja of Perlis but must command the confidence of the assembly, reflecting the Westminster-style adapted to Malaysia's federal structure. As of November 2022, of holds the position, following his coalition's victory. Historically, the assembly has been dominated by (BN), particularly its United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) component, securing consistent majorities since independence, including 10 seats in the 2018 election. This dominance shifted in the 2022 state election, when captured 14 seats, marking the first time control passed to a non-BN coalition and highlighting voter realignments amid national political instability post-2018. Perlis's executive operates within constrained due to Malaysia's federal framework, where state powers are limited under the Ninth Schedule of the , and revenue primarily derives from federal capitation grants, state taxes on and , and licenses rather than independent fiscal levers. States like Perlis, lacking natural resources such as oil, rely heavily on federal allocations, prompting ongoing demands for enhanced revenue-sharing to bolster local efficacy.

Administrative subdivisions and local governance

Perlis lacks formal administrative due to its compact size of 819 square kilometers, relying instead on s as the primary subdivisions for , collection, and local service delivery. These s, numbering around 15, include key areas such as , Beseri, Chuping, Jejawi, , Padang Besar, and Sanglang, each managed by a mukim office under the state land and survey department. Local governance centers on the Kangar Municipal Council (Majlis Perbandaran Kangar), established on January 1, 1980, which handles , sanitation, and public amenities primarily in and around the capital, . Rural mukims fall under state agencies for development, with limited reflecting Malaysia's centralized structure, where councils depend heavily on state and federal allocations rather than independent revenue sources. Mukim administrations focus on , , and community welfare, while border mukims like Padang Besar oversee trade facilitation and customs enforcement along the frontier, generating economic activity through cross-border commerce. However, remains constrained, with rural subdivisions facing inefficiencies in service provision due to overlapping state oversight and insufficient local capacity. Criticisms of persist in peripheral mukims, where inadequate , such as roads and , hinders growth and exacerbates outmigration to urban centers. Efforts like the Perlis Draft Plan 2030 aim to integrate digital solutions for municipal challenges, but rural areas continue to lag, reliant on federal policies that have struggled with implementation delays and funding shortfalls.

Demographics

As of the 2020 Population and Housing conducted by the Department of Statistics , Perlis recorded a total of 254,885, the smallest among 's states and federal territories. This figure reflects a modest increase from 231,541 in the 2010 , corresponding to an average annual growth rate of approximately 1.0 percent over the decade, lower than the national average of 1.5 percent. The state's land area of 819 square kilometers yields a of about 311 persons per square kilometer, among the lowest in , indicative of its predominantly rural character despite ongoing urbanization. Urbanization in Perlis reached 53.8 percent of the in , significantly below the national rate of 75.1 percent, with urban residents numbering around 153,300. , the state capital and principal urban hub, accounts for the bulk of this concentration, with its municipal area encompassing roughly 48,900 inhabitants as of recent estimates derived from data. Smaller urban nodes include , a coastal town, and , the royal town, but these remain secondary to in terms of administrative, commercial, and infrastructural development. The concentration in underscores Perlis's limited , shaped by its compact geography and proximity to the Thai border. Demographic trends reveal challenges from net outmigration, particularly among younger cohorts drawn to employment in adjacent states like and or urban centers such as . This has contributed to a gradually aging profile, mirroring broader Malaysian patterns where rates below replacement level (around 1.8 nationally) and improved amplify structural shifts. Official projections from the Department of Statistics indicate stabilization post-2020, with the estimated at 297,800 by mid-2025, supported by modest natural increase and reduced pandemic-era disruptions to mobility. Such trends highlight Perlis's reliance on retaining urban agglomeration in to mitigate depopulation risks in rural mukims.

