Penang

Penangis aMalaysian statelocated on the northwest coast ofPeninsular Malaysiaalong theStrait of Malacca. It has two parts:Penang Island, where the capital city,George Town, is located, andSeberang Peraion theMalay Peninsula. These two halves are physically connected by thePenang Bridgeand theSecond Penang Bridge. The state shares borders withKedahto the north and east, andPerakto the south.
Penang is one of Malaysia's mostdevelopedeconomic powerhouses, with thehighest GDP per capita of all statesand thefourth highest Human Development Indexafter thethree federal territories. Penang is alsoMalaysia's leading exporterwith over RM447 billion (US$108.94 billion) in exports in 2023, primarily through thePenang International Airportwhich is also thenation's third busiest in passenger traffic.
Established byFrancis Lightin 1786, Penang became part of theStraits Settlements, aBritish crown colonyalso comprisingMalaccaandSingapore. DuringWorld War II, Japan occupied Penang, but theBritish regained controlin 1945. Penang was later merged with theFederation of Malaya(now Malaysia), which gained independence in 1957.Penang's economyshifted fromentrepôttrade to electronics manufacturing and thetertiary sectorthroughout the late 20th century.
With 1.74 million residents and a population density of 1,659/km(4,300/sq mi) as of 2020, Penang is one of Malaysia's most densely populated and urbanised states.Seberang Perai isMalaysia's third largest city by population. Penang is culturally diverse with a population that includesChinese,Malays,Indians,Eurasians,Siameseand expatriates.
The name Penang comes from the modernMalaynamePulau Pinangwhich means 'areca nutisland'.Penang is also colloquially referred to as the "Pearl of the Orient" and "The Island of Pearls" (Malay:Pulau Mutiara).
Over the course of history,Penang Islandhad been known by different names by seafarers from various regions. The locals named itPulo Ka Satu, meaning "The First Island", as it was the largest island on the maritime route betweenLinggaandKedah.TheSiamese, who were the overlords of Kedah, called itKo Mak(Thai:เกาะหมาก).
Maritime explorers also took note of the island's abundance of areca nut. During the 15th century,Admiral Zheng HeofMing Chinareferred to the island asBīngláng Yǔ(traditional Chinese:檳榔嶼;simplified Chinese:槟榔屿;Pe̍h-ōe-jī:Pin-nn̂g-sū;lit.'areca nut island') in his navigational charts.In theDescription of Malacca, Portuguese cartographerManuel Godinho de Erédianamed itPulo Pinaom.
Archaeologists have discovered human remains such as the "Penang Woman", along with seashells, pottery and stone tools, inSeberang Perai.The artefacts indicate that around 5,000 to 6,000 years ago, Penang was inhabited by nomadicMelanesiansduring theNeolithicera.
Paliinscriptions on theCherok Tok Kunmegalithsuggest theHindu-BuddhistBujang Valleycivilisation, based in present-dayKedah, held authority over parts ofSeberang Peraiby the 6th century.The entirety of Penang later formed part ofKedah, which came underSiamesesuzeraintyby the late 18th century.
Penang's modern history began in 1786 whenFrancis Light, a representative of the BritishEast India Company(EIC), obtainedPenang Islandfrom SultanAbdullah Mukarram ShahofKedahin exchange for military aid. Light had been sent to theMalay Peninsulaby 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 inSoutheast Asia.
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 KingGeorge IIIof England" on 11 August.The island was renamed Prince of Wales Island after theheir to the British throneand the new settlement ofGeorge Townwas established in honour of King George III.
Unbeknownst to Sultan Abdullah, Light had acted without the authority or the consent of his superiors inIndia. 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.An annual payment of 6,000 Spanish dollars was agreed in exchange for British sovereignty over the island.
In 1800,Lieutenant-Governor George Leithsecured a strip ofhinterlandacross thePenang Strait, which was subsequently named Province Wellesley (nowSeberang Perai).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.The British and Malaysian governments maintained the annual payments to Kedah until 2018, when theMalaysian federal governmentincreased the amount by RM10 million yearly.
