With 1.74 million residents and a population density of 1,659/km2 (4,300/sqmi)as of 2020[update], Penang is one of Malaysia's most densely populated and urbanised states.[4] Seberang Perai is Malaysia's third largest city by population. Penang is culturally diverse with a population that includes Chinese, Malays, Indians, Eurasians, Siamese and expatriates.
Etymology
The name Penang comes from the modern Malay name Pulau Pinang which means 'areca nut island'.[5] Penang is also colloquially referred to as the "Pearl of the Orient" and "The Island of Pearls" (Malay: Pulau Mutiara).[6][7]
Over the course of history, Penang Island had been known by different names by seafarers from various regions. The locals named it Pulo Ka Satu, meaning "The First Island", as it was the largest island on the maritime route between Lingga and Kedah.[8] The Siamese, who were the overlords of Kedah, called it Ko Mak (Thai: เกาะหมาก).[9]
Archaeologists have discovered human remains such as the "Penang Woman", along with seashells, pottery and stone tools, in Seberang Perai.[12] The artifacts indicate that around 5,000 to 6,000 years ago, Penang was inhabited by nomadic Melanesians during the Neolithic era.[13][14][15]
British acquisition and expansion of Penang (in yellow) occurred between 1786 and 1874, when the final alterations to Penang's boundaries were enacted.
Penang's modern history began in 1786 when Francis Light, a representative of the British East India Company (EIC), obtained Penang Island from Sultan Abdullah Mukarram Shah of Kedah in exchange for military aid. Light had been sent to the Malay Peninsula by the EIC to build trade relations in the region, where he saw the strategic potential of Penang Island as a "convenient magazine for trade" that could enable the British to check Dutch and French territorial ambitions in Southeast Asia.[22]
After negotiating an agreement with the Sultan, Light and his entourage landed on Penang Island on 17 July that year and took formal possession of the island "in the name of King George III of England" on 11 August.[23] The island was renamed Prince of Wales Island after the heir to the British throne and the new settlement of George Town was established in honour of King George III.[24]
Unbeknownst to Sultan Abdullah, Light had acted without the authority or the consent of his superiors in India. When the EIC reneged on military protection, the Sultan launched an attempt to recapture the Prince of Wales Island in 1791. However, the attempt was defeated by EIC forces and the Sultan sued for peace.[25] An annual payment of 6,000 Spanish dollars was agreed in exchange for British sovereignty over the island.[26]
In 1800, Lieutenant-Governor George Leith secured a strip of hinterland across the Penang Strait, which was subsequently named Province Wellesley (now Seberang Perai).[26][27] The EIC gained permanent sovereignty over both Prince of Wales Island and the new mainland territory, while the annual payment to the Sultan of Kedah was increased to 10,000 Spanish dollars.[28] The British and Malaysian governments maintained the annual payments to Kedah until 2018, when the Malaysian federal government increased the amount by RM10 million yearly.[29][30]
George Town grew rapidly as a free port and a conduit for spice trade, diverting maritime commerce away from Dutch outposts in the region.[32][33][34] In 1805, Penang became a separate presidency of British India, sharing similar status with Bombay and Madras.[35] By 1808, George Town had established its local government, while the founding of the Supreme Court of Penang marked the birth of Malaysia's modern judiciary.[36] In 1826, George Town was made the capital of the Straits Settlements which included Singapore and Malacca. As Singapore soon supplanted George Town as the region's premier entrepôt, Singapore became the capital instead in 1832.[37]
Despite its secondary importance to Singapore, George Town retained its importance as a vital British entrepôt.[38] Towards the end of the 19th century, it became a major tin exporter and Malaya's primary financial centre.[39][40][41] Penang's prosperity attracted a cosmopolitan population comprising Chinese, Malay, Indian, Peranakan, Siamese and migrants of mixed European-Asian lineage referred to as "Eurasians", and led to the development of hitherto rural areas such as Butterworth and Bukit Mertajam.[42] However, the population growth created social problems such as inadequate sanitation, health facilities and rampant crime, culminating in street violence and rioting in 1867.[43][44][45]
The Straits Settlements became a British crown colony within the same year.[46][47] Direct British rule led to improved law enforcement, and investments in health care and public transportation in Penang.[38][43][48] Owing to enhanced access to education, active participation of Asian residents in municipal affairs and substantial press freedom, George Town was perceived as being more intellectually receptive than Singapore.[38][49][50] The settlement attracted intellectuals and revolutionaries, including Rudyard Kipling, Somerset Maugham and Sun Yat-sen.[38][51][52] In 1910, Sun selected George Town as the centre for the Tongmenghui's political activities in Southeast Asia, aimed at overthrowing the Qing dynasty.[52]