Ethnic composition and migration patterns

Perlis exhibits one of the highest concentrations of Bumiputera ethnicity among Malaysian states, with these indigenous groups—predominantly Malays—accounting for 85.2% of the estimated 297,800 residents as of January 2025, per data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). Chinese Malaysians comprise 6.7% (approximately 19,900 individuals), Indians 1.7% (about 5,100), and other categories—including non-citizen residents and smaller indigenous subgroups—make up the remaining 5.9% (roughly 17,500). This composition stems from Perlis's status as a northern Malay enclave, where historical settlement patterns favored ethnic Malays over larger-scale immigration of non-indigenous groups seen elsewhere in Peninsular Malaysia. The state's ethnic profile includes subgroups shaped by its Thai border, notably Siamese Malays, who trace ancestry to migrations during Siamese suzerainty over Perlis until the 1909 Anglo-Siamese Treaty ceded full control to Britain. These descendants, often bilingual in Malay and Southern Thai dialects, integrate within the broader Bumiputera category but retain cultural ties to Thai heritage, comprising a minor fraction amid the dominant Malay population. Contemporary migration patterns feature cross-border flows from southern Thai provinces like and , where ethnic Malay-Thais—predominantly women—enter Perlis and adjacent states for low-skilled work in agriculture, fisheries, and petty trade, facilitated by proximity and informal networks rather than formal visas. Such movements, peaking during harvest seasons, involve temporary stays and remittances back to , exerting minimal impact on permanent demographics due to repatriation and limited family settlement. Bumiputera privileges under Malaysia's (NEP), enacted in 1971 to address post-colonial economic disparities, have causally reinforced Perlis's ethnic homogeneity by prioritizing indigenous access to land, education quotas, and public contracts, encouraging Malay in-migration and while constraining non-Bumiputera expansion in reserved sectors. In a state already exceeding 80% Bumiputera share—contrasting national averages of 69.4% in 2020—these measures promote intra-group and reduce absolute among Malays from 20% in the to under 1% by 2019, per DOSM-aligned analyses, though they correlate with non-Malay emigration to urban centers like for fewer restrictions. Empirical outcomes include stable ethnic ratios over decades, with minimal tensions attributable to the majority's demographic security, yet policies perpetuate opportunity gaps, as evidenced by Chinese and Indian households' higher median incomes nationally but localized business circumscriptions in Perlis.

Religion and cultural practices

Islam is the dominant religion in Perlis, with accounting for approximately 98.5% of the based on 2020 figures showing 250,129 adherents out of a total state of around 254,000. The remaining includes Buddhists (primarily among Chinese residents), , and smaller numbers of , with places of worship for these faiths concentrated in urban centers like . Empirical data from state religious authorities indicate high adherence rates to core Islamic practices, including daily prayers and , reinforced by the Malay ethnic majority's constitutional obligation to profess . Sharia law governs personal, family, and religious matters for , enforced through state-level Islamic courts and religious officers who conduct raids and monitor compliance with orthodox Sunni doctrines, as authorized under Perlis enactments since at least 2000. These measures target deviations such as or unapproved sects, subjecting offenders to rehabilitation or penalties, reflecting Perlis's conservative stance amid national debates on religious enforcement. The of Perlis holds custodianship over in the state, a role enshrined in the state constitution, where he issues directives to uphold "true Islamic teachings" and reject deviant practices, positioning the as a bulwark against perceived federal dilutions of religious authority. This includes public exhortations for preachers to clarify doctrinal confusions and for to safeguard 's sanctity, emphasizing unity under Shafi'i prevalent in northern . Cultural practices in Perlis exhibit strong Islamic imprint, with daily life structured around dietary observance, gender-segregated spaces in public, and community events tied to the , such as mass prayers during Eid. Pre-Islamic animist traditions persist in subdued forms, like localized spirit beliefs in rural folklore or healing rituals, but these have been Islamized—reframed as compatible with (Islamic ) rather than independent worship—evident in state guidelines prohibiting un-Islamic mantras while allowing vetted syncretic elements under oversight.

