Sik District is a district in Kedah, Malaysia. It is largest district in Kedah.

Etymology

The name of the district was derived from the Arab word "Syed" or "Sheikh" (pronounced as such in Pattani Malay as "Sik" and "Saik"), after the Arab missionaries who spread Islam into the region.

History

Arab preachers arrived by boat at Lubuk Tok Keramat, Sungai Chepir and set up camp at a field known as Padang Tok Sheikh. This location later developed into a settlement and first "Pondok" in Sik district. The group of preachers is said to be descended from Wan Ibrahim Mekong. Padang Tok Sheikh is now located near Sik Town Mosque and is being developed as the Sik District Religious Office Complex.

Administrative divisions

Sik District is divided into 3 mukims, which are: Including 5 towns:

Demographics

Federal Parliament and State Assembly Seats

List of Sik district representatives in the Federal Parliament (Dewan Rakyat) List of Sik district representatives in the State Legislative Assembly (Dewan Undangan Negeri)

Government

Sik District is administered by Sik District Council.

Attractions

Sik is famous for the Muda River, which is the longest river in Kedah and the Beris Dam, which is a water supply dam completed in 2004 at a cost of RM360 million. A popular attraction nearby is Beris Vineyard which has attracted thousands of visitors since its opening. One village (kampung) in Mukim Teloi near the Thai border, Kampung Tupai, is notable for its many squirrels, hence the name of the village.