Penang emerged from World War I relatively unscathed, apart from the Battle of Penang during which the Imperial German Navy cruiser SMS Emden sank two Allied warships off George Town.[53] During the interwar years, the British had acknowledged the need to fortify their armed forces in northern Malaya. However, complacency and lack of resources left British forces ill-prepared to confront the Japanese invasion at the onset of the Pacific War. Although Penang Island had been designated as a fortress, Penang fell without struggle to the Imperial Japanese Army on 19 December 1941 after daily aerial attacks.[54] The British covertly evacuated Penang's European populace; historian Raymond Callahan since contended that "the moral collapse of British rule in Southeast Asia came not at Singapore, but at Penang".[55][56]
Penang was placed under British military administration until 1946, after which the Straits Settlements was abolished. The British sought to consolidate the various political entities in British Malaya, including the Crown Colony of Penang, under a single polity known as the Malayan Union. Initially, the impending annexation of Penang into the vast Malay heartland proved unpopular among Penangites.[66] The Penang Secessionist Committee was formed in 1948 due to economic and ethnic concerns, but their attempt to avert Penang's merger with Malaya was unsuccessful due to British disapproval.[67][68][69]
To relieve the concerns raised by the secessionists, the British government guaranteed George Town's free port status and reintroduced municipal elections in 1951.[36][69] George Town became the first fully-elected municipality in Malaya by 1956 and was granted city status by Queen Elizabeth II in the following year. This made George Town the first city within the Federation of Malaya, and by extension, Malaysia.[70]
Persistent brain drain, aggravated by federal policies prioritising the growth of Kuala Lumpur, resulted in Penang losing its leading position in the national economy by the 21st century.[49][76] This decline, compounded by various issues including incoherent urban planning, poor traffic management and the dilapidation of George Town's heritage enclave following the repeal of the Rent Control Act in 2001, contributed to growing dissatisfaction within Penang's society.[31][77][78]
Penang, a former British crown colony, is one of the four Malaysian states without hereditary monarchies. The Constitution of Penang, codified in 1957, is the state's highest law, consisting of 42 articles that govern the proceedings and powers of the state government.[2] The head of state is the Governor (Malay: Yang di-Pertua Negeri), who is appointed by the King of Malaysia. Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak is the current Governor of Penang, having assumed office in 2021. In practice, the Governor's role is largely symbolic and ceremonial. This includes the authority to appoint the head of government and approve legislation that has been passed by the state's legislature.[82]
The Penang state government has its own executive body and legislature, but their powers are limited compared to the Malaysian federal government. According to the Federal Constitution, the state can legislate on matters pertaining to Malay customs, land, agriculture and forestry, local government, civil and water works, and state administration. Matters falling under the joint purview of state and federal authorities include social welfare, wildlife protection and national parks, scholarships, husbandry, town planning, drainage and irrigation, and public health regulations.[83]
The 40-member Penang State Legislative Assembly forms the state's legislature and is elected for a maximum term of five years from single-member constituencies through state elections. Compared to the rest of Peninsular Malaysia, Penang's electoral landscape is perceived as being more liberal and distinct due to the state's ethnic diversity and socio-economic development.[84][85] Unlike other Peninsular states, ethnic Chinese have formed the plurality in Penang for decades, and the state's economic infrastructure is based primarily on commerce and trade rather than agriculture.[85]As of 2023[update], non-Malays formed the majority in 25 of the 40 state constituencies.[86] Thus, non-Malay electoral support is crucial to any political coalition aiming for power in Penang.[85][86]
The Penang State Executive Council is the executive authority of the Penang state government, similar in function to the federal Cabinet. It is led by the Chief Minister, who serves as the head of government in Penang. To this day, Penang remains the only Malaysian state where the position of the head of government has been continuously held by an ethnic Chinese since the nation's independence.[87] Additionally, Penang was the first state to impose a two-term limit for the head of government's tenure.[88] The current Chief Minister of Penang is Chow Kon Yeow of the Democratic Action Party (DAP), having assumed office after the 2018 state election.[89]
The 2023 state election witnessed an unprecedented alliance between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and its erstwhile adversaries Barisan Nasional (BN).[90] The PH–BN alliance currently commands a supermajority in the State Legislative Assembly, controlling 29 out of the 40 seats. However, the election also saw the right-wingPerikatan Nasional (PN) opposition bloc gaining ground in the rural Malay-majority constituencies, occupying the remaining 11 seats in the legislature.[86]
Penang is further divided into two city-level municipalities, each administered by a local government. The local governments exercise power in areas such as planning and development control, public housing, public spaces, waste disposal, business licensing, markets, local transport, and municipal roads.[92]
The Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) is in charge of Seberang Perai. Similar in structure to the MBPP, it also consists of a mayor, a city secretary and 24 councillors.
