[2] The state was established in 1839 as a gift to Tunku Anum of the Kedahan nobility, for his efforts in ending the conflict between Kedah and Siam in the aftermath of the Siamese invasion in 1821.

He was a member of the political elite in the Kedah's royal house and was a son of Tunku Abdul Rahman, the governor of Chenak district (today Sadao).

[4] He was previously appointed as the plenipotentiary during a bunga mas tribute to Siam in August 1809, after which he was awarded the honorific title of Tengku Paduka Raja Jambangan.

While gaining the confidence of the Siamese governor, Tunku Anum began to recruit local Malay militiamen in Gua Kerbau, Bukit Keplu (6°23′23.5″N 100°18′55.1″E / 6.389861°N 100.315306°E / 6.389861; 100.315306, located near present-day Kodiang).

[7] Upon the return of Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin from his exile in Malacca, he rewarded Tunku Anum with 24 districts from Jitra to Sendawa, which became the kingdom of Kubang Pasu.

Kubang Pasu prospered during his rule; several development projects were implemeted, including a court, a fort, a prison, religious schools and land office.