George Town grew rapidly as afree portand a conduit forspice trade, diverting maritime commerce away fromDutchoutposts in the region.In 1805, Penang became a separatepresidencyofBritish India, sharing similar status withBombayandMadras.By 1808, George Town had established its local government, while the founding of theSupreme Court of Penangmarked the birth of Malaysia's modern judiciary.In 1826, George Town was made the capital of theStraits Settlementswhich includedSingaporeandMalacca. As Singapore soon supplanted George Town as the region's premierentrepôt, Singapore became the capital instead in 1832.
Despite its secondary importance to Singapore, George Town retained its importance as a vital British entrepôt.Towards the end of the 19th century, it became a major tin exporter andMalaya's primary financial centre.Penang's prosperity attracted a cosmopolitan population comprisingChinese,Malay,Indian,Peranakan,Siameseand migrants of mixed European-Asian lineage referred to as "Eurasians", and led to the development of hitherto rural areas such asButterworthandBukit Mertajam.However, the population growth created social problems such as inadequate sanitation, health facilities and rampant crime, culminating instreet violence and rioting in 1867.
The Straits Settlementsbecame a British crown colonywithin the same year.Direct British rule led to improved law enforcement, and investments in health care and public transportation in Penang.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.The settlement attracted intellectuals and revolutionaries, includingRudyard Kipling,Somerset MaughamandSun Yat-sen.In 1910, Sun selected George Town as the centre for theTongmenghui's political activities in Southeast Asia, aimed at overthrowing theQing dynasty.
Penang emerged fromWorld War Irelatively unscathed, apart from theBattle of Penangduring which theImperial German NavycruiserSMSEmdensank twoAlliedwarships off George Town.During theinterwar 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 thePacific War. Although Penang Island had been designated as a fortress, Penang fell without struggle to theImperial Japanese Armyon 19 December 1941 after daily aerial attacks.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".
Penang Island was subsequently renamedTojo-toafterPrime Minister Hideki Tojo.Japanese military policeimposed order by massacringChinese civiliansunder theSook Chingpolicy, while women were forced intosexual slavery.Swettenham Pierwas converted into a major submarine base by theAxis Powers.
Between 1944 and 1945, Allied bombers from Indiatargeted naval and administrative buildings in George Town, damaging and destroying several colonial buildings in the process.ThePenang Straitwas mined to restrict Japanese shipping.FollowingJapan's surrender, George Town was the first Malayan settlement liberated byBritish marinesthroughOperation Juriston 3 September 1945.
Penang was placed underBritish military administrationuntil 1946, after which theStraits Settlementswas abolished. The British sought to consolidate the various political entities inBritish Malaya, including theCrown Colony of Penang, under a single polity known as theMalayan Union. Initially, the impending annexation of Penang into the vast Malay heartland proved unpopular among Penangites.ThePenang Secessionist Committeewas 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.
To relieve the concerns raised by the secessionists, the British government guaranteed George Town's free port status andreintroduced municipal electionsin 1951.George Town became the first fully-elected municipality in Malaya by 1956 and was granted city status by QueenElizabeth IIin the following year. This made George Town the first city within the Federation of Malaya, and by extension, Malaysia.
George Town's status as a free port was rescinded by theMalaysian federal governmentin 1969.This led to a loss of maritime trade, causing massive unemployment andbrain drain.To revive the economy,Chief MinisterLim Chong Euestablished theBayan Lepas Free Industrial Zonein 1972.Massive industrialisation proved instrumental in reversing Penang's economic slump and led to the state's rapid economic growth until the late 1990s.Under Lim's tenure, thePenang Bridge, the first road link between Penang Island and theMalay Peninsula, was built.
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.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.
In response, civil societies in George Town mobilised public support to rejuvenate the city.Resentment against theBarisan Nasional(BN) administration led to thePakatan Rakyatbloc (nowPakatan Harapan) rising to power through the2008 state election.Efforts to preserve George Town's heritage architecture led to the city's historical core being designated as aUNESCOWorld Heritage Sitethat year.
Penang, a formerBritish crown colony, is one of the fourMalaysian stateswithout hereditary monarchies. TheConstitution 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.The head of state is theGovernor(Malay:Yang di-Pertua Negeri), who is appointed by theKing of Malaysia.Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razakis 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 thehead of governmentand approve legislation that has been passed by the state's legislature.
ThePenang state governmenthas its own executive body and legislature, but their powers are limited compared to theMalaysian federal government. According to theFederal 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.