Penang is also divided into five administrative districts – two in George Town and three in Seberang Perai. Each district is headed by a district officer. The lands and district office in each district deals with land administration and revenue. Thus, it differs from the local governments that oversee the provision and maintenance of urban infrastructure.[93]
After Pakatan Rakyat was voted into power in 2008, the newly-elected state government attempted to reinstate local government elections within Penang, which have been suspended since the 1960s.[94][95] At the time, the Barisan Nasional-controlled federal government objected to the move, which eventually led to the Federal Court's decision that local government elections do not fall under the jurisdiction of state governments.[94][96]
The Penang High Court serves as the highest court in the state. Notable lawyers who served the high court include Tunku Abdul Rahman, Cecil Rajendra and Karpal Singh.[97][100] There are also four Magistrates Courts and two Sessions Courts throughout Penang.[101]
Foreign relations
Penang is home to the largest contingent of foreign diplomatic missions among Malaysian states. As of 2023[update], a total of 27 countries have either established consulates or appointed honorary consuls within Penang.[102] The Penang state government has also inked a sister state agreement with Japan's Kanagawa Prefecture and a friendship state partnership with China's Hainan Province.[103][104]
With a land area of only 1,049km2 (405sqmi), Penang is the second smallest state in Malaysia after Perlis.[114] It is located on the northwestern coastline of Peninsular Malaysia, lying between latitudes 5.59° and 5.12°N, and longitudes 100.17° and 100.56°E. The state is divided into two major halves by the Penang Strait, which is only 3km (1.9mi) wide at the narrowest point and 13km (8.1mi) at its widest.[115][116]
The state capital, George Town, encompasses the entirety of Penang Island and a few surrounding islets, including Jerejak, Betong, Kendi, Rimau and Andaman islands.[118] On the other hand, the city of Seberang Perai covers the mainland side of Penang.[119]
The ongoing Andaman Island reclamation project in George Townas of March2024. Reclamation allows the creation of valuable land for urban development, particularly in land-scarce Penang.
Penang Island is irregularly shaped, with a hilly and mostly forested interior. The island's coastal plains are narrow, with the most extensive plain located at the northeastern cape.[122] George Town, which started off as a small settlement at the northeastern tip of the island, has expanded over the centuries to encompass the entire island, although the marshy western coast remains relatively underdeveloped.[123] The highest point of the state is Penang Hill, which stands at a height of 833m (2,733ft) at the centre of the island. On the other hand, Seberang Perai has mostly flat topography, save for a hilly region along the eastern border with Kedah.[124]
Due to land scarcity in George Town, land reclamation projects have been undertaken at high-demand areas, particularly along the island's east coast.[121][125] In 2023, a massive reclamation project commenced off the city's southern coast to build the 920ha (2,300-acre)Silicon Island, envisioned as a new hub for high-tech manufacturing and commerce.[126] Following years of reclamation works, the Gurney Drive shoreline is also being transformed into Gurney Bay, intended as "a new iconic waterfront destination for Penang".[127]
The major rivers within Penang include the Pinang, Perai, Muda and Kerian rivers. The Muda River serves as the northern border between Seberang Perai and Kedah, while the Kerian River forms part of the southern boundary between Seberang Perai, Kedah and Perak.[128]
Penang has a tropical rainforest climate under the Köppen climate classification (Af). The state experiences relatively consistent temperatures throughout the course of the year, with an average high of about 32°C and an average low of 24°C.[130] Penang's proximity to Sumatra makes it susceptible to dust particles carried by wind from transient forest fires that create the perennial Southeast Asian haze.[131] The Penang Meteorological Office at Bayan Lepas is the primary weather forecast facility for northwestern Malaysia.[132]
Nature
In spite of rapid urbanisation, Penang has managed to preserve a significant portion of its natural environment. Within the state, 7,761ha (77.61km2) have been designated as protected forest reserves.[133] In 2021, the 12,481ha (124.81km2) Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in recognition of the area's biodiversity.[134] The gazetted nature reserve includes the Penang National Park, which covers 2,562ha (25.62km2) of the northwestern tip of the island.[135][136] It has been identified as one of the state's ecotourism destinations, alongside the Penang Botanic Gardens and the Tropical Spice Garden.[137]
All values, unless otherwise stated, are in US dollars.
Economic sectors in Penang by GDP share (2023)[138]
Services (48.0%)
Manufacturing (46.5%)
Construction (2.9%)
Agriculture (1.9%)
Mining (0.1%)
Despite its small size, Penang has one of the most robust economies in Malaysia.[140] The state's tertiary-based economy is largely driven by the manufacturing and services sectors.[141] In 2023, Penang's GDP was worth nearly RM128.593 billion (US$28.016 billion) with a growth rate of 3.3%.[138] Penang's GDP per capita of RM72,586 (US$15,814) was the highest among Malaysian states, surpassing the World Bank's threshold of US$14,005 to be considered a high-income economy.[138][142] In addition, the George Town Conurbation had a GDP worth US$13.5 billion in 2010, making it the second largest contributor of Malaysia's total GDP.[143]
Penang contributed approximately RM7 billion (US$1.69 billion) of Malaysia's yearly tax revenue and consistently records one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation – at 2.2% as of 2023[update].[3][144][145] Monthly median household income rose to RM6,502 (US$1570.53), while the state had a labour force participation rate of 71.3% in 2023, an increase from 70.1% in the previous year.[3]
Penang is the top destination in Malaysia for foreign investors, capturing US$13.4 billion – or nearly 33% – of the country's inbound foreign direct investments (FDI) in 2023.[146]As of 2023[update], the bulk of Penang's FDI originated from the Netherlands, Cayman Islands and Singapore.[3] The state has also attracted hundreds of multinational corporations (MNCs) to its shores and plays a growing role in the global electronics supply chain, holding a share of more than 5% in the world's semiconductor sales.[147][148] Penang is concurrently Malaysia's largest exporter, accounting for over RM447 billion (US$107.97 billion) – or 31% – of the country's exports in 2023.[149] The services sector has been growing in tandem as well, with Penang being the second most popular hub in Malaysia for Global Business Services (GBS) and the financial heart of the country's northwestern region, complemented by the state's traditional popularity as a destination for tourism, business events and health care.[150][151]
The booming economy has also led to a considerable interest in real estate in Penang. In 2016, George Town was ranked Malaysia's most attractive destination for commercial property investment by Knight Frank, surpassing even Kuala Lumpur.[155] In 2023, Penang's residential market was ranked the second most popular in Southeast Asia after Singapore.[156]
Manufacturing
Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone, known as the Silicon Valley of the East, was the first designated free-trade zone in post-independence Malaysia and is now a major electronics manufacturing hub.
