Kangar history

Origin of the Name and Foundation

The history of Kangar dates back to the mid-17th century (approximately 1653). The city's name is steeped in local lore and closely tied to the region's nature. One version suggests it originated from a species of hawk known as "Borg Helang Kangkok" (*Spizaetus Limnaetus*). These birds nested in a tall tree known as the "Kangar Tree," which grew at the confluence of the tributaries of the Perlis River.

Initially, the settlement emerged around a river jetty known as Pangkalan. The spot beneath the giant tree served as a convenient mooring point for boats and a resting place for traders, laying the foundation for the future city.

Key Factors of Establishment

Kangar's transformation from a small jetty into the administrative centre of the state of Perlis was driven by several strategic reasons:

• Geography and Logistics: Its location at the estuary of the Perlis River made the city a natural transport hub. The river served as the main artery for communication between the interior regions and the coast of the Straits of Malacca.
• Trade Significance: The jetty became a centre for the collection and distribution of goods, particularly rice, which was cultivated on the fertile plains nearby.
• Administrative Status: Over time, Kangar became the administrative capital of the state, housing government institutions, while the town of Arau retained its status as the royal residence of the rulers of Perlis.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the early period, Kangar's economy was inextricably linked to agriculture. The region was famous for its paddy fields, and the city acted as the main market for farmers. Life in the city moved to the rhythm of river trade and seasonal agricultural work.

The cultural landscape was shaped by the Malay traditions of the northern peninsula. The architecture of early Kangar featured a combination of traditional wooden stilt houses and simple trading shops catering to the needs of the growing population and travellers.

Major Milestones in Kangar's History

• 1653 — The estimated date of the settlement's founding at the river confluence, named, according to legend, after a tree or a species of hawk.
• 1843 — Perlis officially separates from the Sultanate of Kedah, and Kangar begins to establish itself as the administrative centre of the new state.
• 1909 — Under the Anglo-Siamese Treaty, the city, along with the entire state, comes under British protection, leading to the modernisation of governance.
• 1933 — Completion and official opening of the Alwi Mosque (Masjid Alwi), which became the city's main architectural symbol.
• 1941 — Entry of Japanese troops into the city during World War II, marking the beginning of a period of temporary occupation.
• 1957 — Proclamation of Independence of the Federation of Malaya, after which Kangar continued to develop as the state capital in a sovereign nation.
• 1980 — Establishment of the Kangar Municipal Council (Majlis Perbandaran Kangar), consolidating the management of the city and surrounding areas.
• 2014 — Opening of the Urban Transformation Centre (UTC Perlis), a significant step in the development of the city's public infrastructure.

Key Stages of Development and Transformation

Kangar's development is a journey from a river trading post to a modern administrative centre. Below are the main moments that defined the city's current economic and architectural appearance:

• Consolidation of Administrative Status: The historical division of functions between the state's cities played a decisive role. While Arau remained the royal residence, Kangar took on governance functions. This defined the urban structure: government buildings, the state secretariat, and courts were concentrated here, forming the region's business centre.
• Architectural Dominance (Alwi Mosque): The construction of the state mosque in the 1930s was a significant cultural milestone. The building, recognised as a national heritage site, set the tone for urban aesthetics and cemented Kangar's status as the centre of Islamic culture and public life in Perlis.
• Unified Management (MPK): The establishment of the Kangar Municipal Council (Majlis Perbandaran Kangar) in 1980 was a unique administrative solution. The Council manages not only the city itself but practically the entire territory of the state, allowing for a unified urban planning policy and effective allocation of budget funds for infrastructure development.
• Social Infrastructure ("Wawasan 2020" Era): The construction of the multi-purpose "Dewan 2020" hall and the main state sports arena gave the city the capacity to host major events. This transformation allowed Kangar to host national-scale events, stimulating the influx of visitors and the development of the service sector.
• Urban Environment Renewal (UTC Perlis): The launch of the Urban Transformation Centre became an example of successful revitalisation. Converting existing buildings into a modern hub for government services revived business activity in the city centre and simplified life for the local population.
• Logistical Modernisation: The development of the "Bukit Lagi" bus terminal and the improvement of the road network strengthened Kangar's role as a transport hub. This ensured stable connections with Kuala Lumpur and neighbouring Thailand, which is critical for the economy of a city without its own airport.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Kangar reflects its status as the tranquil administrative capital of the state of Perlis. The city's urban development did not follow the path of building skyscrapers; instead, low-rise developments prevail here, harmoniously blending historical heritage with functional government complexes. The city's appearance was shaped by Malay traditions, colonial administration, and its proximity to Thailand.