Languages and linguistic diversity

Malay serves as the in Perlis, consistent with national policy to promote unity across Malaysia's diverse population. The predominant variety spoken is the , a northern Malay distinguished by phonetic traits such as shifts and variations that set it apart from central or eastern dialects. This has incorporated lexical and phonological elements from Thai, stemming from Perlis's historical ties to Siam until and ongoing border proximity, including borrowings for everyday terms related to and local . Linguistic diversity includes minority languages tied to ethnic communities: prevails among Chinese residents, facilitating commerce and family interactions, while small ethnic Siamese groups maintain Southern Thai dialects in border villages, preserving cultural links to . English functions as a in business transactions and higher education, with surveys of Perlis enterprises showing preferences for its use in formal dealings despite Malay's dominance. These non-Malay languages reflect migration patterns and trade but remain subordinate to Malay in public spheres. Educational policies emphasize Malay proficiency as the medium of instruction from primary levels onward, implemented since the 1971 National Education Policy to foster national cohesion amid . Bilingualism is encouraged through mandatory English classes, while vernacular Chinese schools, such as those in , offer Mandarin alongside Malay, though enrollment trends show increasing Malay participation. Elective options like Thai have been introduced in northern states including Perlis since 2025 to address cross-border needs, marking a pragmatic to regional realities without undermining Malay's primacy. Over decades, efforts have moderated Siamese linguistic influences, shifting younger speakers toward standard Malay while retaining dialectal features in informal settings.

Economy

Agricultural base and primary production

Agriculture in Perlis centers on paddy as the primary crop, supporting the state's role in Malaysia's northern granary regions alongside under the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA). Paddy fields span approximately 20,073 s, enabling double cropping through extensive that sustains yields averaging 5 to 7 tonnes per hectare. Recent enhancements, such as the Pioneer Mini Sekinchan Project, have achieved yields up to 10.45 tonnes per hectare in targeted areas, positioning Perlis to target 384,000 tonnes of annual production by 2025 to meet local demand and contribute to national self-sufficiency. Irrigation dependencies are critical, drawing from the Muda Irrigation Project—covering 261,500 acres across and Perlis for two annual paddy crops—and the Timah Tasoh Reservoir, which supplies water for , flood mitigation, and other uses. These systems facilitate sustainable water management at to minimize wastage, though production remains vulnerable to climatic extremes, including 2024 droughts parching fields and floods impacting over 4,000 hectares. Fruit cultivation, including and , supplements rice production on smaller scales, with cooperatives facilitating exports amid national growth in durian shipments to markets like , valued at RM6.37 billion since 2018. Perlis's proximity to heightens competition from low-cost imports via cross-border trade, potentially undermining local pricing and for and fruits. Coastal aquaculture and capture fisheries provide additional primary output, prioritized in areas like where offshore challenges limit traditional , though state-specific volumes remain modest relative to national totals of 1.79 million tonnes in 2023. Yield improvements signal enhanced , but ongoing variability and import pressures necessitate adaptive and diversification to maintain viability.

Industrial growth and diversification efforts

Efforts to foster industrial growth in Perlis began intensifying in the post-1980s period, transitioning from an agrarian focus toward diversification through the development of small-scale industries, including , fishing net production, and basic assembly operations. These initiatives, supported by state-level plans like the Perlis Strategic Development Plan 2012-2030, targeted value-added processing of local resources to build a more resilient economic base, though (FDI) inflows remained constrained by the state's small size and limited . The Padang Besar border area has played a pivotal role in industrial diversification by enabling cross-border commerce and logistics, with duty-free facilities and trade facilitation boosting regional economic activity and serving as a gateway for exports to . Recent infrastructure like the in Chuping, operationalized in 2025, further enhances this by integrating rail and multimodal logistics to handle increased freight volumes, potentially generating over 500 jobs and amplifying trade-dependent manufacturing. Significant progress materialized in 2025 with the launch of the Chuping Valley Industrial Area (CVIA), positioning Perlis for expansion in electronics, green manufacturing, and halal industries, as endorsed by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). A landmark FDI achievement was the April opening of a 45,000-square-foot Jabil manufacturing facility in CVIA, the first major foreign investment in the state, specializing in final assembly, testing, packaging, mechanical assembly, and box-build processes to support global supply chains. This development, developed by Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB) on 9.7 acres, underscores efforts to attract high-value industries while leveraging proximity to northern corridors for export-oriented growth. Despite these advances, challenges persist in scaling FDI due to competition from larger Malaysian states, with ongoing emphasis on agriculture-linked manufacturing to mitigate over-reliance on border trade.