The 40-memberPenang State Legislative Assemblyforms the state's legislature and is elected for a maximum term of five years from single-member constituencies throughstate elections. Compared to the rest ofPeninsular Malaysia, Penang's electoral landscape is perceived as being more liberal and distinct due to the state's ethnic diversity and socio-economic development.Unlike other Peninsular states,ethnic Chinesehave formed the plurality in Penang for decades, and the state's economic infrastructure is based primarily on commerce and trade rather than agriculture.As of 2023, non-Malays formed the majority in 25 of the40 state constituencies.Thus, non-Malay electoral support is crucial to any political coalition aiming for power in Penang.
ThePenang State Executive Councilis the executive authority of thePenang state government, similar in function to thefederal Cabinet. It is led by theChief 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 anethnic Chinesesince the nation's independence.Additionally, Penang was the first state to impose a two-term limit for the head of government's tenure.The current Chief Minister of Penang isChow Kon Yeowof theDemocratic Action Party(DAP), having assumed office after the2018 state election.
The unicameral 40-seatPenang State Legislative Assembly, whose members are called State Assemblymen, convenes at theneoclassicalState Assembly BuildinginGeorge Town. Penang practises theWestminster systemwhereby theState Executive Councilmembers are appointed from the elected State Assemblymen. Any amendment toPenang's Constitutionrequires the support of at least two-thirds of the State Legislative Assembly.Prior to a state election, it is customary to dissolve the legislature, which necessitates the consent of theGovernor.
The2023 state electionwitnessed an unprecedented alliance betweenPakatan Harapan(PH) and its erstwhile adversariesBarisan Nasional(BN).The PH–BN alliance currently commands asupermajorityin the State Legislative Assembly, controlling 29 out of the 40 seats. However, the election also saw theright-wingPerikatan Nasional(PN) opposition bloc gaining ground in the rural Malay-majority constituencies, occupying the remaining 11 seats in the legislature.
Penang is further divided into two city-level municipalities, each administered by alocal 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.
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 taxation, thus differing from local governments that manage urban administration and maintenance of infrastructure.
AfterPakatan Rakyatwasvoted into power in 2008, the newly-elected state government attempted to reinstate local government elections within Penang, which have been suspended since the 1960s.At the time, theBarisan Nasional-controlledfederal governmentobjected to the move, which eventually led to theFederal Court's decision that local government elections do not fall under the jurisdiction of state governments.
The present-dayMalaysian judicial systemtraces its roots to 19th-centuryGeorge Town.In 1807, Penang was granted aRoyal Charterwhich paved the way for the establishment of a Supreme Court.In the following year, the Supreme Court of Penang (nowPenang High Court) was inaugurated atFort Cornwalliswith the appointment ofEdmond Stanleyas the first Recorder.
The Penang High Court serves as the highest court in the state. Notable lawyers who served the high court includeTunku Abdul Rahman,Cecil RajendraandKarpal Singh.There are also four Magistrates Courts and two Sessions Courts throughout Penang.
Penang is home to the largest contingent of foreign diplomatic missions amongMalaysian states. As of 2023, a total of 27 countries have either established consulates or appointed honorary consuls within Penang.ThePenang state governmenthas also inked a sister state agreement with Japan'sKanagawa Prefectureand a friendship state partnership with China'sHainan Province.
This list is based on information from theMinistry of Foreign Affairs, unless otherwise cited.
In 1861, thePenang and Province Wellesley Volunteer Corps(P&PWVC) was established as the secondvolunteer military forceinMalayaafter theSingapore Volunteer Corps. Initially, the unit was exclusively formed by Europeans, with other races being barred until 1899.Over time, the P&PWVC transformed into the 3rd Battalion of theStraits Settlements Volunteer Force(SSVF) and by 1937, the unit also contained a European machine gun platoon, a Malay rifle company, a medical section and headquarters reserve. Although enlistment increased prior to theJapanese invasion of Malaya, 3rd Battalion SSVF was eventually evacuated from Penang without engaging in any combat.
Since independence, theMalaysian federal governmentassumes sole responsibility for the country's defence.Penang houses theMalaysian Army's 2nd Battalion of theRoyal Malay RegimentandRejimen 509 Askar Wataniah, which traces its lineage back to the P&PWVC.TheRoyal Malaysian Navymaintains a volunteer reserve base inGeorge Town.RMAF Butterworth Air Basealso serves as the headquarters of theFive Power Defence ArrangementsIntegrated Area Defence System (HQIADS).The air base continues to host Australian air force and army units on a rotational basis, includingRifle Company Butterworth.
