Kota Kuala Muda, Kedah

The town of Kota Kuala Muda, Kedah (1 August, 2015)

B. Melayu

Kota Kuala Muda (GPS: 5.5868, 100.37588) refers to the old fort by the banks of the Muda River, and the town that developed around it, which today is also known as Kota Kuala Muda.

Located near the confluence with Sungai Terus, Kota Kuala Muda village developed around the fort. Today all that remains of the fort is its entrance arch and some foundation stones, which have been excavated and preserved in situ.

Map of Kota Kuala Muda, Kedah

Sights in Kota Kuala Muda

British World War II Bunker (GPS: 5.58577, 100.37263)
Kota Kuala Muda Chinese Temple (GPS: 5.58521, 100.37378)
Kota Kuala Muda Medieval Gate (GPS: 5.58507, 100.37469)
Kota Kuala Muda Market (GPS: 5.58527, 100.37337)
Kota Kuala Muda Post Office (GPS: 5.58562, 100.37331)
Masjid Bukit Kechil (GPS: 5.65212, 100.35685)
Masjid Kota Kuala Muda (GPS: 5.5868, 100.37419)
Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (Cina) Hoon Bong (GPS: 5.58662, 100.3732)

360° View of the village of Kota Kuala Muda on Google Maps Street View

The gate at Kota Kuala Muda (11 March, 2008)

History of Kota Kuala Muda

The name Kuala Muda, which today refers to the entire district, is the name of the estuary of the Muda River. Before Penang came about, Kuala Muda straddles the river. (Today, however, Kampung Kuala Muda is on the Penang side while Kampung Tepi Sungai on the Kedah side.)

Kuala Muda was the site of the capital of the Kingdom of Kedah under the reign of the 21st sultan of Kedah, Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Halim Shah II (1797-1843), who moved the capital from Kota Setar to Kota Kuala Muda.

At that time, the name Kuala Muda refers to the settlement on both sides of the Muda River. Kota Kuala Muda was built to protect the trade of tin and spices that pass through the Muda River. It is unknown when exactly was a fort built here, perhaps in the 18 century or even earlier. Across the river is Permatang Bendahari, originally called Permatang Bendari, where there was also an old jetty, for boats to bring people across the river.

The settlement of Kota Kuala Muda flourished after the British occupied Penang Island, stimulated by a rise in trade and prosperity with Penang. In 1811 Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin made Kuala Muda his residence, to escape increasing pressure from Siam.

In 1821, internal strive within the royal court of Kedah saw Kota Kuala Muda being captured by Tengku Yaakob, the younger brother of Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin, with the assistance of Siamese troops.

Repeated attempts by Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin to wrest back the fort was unsuccessful, compelling the sultan to move his capital to Alor Setar.