Economic challenges, policies, and recent initiatives

Perlis has encountered persistent economic challenges rooted in its heavy reliance on and limited industrial base, which expose the state to fluctuations and seasonal vulnerabilities. While absolute rates remain low at approximately 0.2% as of recent surveys, rural areas, particularly among Felda settlers, exhibit higher incidences of relative and stagnation due to low productivity in and inadequate skill development. poses a further structural issue, with teenage rates elevated in Perlis compared to national averages, driven by skills mismatches and limited local opportunities that encourage out-migration to urban centers like . These factors underscore the need for market-oriented reforms, such as enhancing investment in value-added processing, rather than prolonged subsidization of low-yield farming, to foster sustainable growth. The Perlis Strategic Development Plan (PSDP) 2012-2030 serves as the cornerstone policy framework, aiming to eradicate and achieve high-income status by diversifying into agro-industry, , , and through targeted and incentives. This plan emphasizes agro-based industrialization to leverage Perlis's border proximity to for cross-border trade, while promoting public-private partnerships to mitigate fiscal dependencies on federal allocations. Critics, however, note implementation delays due to bureaucratic hurdles and insufficient emphasis on entrepreneurial , which could accelerate private capital inflows over state-led projects. In the 2020s, initiatives have focused on as a diversification avenue, with domestic arrivals surging to 3.2 million in 2024—a 65% increase year-over-year—bolstered by community-based and border-state appeal for budget travelers. Complementing this, the Draft Plan 2030 integrates digital infrastructure to support PSDP goals, targeting efficiency in logistics and services. A notable recent development occurred in June 2025, when the permanently halted a proposed café project in Gua Cenderawasih within the Perlis , citing safety risks and the need to preserve a 480-million-year-old fossil site for value over short-term commercialization. This decision highlights a cautious approach to development, prioritizing long-term ecological assets that could yield higher returns through regulated, high-value tourism rather than unchecked ventures.

Culture and Society

Traditional customs and heritage preservation

The traditional customs of Perlis primarily adhere to Malay adat temenggong, emphasizing hierarchical social structures, royal patronage, and communal rituals that have persisted despite proximity to Siamese influences from historical vassalage under Siam until the Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909. These customs include formalized protocols for kinship ties, land inheritance along patrilineal lines, and ceremonial deference to nobility, which distinguish Perlis from matrilineal systems elsewhere but incorporate subtle Siamese elements in border communities, such as hybrid ritual observances among the local Thai-descended population. The Perlis monarchy plays a pivotal role in sustaining these customs amid modernization pressures, exemplified by royal ceremonies like the Installation of the Raja, which ritualize continuity and homage from subjects. The 2001 installation of Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail as Raja involved public oaths of broadcast nationwide, reinforcing monarchical authority rooted in pre-colonial precedents. His 2025 commemorations, spanning April to May, featured state-wide events including groundbreaking ceremonies and award conferrals that invoked traditional Malay regalia and protocols, countering cultural dilution from and . Heritage preservation efforts center on institutional repositories in , the state capital, where museums curate artifacts embodying these customs to foster public awareness and resist homogenization. The Perlis State Museum, located in the Warisan Complex, houses exhibits of royal insignia, traditional attire like the labuh paired with kain , and historical documents tracing monarchical lineages. Complementing this, the Kota Kayang Museum displays archaeological relics and noble-era relics, while gazetted sites such as Istana —officially recognized as heritage in 2021—serve as living embodiments of royal , with ongoing maintenance ensuring transmission to younger generations. Local artisans, termed adiguru, further sustain practices through handcrafted items reflective of pre-industrial techniques, as documented in state-supported initiatives.