With a land area of only 1,049 km(405 sq mi), Penang is the second smalleststate in MalaysiaafterPerlis.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 thePenang Strait, which is only 3 km (1.9 mi) wide at the narrowest point and 13 km (8.1 mi) at its widest.
The state capital,George Town, encompasses the entirety of Penang Island and a few surrounding islets, includingJerejak,Betong,Kendi,RimauandAndamanislands.On the other hand, the city of Seberang Perai covers the mainland side of 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.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.The highest point of the state isPenang Hill, which stands at a height of 833 m (2,733 ft) 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.
Due to land scarcity in George Town,land reclamationprojects have been undertaken at high-demand areas, particularly along the island's east coast.In 2023, a massive reclamation project commenced off the city's southern coast to build the 920 ha (2,300-acre)Silicon Island, envisioned as a new hub for high-tech manufacturing and commerce.Following years of reclamation works, theGurney Driveshoreline is also being transformed intoGurney Bay, intended as "a new iconic waterfront destination for Penang".
The major rivers within Penang include thePinang,Perai,MudaandKerianrivers. The Muda River serves as the northern border between Seberang Perai andKedah, while the Kerian River forms part of the southern boundary between Seberang Perai, Kedah andPerak.
Penang has atropical rainforest climateunder theKöppen 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.Penang's proximity toSumatramakes it susceptible to dust particles carried by wind from transient forest fires that create the perennialSoutheast Asian haze.The Penang Meteorological Office atBayan Lepasis the primary weather forecast facility for northwestern Malaysia.
In spite of rapid urbanisation, Penang has managed to preserve a significant portion of its natural environment. Within the state, 7,761 ha (77.61 km) have been designated as protected forest reserves.In 2021, the 12,481 ha (124.81 km) Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve was designated aUNESCO Biosphere Reservein recognition of the area's biodiversity.The gazetted nature reserve includes thePenang National Park, which covers 2,562 ha (25.62 km) of the northwestern tip of the island.It has been identified as one of the state's ecotourism destinations, alongside thePenang Botanic Gardensand the Tropical Spice Garden.
Despite its small size, Penang has one of the most robust economies in Malaysia.The state'stertiary-based economyis largely driven by the manufacturing and services sectors.In 2023, Penang'sGDPwas worth nearly RM128.593 billion (US$28.016 billion) with a growth rate of 3.3%.Penang's GDP per capita of RM72,586 (US$15,814) was the highest amongMalaysian states, surpassing theWorld Bank's threshold of US$14,005 to be considered ahigh-income economy.In addition, theGeorge Town Conurbationhad a GDP worth US$13.5 billion in 2010, making it the second largest contributor of Malaysia's total GDP.
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.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.
Penang is the top destination in Malaysia for foreign investors, capturing US$13.4 billion – or nearly 33% – of the country's inboundforeign direct investments(FDI) in 2023.As of 2023, the bulk of Penang's FDI originated from theNetherlands,Cayman IslandsandSingapore.The state has also attracted hundreds ofmultinational 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.Penang is concurrentlyMalaysia's largest exporter, accounting for over RM447 billion (US$107.97 billion) – or 31% – of the country's exports in 2023.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 eventsand health care.
Penang's economic renaissance, particularly since 2008, was described byBloombergas Malaysia's "biggest economic success", in spite of thefederal government's focus on other states such as Johor and Sarawak.ThePenang state governmenthas also managed to pare down public debt to RM41.1 million (US$9.93 million) by 2022.In addition, Penang'sHuman Development Index(HDI) value increased to 0.839 as of 2023,the fourth highest in the countryafterKuala Lumpur,PutrajayaandLabuan.
The booming economy has also led to a considerable interest in real estate in Penang. In 2016,George Townwas ranked Malaysia's most attractive destination for commercial property investment byKnight Frank, surpassing even Kuala Lumpur.In 2023, Penang's residential market was ranked the second most popular inSoutheast Asiaafter Singapore.
