Kedah:Pekan Rabu

Pekan Rabu, Kedah: A Cultural and Shopping Landmark

Pekan Rabu, located in Alor Setar, Kedah, is a well-known cultural and shopping complex that represents the rich Malay heritage of northern Peninsular Malaysia. Situated along Jalan Tunku Ibrahim, this complex is more than just a marketplace — it is a symbol of local entrepreneurship and community spirit.

History and Origin

Pekan Rabu started as a weekly market established in the 1930s by Tunku Yaacob Almarhum Sultan Abdul Hamid, a Kedah royal family member. The market was originally held every Wednesday at Tanjung Chali near Sungai Kedah, providing farmers and small traders a place to sell their goods. In 1975, the multi-story Pekan Rabu complex was built at Jalan Tunku Ibrahim and officially opened by Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, who himself had sold goods at Pekan Rabu during the Japanese occupation era.

What to Expect at Pekan Rabu

The four-story complex offers a wide range of products and experiences that showcase local culture:

• Traditional Food: Enjoy local delicacies such as laksa, pulut udang, serunding, durian dodol, kuih bahulu, and a variety of traditional Malay kuih (cakes and sweets).

• Handicrafts and Clothing: Find batik fabrics, songket textiles, woven mats, and traditional clothing like baju kurung and baju Melayu.

• Herbal and Health Products: Discover traditional remedies like minyak gamat (sea cucumber oil), tongkat ali, and other herbal products believed to have health benefits.

• Bookstores: Pekan Rabu houses some of Alor Setar’s oldest bookstores selling religious, historical, literary, and educational books.

• Traditional Garment Shops: Shops like Kedai Baju Melayu Pak Long offer a variety of designs and colors for traditional Malay attire.

• Specialty Foods: The upper floors are famous for fresh pekasam (fermented fish) and bahulu (traditional sponge cakes), giving visitors a unique culinary experience.

Facilities and Amenities

Pekan Rabu offers comfortable facilities to visitors:

• Over 350 stalls selling various goods and local foods.

• Parking spaces accommodating about 200 cars and 120 motorcycles.

• Food court offering a variety of halal dishes including nasi lemak, roti canai, mee goreng, laksa, rojak, and ais kacang.

• Free Wi-Fi inside the complex for convenience.

Events and Activities

Pekan Rabu often hosts special events such as the Bumiputera Entrepreneur Carnival and Songket Festival, which promote local products and celebrate Kedah’s rich cultural heritage.

Operating Hours

The complex is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, making it an ideal destination for visitors any day of the week.

Conclusion

More than just a shopping center, Pekan Rabu is a cultural hub that reflects the entrepreneurial spirit and unity of the Malay community in Kedah. With its diverse offerings and rich heritage, it is a must-visit destination for anyone wanting to experience authentic local culture and traditional products.