Historical Styles and Eras

Several key layers corresponding to different historical periods can be identified in Kangar's architectural fabric:

• Colonial Eclecticism and Shophouses (Late 19th – Early 20th Century): The old city centre (Pekan Lama) has preserved rows of traditional "shophouses"—two-storey buildings where the ground floor was used for trade and the upper floor for living. These structures combine elements of Chinese and European styles characteristic of the entire peninsula, but in Kangar, they are distinguished by more restrained decoration.
• Mughal Style and Classicism (1930s): The brightest example of this era is the Alwi Mosque (Masjid Alwi). Built in 1933, it demonstrates the influence of Mughal architecture with its black domes and elegant arches, which was popular in British Malaya at the time. This building is recognised as a national heritage site.
• Traditional Malay Architecture: In the residential areas around the centre, one can still find wooden houses on stilts (Rumah Melayu) with high roofs for ventilation, adapted to the tropical climate.

Modernism and Contemporary Development

After gaining independence, and especially in the last decades of the 20th century, Kangar began to be actively developed with administrative buildings. This period is characterised by a shift to functionalism and the use of concrete.

• Administrative Modernism: As Kangar is the state capital, government institutions are concentrated here. The State Secretariat building complex (Bangunan Dato' Wan Ahmad) represents an example of monumental architecture designed to emphasise the status of authority.
• Postmodernism and Iconic Landmarks (Late 20th – 21st Century): During this period, buildings appeared that became new symbols of the city. For example, Dewan 2020 (Hall 2020) is a multi-purpose complex with a unique roof design resembling an open fan or traditional motifs. Also noteworthy is the State Legislative Assembly building, combining modern forms with Islamic geometric patterns.

Today's Kangar is a compact city where historical quarters seamlessly flow into modern administrative zones, all while preserving the cosy and measured atmosphere of a provincial capital.

Notable People

As the administrative capital of Perlis, Kangar is closely linked with members of the Jamalullail royal dynasty and statesmen who contributed to the region's infrastructure and governance. The city is also the birthplace of renowned cultural figures.

• Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail
  Raja of Perlis (1945–2000), 3rd Yang di-Pertuan Agong (Supreme Head) of Malaysia
  One of the most revered rulers in the state's history. His reign was marked by significant modernisation of Kangar and all of Perlis following World War II. Many key facilities in the city are named in his honour, including the main sports arena (Tuanku Syed Putra Stadium) and the bridge across the river.
• Dato' Wan Ahmad bin Wan Daud
  Statesman, State Secretary (Early 20th Century)
  Known as the "Grand Old Man" of the Perlis administration. He played a key role in the establishment of the region's civil service. His legacy is immortalised in Kangar's architecture: the main State Secretariat building, which is the city's administrative centre, bears the name "Bangunan Dato' Wan Ahmad".
• Tan Sri Sheikh Ahmad bin Mohd Hashim
  Politician, First Menteri Besar (Chief Minister) of Perlis after Independence
  Played a fundamental role in the transition from colonial rule to a system of modern state administration. His work laid the foundation for the political structure that is managed from Kangar to this day.
• Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail
  Current Raja of Perlis, 12th Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia
  Successor of the dynasty, under whom Kangar strengthened its status as an educational and administrative hub. While his residence is in neighbouring Arau, his influence on the development of the state capital is definitive.
• Rita Rudaini
  Actress and Model
  A well-known figure in the Malaysian entertainment industry, born in Kangar. She is one of the most recognisable modern media personalities hailing from this small administrative city, representing the region at the national level in the arts.
• Dato' Seri Shahidan Kassim
  Politician, former Menteri Besar of Perlis
  During his administration of the state in the 1990s and 2000s, Kangar underwent significant infrastructural changes. The implementation of the "Wawasan 2020" project in the city, including the construction of the famous Dewan 2020 hall, is associated with his name.