In the early years following Malaya's independence, Penang's industrialisation efforts were limited toimport substitution.This was whenGeorge Townstill enjoyed its free port status.The first industrial estates were built in the 1960s atMak MandinandPeraiduring the tenure of Penang's firstChief MinisterWong Pow Nee.
However, the revocation of George Town's free port status and the fall of Wong's administration in 1969 marked a turning point in Penang's economic fortunes.Wong's successor,Lim Chong Eu, initiated a massive transformation of Penang's economy.TheBayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone(Bayan Lepas FIZ) inGeorge Townwas established in 1972, followed by thePerai Free Industrial Zone(Perai FIZ) in 1980.The zones played a critical role in reviving Penang's economy and driving the state's economic growth in the late 20th century.ThePenang state governmenthas since embarked on building newer industrial parks withinSeberang Peraiwhere land is more readily available, such as atSeberang Jaya,Bukit MinyakandBatu Kawan.
Penang's manufacturing sector attracted US$13.1 billion offoreign direct investments(FDI) in 2023, accounting for almost 47% of Malaysia's total that year.According toFinancial Timesin 2024, Penang is well-positioned to benefit from the ongoingChina–United States trade war, as restrictions push businesses to adopt theChina Plus Onestrategy.
The services sector contributed 48% of Penang's GDP as of 2023and employed almost3⁄5of the state's workforce.George Townis the commercial hub of northern Malaysia.As of 2023, finance and ancillary services contributed 9% of Penang's GDP.ThePenang International Airport(PIA) is the country's third busiest in passenger volume and in 2023, handled RM365 billion (US$93 billion) worth of exports, thehighest of all entry points nationwide.In 2024, thePort of Penangprocessed over 1.4 millionTEUsof cargo, the third highest among Malaysia's seaports.
Traditionally one of Malaysia's most popular tourist destinations, Penang has embarked oneconomic diversificationby expanding its tourism offerings in areas such ashealth care,business events,ecotourismand cruise arrivals.Penang is the leading destination in Malaysia formedical tourism, as well as the country's second most popular destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) after Kuala Lumpur.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.
Penang is also a major hub forshared 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.Theoffshoreexpansion 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.In addition, Penang is home to a thrivingstartupcommunity, driven by home-grown companies likePiktochartand DeliverEat.
Water supply, which comes under the jurisdiction of thePenang state government, is wholly managed by thePenang Water Supply Corporation(PBAPP). The state enjoys the lowest domesticwater tariffin Malaysia, at RM0.32 (US$0.08) per 1,000 litres, but also records the highest domestic water consumption per capita in Malaysia at 278 L (61 imp gal; 73 US gal) in 2018.Over 80% of Penang's water supply comes from theMuda River, which forms the northern border betweenSeberang PeraiandKedah.This leaves the state vulnerable to effluents from upstream Kedah, as well as constant political disputes between the neighbouring states over the river.To counter water supply disruptions, PBAPP has contingency plans in place to draw water from alternative sources such as theAyer Itam,Teluk BahangandMengkuangdams.The state government has also been negotiating with neighbouringPerakto secure additional water supply.
In 1904,George Townbecame the first city withinBritish Malayato be supplied with electricity.At present, electricity for industrial and domestic consumption is provided byTenaga Nasional(TNB). In 2024, TNB built a RM500 million (US$120.77 million) overhead power grid across thePenang Strait, boosting power transmission to George Town to 2,000 MW.Collaboration between TNB and the two city governments in Penang to replace existing street lighting with energy-efficientLED street lightsis ongoing.
Municipal solid wasteis disposed at the Pulau Burung landfill in Seberang Perai.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%.However, Penang boasts the highest recycling rate in the country, standing at 47% as of 2019.To streamline the waste management process, the two city governments reintroduced awaste sortingpolicy in 2024.
In 2020, Penang had become the first Malaysian state to require the installation offibre-optic communication infrastructurefor all development projects.As of September 2023,5Gcoverage had reached 73.4% of the populated areas in the state.In 2024,DE-CIXinaugurated the Penang Internet Exchange (PIX), with internet traffic being routed through adata centreatBayan Baru.State government agencies have been promoting thedigital economyand intensifying efforts to attract high-valuetechnology playersto further boost the state's economic growth.