Festivals, arts, and cuisine

Perlis hosts several annual festivals that reflect its coastal and border influences, including the International Water Festival held in September, which features races, water sports competitions, and displays of local traditions to promote and community participation. The Festival (Pesta Angin Timur) in showcases traditional Malay cultural activities such as music performances and craft demonstrations, drawing on regional heritage. Food-focused events like the Malaysia-Thailand Food Festival in highlight cross-border culinary exchanges through stalls offering shared dishes. The Chinese community observes with lion dances and family gatherings, incorporating Perlis-specific elements like local sweets. Traditional arts in Perlis emphasize craftsmanship preserved by adiguru (master artisans), including the intricate painting and assembly of wau kites—large, colorful traditional Malay kites used in festivals—and the weaving of capal baskets from local materials. production at sites like the Perlis Craft Cultural Complex involves hand-drawn wax-resist dyeing on fabric, often featuring motifs of local flora and Islamic patterns, supporting small-scale economic activity. include awang batil, a unique Perlis dance-drama form blending , , and movement derived from Malay folk traditions, and , a martial art practiced in community demonstrations that underscores physical discipline and cultural identity. Menora, a ritual theater with trance elements, persists in rural performances tied to rites among Malay practitioners. Perlis cuisine draws from Malay staples with Thai border influences, featuring fresh and fermented ingredients due to its and proximity to . Signature dishes include , a herbed salad mixed with 44 types of local herbs, fish, and vegetables for preservation and flavor, often served during feasts. Pulut mempelam combines with ripe mangosteens or mangoes, a seasonal reflecting agricultural bounty. Mentarang bakar involves horseshoe crabs and dipping in spicy sauce, a coastal delicacy harvested from mangroves. Other staples are pekasam puyu, fermented small river fish eaten with , and kawah, a slow-cooked with banana stem for texture, prepared in large communal pots. These dishes prioritize simple, ingredient-driven preparations over heavy spicing, distinguishing Perlis fare from spicier Peninsular styles.

Social dynamics and inter-ethnic relations

Perlis exhibits robust social stability, with a index of 96 per 100,000 population in 2025, placing it second-lowest among Malaysian states and reflecting minimal disruptions from inter-ethnic frictions. This low incidence of conflict stems from the state's ethnic homogeneity, where Malays constitute roughly 80% of residents, fostering cohesion through a predominant Malay-Islamic identity that limits the scope for ethnic-based discord. Unlike more diverse Malaysian regions, Perlis experiences few reported ethnic tensions, as minority groups like Chinese (around 10%) engage mainly in economic exchanges rather than pervasive social mixing, with residential and associational patterns remaining ethnically segmented. Inter-ethnic relations, while outwardly harmonious, reveal preferences for cultural similarity in personal domains, as illustrated by a February 2025 case in which a Perlis proprietor canceled reservations from a mixed-ethnic group (including Chinese and Indian members), citing incompatibility with non-Malay guests. Such episodes underscore that social equilibrium relies on voluntary segregation and demographic majorities rather than seamless integration, with national inter-ethnic rates for remaining under 2%, indicating limited cross-group bonding even in less polarized settings. This dynamic debunks assumptions of frictionless , as harmony metrics in Perlis hinge on the Malay majority's and shared religious practices, which enforce behavioral norms without frequent overt clashes. Family structures reinforce this conservative social fabric, featuring extended kin networks where patriarchal authority prevails, with men positioned as primary providers and women oriented toward domestic and caregiving roles, aligned with Islamic principles dominant among the populace. delineations remain rigid, with female workforce participation lower than urban averages, prioritizing familial obligations over individualistic pursuits and contributing to community stability through internalized hierarchies rather than external impositions. Overall, Perlis's inter-ethnic dynamics exemplify a policy-independent equilibrium sustained by ethnic predominance, where latent preferences for in-group affinity persist beneath surface-level .

Infrastructure

Transportation systems

The primary road network in Perlis includes the North-South Expressway (E1), a that traverses the state from the border southward to the frontier at Padang Besar, facilitating high-speed intercity travel with tolled sections operated by PLUS Malaysia Berhad. Complementary federal routes, such as Route 194 (– Highway), connect inland areas to coastal points like , supporting local freight and passenger movement with average daily traffic volumes exceeding regional norms due to border proximity. Rail services are provided by Berhad (KTMB) along the West Coast Line, linking Perlis stations including and Padang Besar to the national network, with Electric Train Service (ETS) routes extending to Sentral and Butterworth for passenger efficiency averaging 140 km/h on electrified segments. Padang Besar station serves as the key international rail gateway to , handling cross-border passenger and freight trains, bolstered by recent infrastructure for enhanced connectivity. Ferry operations from Jetty to Island operate daily with multiple departures between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM, utilizing vessels with capacities of 200–400 passengers each, providing a vital sea link for and goods across the in approximately 1.5 hours. Border checkpoints at (integrated road-rail facility) and (road-only) enable efficient trade flows, with recording cross-border trade values of 79 billion baht (about RM9.5 billion) in the first half of 2024, reflecting streamlined customs processing for vehicles, pedestrians, and cargo between and .