In the early years following Malaya's independence, Penang's industrialisation efforts were limited to import substitution.[73] This was when George Town still enjoyed its free port status.[49] The first industrial estates were built in the 1960s at Mak Mandin and Perai during the tenure of Penang's first Chief MinisterWong Pow Nee.[158]
The services sector contributed 48% of Penang's GDP as of 2023[update] and employed almost 3⁄5 of the state's workforce.[3][138]George Town is the commercial hub of northern Malaysia.[166]As of 2023[update], finance and ancillary services contributed 9% of Penang's GDP.[138] The Penang International Airport (PIA) is the country's third busiest in passenger volume and in 2023, handled RM365 billion (US$93 billion) worth of exports, the highest of all entry points nationwide.[167] In the same year, the Port of Penang processed over 1.4 million TEUs of cargo, the third highest among Malaysia's seaports.[138][168]
Traditionally one of Malaysia's most popular tourist destinations, Penang has embarked on economic diversification by expanding its tourism offerings in areas such as health care, business events, ecotourism and cruise arrivals.[169] Penang is the leading destination in Malaysia for medical tourism, as well as the country's second most popular destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) after Kuala Lumpur.[170][171][172] The state's retail sector is characterised by a diverse range of establishments, including modern shopping malls and traditional shophouses that specialise in local delicacies and produce.[173][174]
Penang is also a major hub for shared services and outsourcing (SSO). By 2016, the state attracted RM4.1 billion of investments for global business services (GBS), the second largest share in the country after Kuala Lumpur.[175][176] The offshore expansion of multinational firms to Penang has led to the creation of thousands of jobs and an increased demand for new office spaces within the state.[175][177] In addition, Penang is home to a thriving startup community, driven by home-grown companies like Piktochart and DeliverEat.[178][179]
Utilities
Water supply, which comes under the jurisdiction of the Penang state government, is wholly managed by the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP). The state enjoys the lowest domestic water tariff in Malaysia, at RM0.32 (US$0.08) per 1,000 litres, but also records the highest domestic water consumption per capita in Malaysia at 278L (61impgal; 73USgal) in 2018.[180][181] Over 80% of Penang's water supply comes from the Muda River, which forms the northern border between Seberang Perai and Kedah.[182] This leaves the state vulnerable to effluents from upstream Kedah, as well as constant political disputes between the neighbouring states over the river.[183][184] To counter water supply disruptions, PBAPP has contingency plans in place to draw water from alternative sources such as Ayer Itam Dam, Teluk Bahang Dam and Mengkuang Dam.[185] The state government has also been negotiating with neighbouring Perak to secure additional water supply.[186]
In 1904, George Town became the first city within British Malaya to be supplied with electricity.[187] Currently, electricity for industrial and domestic consumption is provided by Tenaga Nasional (TNB), which operates a 398MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power plant at Gelugor.[188] A new RM500 million (US$120.77 million) overhead power grid across the Penang Strait is being constructed ahead of the scheduled retirement of the Gelugor power plant in 2024.[189][190] Collaboration between TNB and the two city governments in Penang to replace existing street lighting with energy-efficient LED street lights is ongoing.[191]
Municipal solid waste is disposed at the Pulau Burung landfill in Seberang Perai.[192] The amount of solid waste generated in Penang has been steadily increasing over the years, from 838,365 metric tons in 2009 to 1,518,010 metric tons in 2019, with an average increase of 6.5%.[193] However, Penang boasts the highest recycling rate in the country, standing at 47% as of 2019[update].[193][194] To streamline the waste management process, the two city governments are set to reintroduce a waste sorting policy in 2024.[195]
In 2020, Penang had become the first Malaysian state to require the installation of fibre-optic communication infrastructure for all development projects.[196]As of September2023[update], 5G coverage had reached 73.4% of the populated areas in the state.[197] In 2024, DE-CIX inaugurated the Penang Internet Exchange (PIX), with internet traffic being routed through a data centre at Bayan Baru.[198][199] State government agencies have been promoting the digital economy and intensifying efforts to attract high-value technology players to further boost the state's economic growth.[200]