Penang Islandis physically connected to mainlandSeberang Peraiby two road bridges – the 13.5 km (8.4 mi)Penang Bridgeand the 24 km (15 mi)Second Penang Bridge.Seberang Perai is accessible through theNorth-South Expressway, a 966 km-long (600 mi) expressway that stretches along the western part ofPeninsular Malaysia. Furthermore, theKeretapi Tanah Melayu(KTM)West Coast Lineruns through the city, with theButterworth railway stationserving as the principal terminal in northwestern Malaysia.Aside from regular KTM services, Butterworth is also one of the main stops of theEastern and Oriental Express servicebetweenBangkokandSingapore.Penang Sentralis the main transit hub within Penang, located in close proximity to theSultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminaland the Butterworth railway station.
Within George Town, theTun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expresswayis a coastal highway that runs along the city's eastern seaboard, connecting thecity centrewith the Penang Bridge, theBayan Lepas Free Industrial Zoneand the Second Penang Bridge.TheFederal Route 6is a pan-island trunk road that circles the city, while theGeorge Town Inner Ring Roadserves as the main thoroughfare within the city centre.Meanwhile, the majortoll routeswithin Seberang Perai include theButterworth Outer Ring Road(BORR) and theButterworth-Kulim Expressway.
Under British rule,George Townwas a pioneer in public transportation withinMalaya. The city's first tram system, originally powered by steam, began operations in the 1880s, but the trams became obsolete by 1936.Thetrishawfrom the colonial era still plies the city's streets, catering primarily to tourists.
Public busesform the backbone of public transportation in Penang. Established in 2007,Rapid Penangis the state's main public transport operator, with 46 active routes throughout theGeorge Town Conurbationincluding interstate routes into the neighbouring towns ofSungai Petani,KulimandKerian.
The only rail-based transportation system within Penang is the century-oldPenang Hill Railway, a funicular service to the peak ofPenang Hill.Acable car system is being constructedas of 2025to reduce overreliance on the railway.ThePenang state governmenthas also planned to introduceurban railthroughout the state as part of thePenang Transport Master Plan. In 2024, theMalaysian federal governmentassumed control of theMutiara LRT linefrom the state government. Spanning a distance of 29.5 km (18.3 mi), the line is the first domesticlight rail systemoutside theKlang Valley, and will link the cities of George Town andSeberang Perai.Construction commenced in 2025 and is expected to be complete by 2031.
To promote urban mobility, pedestrian and cycling infrastructure throughout the state are also being upgraded.In 2016, George Town became the first city in Malaysia to operate apublic bicycle-sharing servicewith the inauguration ofLinkBike.
ThePenang International Airport(PIA) is located 16 km (9.9 mi) south ofdowntown George Town. It serves as the main airport for northwestern Malaysia, with services to major regional cities such asKuala Lumpur,Singapore,Bangkok,Taipei,Hong Kong,Xiamen,Shanghai,DohaandDubai.PIA is thethird busiest airport in the countryfor passenger traffic, recording nearly 6.8 million passengers in 2023.The airport is also the Malaysia's second busiest in terms of cargo tonnage and handles thelargest export volume of all entry points nationwide.As of 2025, the airport is being upgraded to raise its annual capacity from 6.5 million passengers to 12 million by 2028.
Formerly a vital Britishentrepôt, Penang's maritime trade has significantly declined due to the loss ofGeorge Town's free-port status in 1969 and the concurrent development ofPort Klangnear the federal capitalKuala Lumpur.Despite this, thePort of Penangremains the primary harbour for northwestern Malaysia andsouthern Thailand.It handled more than 1.4 millionTEUsof cargo in 2024, the third highest among Malaysia's seaports.
Swettenham Pier, situated withindowntown George Town, accommodates cruise ships and is one of the major entry points into the city. In 2017, Swettenham Pier recorded 125 port calls, surpassingPort Klangas the busiest cruise shipping terminal in Malaysia.The pier has attracted some of the world's largest cruise liners, such as theQueen Mary 2, and also sees occasional port visits by warships.
The cross-straitPenang ferry serviceconnects George Town andSeberang Perai, and was formerly the only transportation link between the island city and the mainland until the completion of thePenang Bridgein 1985. At present, four ferries ply thePenang Straitbetween both cities daily.