Education, healthcare, and utilities

Perlis's education system emphasizes primary and secondary schooling with a strong Islamic component, reflecting the state's predominant Malay-Muslim demographic and conservative ethos. Primary school enrollment averaged 28,117 students annually from 1996 to 2016, while secondary enrollment averaged 24,022 over the same period, underscoring the limited scale tied to the state's population of approximately 254,000. Institutions such as madrasahs and private religious schools, including Ma'had at-Tarbiyah al-Islamiyah (MATRI) founded in 1987 and SRA AL-FASOHA, integrate Arabic language instruction and Islamic studies with the national curriculum, serving to preserve religious values amid formal education. Tertiary education access remains constrained, primarily through (UniMAP), which enrolls about 14,000 students across , bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs focused on and technology. Low local tertiary participation rates persist due to economic limitations and outbound migration for studies, with outcomes hampered by underfunded facilities and federal funding dependencies that delay expansions in smaller states. Healthcare infrastructure concentrates in Kangar, anchored by the public Hospital Tuanku Fauziah, which struggles with capacity amid growing patient loads requiring enhanced beds and staff. Rural clinics exist but reveal gaps in specialist access and physician availability, mirroring national rural challenges where doctor shortages and geographic barriers limit timely care, particularly for chronic conditions. Federal allocations support operations, yet Perlis's fiscal reliance on central grants—lacking robust state revenue—has causally slowed investments in distributed facilities, perpetuating uneven outcomes. Utilities achieve broad coverage, with household electricity access nearing 100% and piped water at rates exceeding 95%, consistent with Peninsular Malaysia's benchmarks. However, the state's flat terrain and flooding routinely disrupt supplies, as seen in recurrent outages straining aging maintained via federal aid, which prioritizes larger regions and exposes underinvestment in resilient upgrades.

Tourism and Environment

Major attractions and recreational opportunities

Perlis's major attractions emphasize its karst landscapes and forested reserves, drawing visitors for natural exploration. Gua Kelam, a 370-meter-long cave formed during historical tin-mining operations, features a wooden bridge spanning an underground river and remains a popular site for guided tours and picnics, with entry fees of RM2 per person. The cave's dark interior, accessible via a suspended , hosts unique ecosystems including spiders building high-ceiling webs. Perlis State Park, encompassing permanent forest reserves and limestone hills, provides opportunities along rainforest trails suitable for day or night treks, revealing such as over 600 plant species, serows, panthers, and six species. The park's formations and ancient cycads attract ecotourists seeking moderate to challenging hikes amid tropical flora. Coastal recreation centers on Kuala Perlis, where the waterfront supports water sports including kayaking and boating, and serves as the primary departure point for ferries to Langkawi, highlighted by the annual International Water Festival featuring dragon boat races and cultural displays since its inception in recent years. Agricultural tours explore sites like Ladang Nipah Kipli palm plantation and Taman Anggur Perlis vineyard, offering insights into local crop cultivation such as grapes from varieties including Black Queen and IAC. Additional activities include visits to Timah Tasoh Lake for scenic views and potential boating, enhancing the state's appeal for low-key outdoor pursuits.

Conservation efforts and development controversies

Perlis , gazetted in 2001 following declarations in 1998, encompasses the Mata Ayer and Wang Mu Forest Reserves, safeguarding karst ecosystems rich in , including rare orchids and endemic . The park serves as a model for conservation, countering from surrounding agricultural expansion in a state where dominates due to limited flat terrain. In June 2025, the Perlis government permanently halted of a proposed café inside Gua Cenderawasih, a 480-million-year-old fossil site within the Perlis Geopark, citing risks to geological integrity, visitor safety, and ecological preservation. Work had been suspended since April 30, 2025, after expert assessments highlighted structural instability and potential damage to ancient formations, following protests from local climbing groups emphasizing over . Forest reserves face ongoing pressures from agricultural encroachment, with Perlis's semi-deciduous woodlands vulnerable to conversion for crops like and , though protections have maintained core habitats amid national trends driven by plantations. Community-led initiatives, such as those in Sungai Jernih Geo Park, promote rehabilitation through local engagement, yet tensions persist between commercial eco-tourism ventures and preservation advocates wary of overdevelopment eroding fragile landscapes.

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