Perlis ruler Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail has outlined an ambitious vision to transform Malaysia’s smallest state, known for its paddy fields, into a major regional gateway.

He believes the northern state, which shares a border with Thailand, has the potential to emerge as a “Second Dubai”, serving as an open gateway to Asean countries in the coming years.

Syed Sirajuddin said Perlis is...