Under British rule, George Town was a pioneer in public transportation within Malaya. The city's first tram system, originally powered by steam, began operations in the 1880s, but the trams became obsolete by 1936.[210][211] The trishaw from the colonial era still plies the city's streets, catering primarily to tourists.[212]
Public buses form the backbone of public transportation in Penang. Established in 2007, Rapid Penang is the state's main public transport operator, with 46 active routes throughout the George Town Conurbation including interstate routes into the neighbouring towns of Sungai Petani, Kulim and Kerian.[213]
To promote urban mobility, pedestrian and cycling infrastructure throughout the state are also being upgraded.[217][218] In 2016, George Town became the first city in Malaysia to operate a public bicycle-sharing service with the inauguration of LinkBike.[219]
Formerly a vital British entrepôt, Penang's maritime trade has significantly declined due to the loss of George Town's free-port status in 1969 and the concurrent development of Port Klang near the federal capital Kuala Lumpur.[49] Despite this, the Port of Penang remains the primary harbour for northwestern Malaysia and southern Thailand.[228] It handled more than 1.4 million TEUs of cargo in 2023, the third highest among Malaysia's seaports.[138][168]
Swettenham Pier, situated within downtown George Town, accommodates cruise ships and is one of the major entry points into the city. In 2017, Swettenham Pier recorded 125 port calls, surpassing Port Klang as the busiest cruise shipping terminal in Malaysia.[229] The pier has attracted some of the world's largest cruise liners, such as the Queen Mary 2, and also sees occasional port visits by warships.[230][231]
The cross-strait Penang ferry service connects George Town and Seberang Perai, and was formerly the only transportation link between the island city and the mainland until the completion of the Penang Bridge in 1985. At present, three ferries ply the Penang Strait between both cities daily.[232]
As of 2020[update], Penang had a population of 1,740,405 and the highest population density of all Malaysian states at 1,659/km2 (4,300/sqmi).[1] Penang is Malaysia's second most urbanised state, with an urbanisation level of 92.5%.[4] Residents of Penang are colloquially known as Penangites or "Penang-lang".[236]
Between 2015 and 2016, Penang had the highest migration effectiveness ratio among Malaysian states, due to the state's diversified economy. Most interstate immigrants came from Perak, Selangor, Kedah, Johor and Kuala Lumpur.[238][239][240]
Foreigners comprised 8% of Penang's population in 2020.[237] Over 38% of Penang's expatriates resided within downtown George Town, Paya Terubong and Bayan Lepas.[244] George Town's affordable living costs, natural destinations, health care infrastructure, an established ecosystem of multinational companies (MNCs) and the widespread use of English have been cited as pull factors for expatriates.[245][246]
Languages
Malay is the official language of Penang. English once served as the official language during British rule and recently there have been calls to reinstate it as one of Penang's official languages.[247][248]Tamil is the most widely spoken language among ethnic Indians, while Penang's Chinese population uses a variety of Chinese dialects such as Teochew, Hakka and Cantonese.[25][249]Penang Hokkien serves as the lingua franca between the different ethnic groups in Penang, with efforts being made at the grassroots level to preserve its relevance.[250][251][252]
Penang, like other Peninsular states, has Islam as its official religion.[2] Even so, Penang is one of two states in Malaysia where Islam is not in the majority, the other being Sarawak. As of 2020[update], Muslims constituted over 45% of Penang's population, followed by Buddhists at nearly 38%, Hindus at more than 8% and Christians at 4%.[1]
Penang allows freedom of religion and religious assembly, and is one of three states to have a dedicated department for non-Muslim affairs. In 2021, the Penang state government formed the Penang Harmony Corporation to further enhance interreligious harmony in the state.[253]
Education
Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia's second oldest tertiary institution, was founded in 1969.Penang Free School, founded in 1816, is the oldest English school in Southeast Asia.
