Perlis was originally part of Kedah, until 1842. A series of conflicts between Kedah, Perak and Siam forced British intervention in 1826 where the Burney and Low Treaties were signed formalising relations between the two Malay states and Siam, their nominal overlord. In the Burney Treaty, the exiled Kedahan sultan Ahmad Tajuddin was not restored to his throne. Sultan Ahmad and his armed supporters then fought for his restoration over twelve years (1830-1842).
In 1842 Britain put pressure on Siam to restore the Sultan. This was done, but Perlis and Setul were separated. Perlis was given to Syed Sapee, an Arab merchant. His descendants still rule Perlis, as rajas, instead of as sultans.
The Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 transferred Thai sovereignty over Perlis to the British but the Japanese "handed it back" to Thailand during its occupation of the Malay Peninsular. After the Japanese surrendered, Perlis once again came under British protection until it gained independence under the banner of the Federation of Malaya in 1957.
is the state capital of Perlis and it is a business center with people trading mainly in seafood, rice, sugar, mangoes and other local fruits. It is belived that the name Kangar was derived from a species of hawk named Kangkok or Spizaetus Limnaetu.
The state capital is Kangar, while Arau, 10 km away, is the Royal town.
So.... Kangar is the seat of government. It is located in the heart of the country's "rice bowl" area and depending on the season, is surrounded by lush green fields or golden yellow padi, ripe for harvest. Although new buildings can be seen, Kangar retains much of its old world charm.
A small town, with everything within walking distance, Kangar is not lacking in amenities and facilities.
The major landmark of the town is the state mosque, Masjid Alwi.
The Masjid Alwi is situated along Jalan Kangar in Kangar.
It was built