Penang is home to 49 tertiary institutions (including universities, colleges, medical colleges, industrial training institutes and teaching schools), 13 international and expatriate schools, 128 secondary schools, 271 primary schools and 609 kindergartens.[257][258][259]George Town is home to some of Malaysia's oldest schools. Established in 1816, Penang Free School (PFS) is the oldest English school in Southeast Asia. British colonial rule had also encouraged the growth of mission schools in George Town such as St. Xavier's Institution, St. George's Girls' School and Methodist Boys' School.[25]
The Penang Public Library Corporation is the state government body tasked with the operation of public libraries throughout the state.[265] In 2016, the Penang state government launched Malaysia's first digital library, situated within the grounds of PFS.[266] Similar digital libraries have since been built at various locations throughout the state.[267]
Health care in Penang is provided by a two-tier system consisting of public and private hospitals. The Penang General Hospital, administered and funded by the Malaysian Ministry of Health, is the main tertiary referral hospital within northwestern Malaysia.[268] It is supported by five other public hospitals in Penang, all of which also come under the administration of the country's Ministry of Health.[269]
In addition, Penang has 19 private hospitals that offer specialist services, making the state the leading hub for medical tourism in Malaysia.[170][270] The total number of beds in public and private hospitals in Penang is 4,329, or nearly 248.7 beds per 10,000 people, higher than the national average.[270] While private hospitals in Penang operate independently of the Ministry of Health, there have been instances of public-private cooperation, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic which saw private hospitals sharing equipment and taking in non-COVID-19 patients in need of urgent medical procedures.[271]
The infant mortality rate in Penang has decreased significantly, dropping by 85% between 1970 and 2000 to 5.7 per 1,000 live births.[272] Similarly, the neonatal mortality rate has also decreased by 84.7% during the corresponding period to 4.1 per 1,000 live births. As of 2023[update], the life expectancy at birth in Penang is 71.9 years for men and 77.2 years for women.[273] According to an official survey in 2019, Penang recorded one of the lowest obesity rates in Malaysia, with an obesity rate of 18.6%.[274]
Penang's cosmopolitan society results in a great number of celebrations and festivities throughout the year. The state hosts major cultural and religious events, including Chinese New Year, Eid al-Fitri, Diwali, Thaipusam, Vaisakhi, Christmas, Vesak and Songkran.[276] Chinese New Year celebrations last for 15 days and are marked with festivities unique to the state, such as the birthday of the Jade Emperor, and the annual opening of Chinese ancestral halls and associations in George Town.[277][278] The 15th and final day of Chinese New Year is celebrated with a Peranakan Chinese-inspired Lantern Festival.[278]
George Town is credited as the origin of a unique form of the Chingay procession, which involves participants balancing oversized flags on their heads or hands.[279] A state-held Chingay parade takes place in George Town annually, although Chingay performances are also frequently included in Chinese festivals and significant state events throughout Penang.[280]
Expatriates residing in Penang have introduced their celebrations to the state. Bon Odori, a Japanese festival celebrated annually in George Town, has gained popularity among locals.[281]St. Patrick's Day and Oktoberfest, traditionally celebrated by ethnic Irish and German communities respectively, are also celebrated in the city.[282][283]
Penang also hosts several major festivals each year, including the George Town Festival which has become one of the largest arts events in Southeast Asia since its inaugural event in 2010.[284] In 2018, the George Town Literary Festival became the first Southeast Asian literary event to achieve the international Literary Festival Award at the London Book Fair.[285]
Bangsawan is a form of Malay theatre that originated in Penang at the end of the 19th century, and incorporates Indian, Western, Islamic, Chinese and Indonesian influences. It was a popular outdoor performance in the 1920s.[287] Another unique form of theatre that began in Penang is boria, which features singing accompanied by violin, maracas and tabla. Boria reached the height of its popularity in the 1930s and was typically performed as a form of satire. While the British imposed a ban on boria in Singapore and Malacca, the art form was never banned in Penang.[288]
Apart from traditional forms of art, the Penang Philharmonic Orchestra, funded by the state, was established in 2010 to elevate the standard of classical music in Penang. Dewan Sri Pinang and SPICE Arena in George Town are the main venues for performing arts and concerts within the state.[289]
George Town is a hub for the arts and culture scene in Malaysia. The inscription of parts of George Town as a UNESCO World Heritage Site has enhanced cultural and creative industries within the city.[290] In 2012, Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic created a series of six wall paintings depicting local culture, inhabitants and lifestyles as part of the George Town Festival. The city is also adorned with 52 wrought iron caricatures and 18 wall murals that showcase the city's history and the daily lives of the local community.[286] Additionally, art exhibitions are held at the city's event spaces like the Hin Bus Depot and Sia Boey.[291][292]
Penang's literary heritage stems from the colonial-era Peranakan Chinese literature and its role as a translation hub in Malaya, where prior to World War II, the publishing industry facilitated the translation of Chinese and Western literary works into Malay.[293][294] Post-independence, the state's literary scene has diversified, with independent local publishers and retailers such as Areca Books, Gerakbudaya and the George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) running alongside major bookstore chains like Popular Holdings and MPH Group.[294]
George Town was once the hub of Malaysia's print press. The nation's first newspaper, the Prince of Wales Island Gazette, was founded in the city in 1806.[296][297] Under British rule, Penang had relatively more press freedom as compared to Singapore, which had a stronger government apparatus.[49][298]
The Star, one of Malaysia's top English dailies, started as a regional newspaper that was first published in George Town in the 1970s, while the country's oldest Chinese newspaper, Kwong Wah Yit Poh, was also established in the city in 1910.[299][300] In addition, the Penang state government publishes its own multi-lingual newspaper, Buletin Mutiara, which is distributed for free every fortnight. The newspaper focuses on current issues within Penang, providing valuable information and insights for the local community.[301]
In 2008, UNESCO gazetted nearly 260ha (2.6km2) within downtown George Town as a World Heritage Site. The city centre is recognised by UNESCO for its "unique architectural and cultural townscape without parallel anywhere in East and Southeast Asia".[81]Shophouses sit alongside Anglo-Indian bungalows, mosques, temples, churches, and European-style administrative and commercial complexes, forming the city's multicultural framework.[307] Elsewhere within the city, Siamese and Burmese cultures are prominently displayed at places of worship such as Wat Chayamangkalaram, Dhammikarama Burmese Temple and Kek Lok Si.[308]
Apart from the colonial-era architecture, George Town is home to most of Penang's skyscrapers, including Komtar Tower, Marriott Residences and Muze @ PICC. There has been rising demand for residential high-rises at the suburbs since 2015, driven by the growing need for strata housing and the city's thriving economy.[309]
Penang's culinary scene incorporates Malay, Chinese, Indian, Peranakan and Thai influences, evident in the variety of street food that includes char kway teow, asam laksa and nasi kandar.[310] Described by CNN as "the food capital of Malaysia", George Town was also listed by Time and Lonely Planet as one of the best in Asia for street food.[310][311][312] According to Time in 2004, only in the city "could food this good be this cheap".[311] Robin Barton of the Lonely Planet remarked that the city was a "culinary epicentre of the many cultures that arrived after it was set up as a trading port in 1786, from Malays to Indians, Acehenese to Chinese, Burmese to Thais".[312]
Over the years, Penang's culinary scene has expanded to include fine dining establishments, adding to its already diverse street food options.[313][314] In 2022, the Michelin Guide made its debut in the state, in recognition of its "small-scale restaurants and street food that embodies Malaysia's distinctive streetside dining culture".[315] The 2024 edition of the Michelin Guide features 61 eateries throughout the city.[316]
Major annual sporting events in Penang include the Penang International Dragon Boat Festival and the Penang Bridge International Marathon. The Penang International Dragon Boat Festival takes place every December and attracts participants from abroad.[323] The Penang Bridge International Marathon, which features the iconic Penang Bridge as its route, has also gained international recognition, attracting about 20,000 participants from 61 countries in 2023.[324]
Notable people
Penang is the birthplace of illustrious Malaysian and Singaporean personalities, professionals and politicians, including:
George Town is the capital of the Malaysian state of Penang. It is the core city of the George Town Conurbation, Malaysia's second largest metropolitan area with a population of 2.84 million and the second largest metropolitan economy in the country. The city proper spans an area of 306 km2 (118 sq mi) encompassing Penang Island and surrounding islets, and had a population of 794,313 as of 2020.
Butterworth is the city centre of Seberang Perai in the Malaysian state of Penang. It lies about 3 km (1.9 mi) east of George Town, the capital city of Penang, across the Penang Strait. As of 2020, Butterworth had a total population of 80,378 residents.
Penang International Airport (PIA) is an international airport in George Town, the capital city of the Malaysian state of Penang. The airport is located at the southeastern tip of Penang Island, 16 km (9.9 mi) south of the city centre, and serves the country's second largest conurbation.
Seberang Perai is a city in the Malaysian state of Penang. Located on the Malay Peninsula and separated from Penang Island by the Penang Strait, it shares borders with Kedah to the north and east and Perak to the south. The city spans an area of 748 km2 (289 sq mi) and had a population of 946,092 as of 2020, making it the third largest city in Malaysia.
Penang Island is the main constituent island of the Malaysian state of Penang. It is located off the western coast of Peninsular Malaysia by the Malacca Strait, with the Penang Strait separating the island from Seberang Perai on the mainland. The 295 km2 (114 sq mi) island makes up approximately 28% of Penang's total land mass and is home to about 45% of the state's population as of 2020. The entire island falls under the city of George Town, which also administers the surrounding islets.
Bukit Mertajam is a suburb of Seberang Perai in the Malaysian state of Penang. It also serves as the seat of the Central Seberang Perai District. As of 2020, Bukit Mertajam had a population of 12,079.
Perai is a suburb of Seberang Perai in the Malaysian state of Penang. It lies at the southern bank of the Perai River and borders Butterworth to the north.
Seberang Jaya is a suburb of Seberang Perai in the Malaysian state of Penang. Located at the southern bank of the Perai River and east of Perai proper, the area was developed in the 1970s. Since then, Seberang Jaya has evolved into a booming area, with various commercial and retail developments.
Batu Kawan is an island and suburb of Seberang Perai in the Malaysian state of Penang. It is geographically separated from the rest of Seberang Perai by the Jawi and Tengah rivers. As of 2020, Batu Kawan contained a population of 11,409.
The State of Penang, one of the most developed and urbanised Malaysian states, is located at the nation's northwest coast along the Malacca Strait. Unlike most Malaysian states, the history of modern Penang was shaped by British colonialism, beginning with the acquisition of Penang Island from the Sultanate of Kedah by the British East India Company in 1786. Developed into a free port, the city state was subsequently governed as part of the Straits Settlements, together with Singapore and Malacca; the state capital, George Town, briefly became the capital of this political entity between 1826 and 1832. By the end of the 19th century, George Town prospered and became one of the major entrepôts in Southeast Asia.
As the core of Malaysia's second largest conurbation, Penang has a relatively developed transport infrastructure. The state is well-connected by land, air and sea. The Penang International Airport is Malaysia's third busiest by passenger traffic and the busiest by export volume, while the Port of Penang is the main transshipment hub of northern Malaysia. The island city of George Town is physically connected to mainland Seberang Perai by two road bridges and the oldest ferry service in the country. The North–South Expressway and Keretapi Tanah Melayu's west coast line – two major arteries along western Peninsular Malaysia – run through the state.
The Penang Island City Council is the local government that administers the city of George Town, which includes the entirety of Penang Island. The city council, which has jurisdiction over an area of 306 km2 (118 sq mi), falls under the purview of the Penang state government.
The Seberang Perai City Council is the local government that administers the city of Seberang Perai, which encompasses the mainland half of the Malaysian state of Penang. The city council, which has jurisdiction over an area of 748 km2 (289 sq mi), falls under the purview of the Penang state government.
The Government of Penang refers to the government authority of the Malaysian state of Penang. The state government adheres to and is created by both the Malaysian federal constitution, the supreme law of Malaysia, and the constitution of Penang, the supreme law in Penang. The government of Penang is based in the state's capital city of George Town.
The Greater Penang Conurbation, also known as the George Town Conurbation, is the urban area within and surrounding the Malaysian state of Penang, including parts of neighbouring Kedah and Perak. It is the second largest conurbation in Malaysia, with a population of over 2.84 million as of 2020. The conurbation is also the second largest metropolitan economy in the country after the Klang Valley, with an estimated gross domestic product (GDP) of over US$30 billion in 2020.
The Mutiara LRT line is a proposed light rapid transit system in Penang. The 28 kilometres (17 mi) line is planned to connect George Town's city centre with its southern suburbs of Jelutong, Gelugor and Bayan Lepas, with a link towards Seberang Perai across the Penang Strait. Once completed, it is owned by the Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (MRTC). The line, a component of the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP), is projected to contain 21 stations. Construction of the line is expected to begin in 2025 and will be completed by 2030.
The Penang Transport Master Plan was drawn up to address the deteriorating traffic conditions in Penang and is projected to cost RM46 billion.
The economy of Penang is classified as a high-income economy and is the fifth largest in Malaysia by gross domestic product (GDP). In 2023, Penang contributed 7.6% of Malaysia’s GDP. The state had a GDP per capita of RM72,586 (US$15,918), the third highest in the country after Kuala Lumpur and Labuan, surpassing the World Bank’s threshold for high-income economies.
Central George Town is the city centre of George Town, the capital of the Malaysian state of Penang. It corresponds to the eponymous subdivision of George Town, which is mostly identical to the original city limits established when George Town was granted city status in 1957.
Penang is a diverse multiethnic and multicultural society. Residents of the state are colloquially known as Penangites or "Penang-lang". Traditionally regarded as a Chinese-majority state, the Bumiputera population, which includes ethnic Malays, has reached parity with that of the Chinese in recent years.
↑ Blackledge, J.P. (6 July 1950). "Province Wellesley Looks Back". The Singapore Free Press. Singapore. p.2. Retrieved 18 April 2021.
↑ Marcus Langdon (2013). Penang: The Fourth Presidency of India. 1805-1830. Volume One: Ships, Men and Mansions. Areca Books. pp.219, 222. ISBN978-967-5719-07-3.
↑ Christie, Clive (1996). A Modern History of Southeast Asia: Decolonization, Nationalism and Separatism. Tauris Academic Studies. pp.47–48. ISBN978-1-85043-997-4.
↑ Singh, Chet; Rasiah, Rajah; Wong, Yee Tuan (2019). From Free Port to Modern Economy: Economic Development and Social Change in Penang, 1969 to 1990. Penang Institute. ISBN978-981-4843-96-6.
↑ Goh, Beng-Lan (2018). Modern Dreams: An Inquiry Into Power, Cultural Production, and the Cityscape in Contemporary Urban Penang, Malaysia. Cornell University Press. p.149. ISBN978-1-5017-1919-6.
↑ Beckett, Ian Frederick William (2005). Citizen Soldiers and the British Empire, 1837–1902 Warfare, Society and Culture. New York: Routledge. pp.14–15. ISBN978-1-317-32218-4.
↑ Lim Yoke Mui; Nurwati Badarulzaman; A. Ghafar Ahmad (20–22 January 2003). "Retail Activity in Malaysia: From Shophouse to Hypermarket"(PDF). School of Housing, Building and Planning, University of Science, Malaysia. Pacific Rim Real Estate Society (PRRES). Archived from the original(PDF) on 24 January 2016. Retrieved 24 January 2016.
↑ Vivien Wong (2017). "The Language Medium Policies: A Study on the Development of Independent Chinese Secondary Schools (ICSS) in Malaysia". University of Malaya.
Jenkins, Gwynn (2008). Contested Space: Cultural Heritage and Identity Reconstructions: Conservation Strategies Within a Developing Asian City. LIT Verlag. ISBN978-3-8258-1366-6.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.
Malaysia 
0.371 [3] 