As of 2020, Penang had a population of 1,740,405 and the highest population density of allMalaysian statesat 1,659/km(4,300/sq mi).Penang is Malaysia's second most urbanised state, with an urbanisation level of 92.5%.Residents of Penang are colloquially known as Penangites or "Penang-lang".
54% of Penang's population resided inSeberang Perai, Malaysia's third largest city, whileGeorge Townwas home to the remaining 46%.George Town serves as thecore cityof theGeorge Town Conurbation, Malaysia'ssecond largest metropolitan area.
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.
As of 2020,ethnic Chineseand theBumiputeras, which includeMalaysandindigenous East Malaysians, each constituted about 41% of Penang's population, whileIndiansmade up nearly 9%.The Chinese community in Penang includes thePeranakan Chinese, a hybrid ethnicity known for their distinctive architecture, costumes andcuisine. The state is also home to a cosmopolitan mix ofethnic Eurasians,SiameseandArabs.
Foreigners comprised 8% of Penang's population in 2020.Over 38% of Penang's expatriates resided withindowntown George Town,Paya TerubongandBayan Lepas.George Town's affordable living costs, natural destinations, health care infrastructure, an established ecosystem ofmultinational companies(MNCs) and the widespread use of English have been cited as pull factors for expatriates.
Malayis the official language of Penang.Englishonce served as the official language during British rule and recently there have been calls to reinstate it as one of Penang's official languages.Tamilis the most widely spoken language among ethnic Indians, while Penang's Chinese population uses a variety of Chinese dialects such asTeochew,HakkaandCantonese.Penang Hokkienserves as thelingua francabetween the different ethnic groups in Penang, with efforts being made at the grassroots level to preserve its relevance.
Penang, like otherPeninsularstates, has Islam as its official religion.Even so, Penang is one of two states in Malaysia where Islam is not in the majority, the other beingSarawak. As of 2020, Muslims constituted over 45% of Penang's population, followed by Buddhists at nearly 38%, Hindus at more than 8% and Christians at 4%.
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, thePenang state governmentformed the Penang Harmony Corporation to further enhance interreligious harmony in the state.
As with the rest of Malaysia, Penang's education system falls under the purview of thefederal government.WhileMalayandEnglishare mandatory subjects in all schools, vernacular schools are also permitted to use eitherMandarinorTamilas the medium of instruction.Penang's literacy rate is the third highest in Malaysia afterKuala LumpurandSelangor, standing at 99.5% as of 2014.Moreover, the state'sHuman Development Index(HDI) value of 0.839 is alsothe fourth highest in the country.
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.George Townis home to some of Malaysia's oldest schools. Established in 1816,Penang Free School(PFS) is the oldest English school inSoutheast Asia. British colonial rule had also encouraged the growth ofmission schoolsin George Town such asSt. Xavier's Institution,St. George's Girls' SchoolandMethodist Boys' School.
Penang is also a pioneer in Malaysia's present-day Chinese education system, with the establishment of its first Chinese school in 1819.Prominent Chinese schools in the state includeChung Ling High School,Penang Chinese Girls' High School,Heng Ee High SchoolandJit Sin High School, among others. In addition, George Town has 13 international and expatriate schools that offer either British, American orInternational Baccalaureatesyllabuses.
Universiti Sains Malaysia(USM) is the premier public university in Penang. As of 2025, it is ranked 146th in theQS World University Rankings, third in Malaysia afterUniversiti MalayaandUniversiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.Most of the other tertiary institutions in the state are privately-run, includingWawasan Open University,Han Chiang University College of Communication,DISTED CollegeandRCSI & UCD Malaysia Campus.RECSAM, one of the 26 specialist institutions of theSoutheast Asian Ministers of Education Organization, is headquartered in George Town.
The Penang Public Library Corporation is thestate governmentbody tasked with the operation of public libraries throughout the state.In 2016, thePenang state governmentlaunched Malaysia's firstdigital library, situated within the grounds of PFS.Similar digital libraries have since been built at various locations throughout the state.
Health care in Penang is provided by atwo-tier systemconsisting of public and private hospitals. ThePenang General Hospital, administered and funded by theMalaysian Ministry of Health, is the maintertiary referral hospitalwithin northwestern Malaysia.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.
In addition, Penang has 19 private hospitals that offer specialist services, making the state the leading hub formedical tourism in Malaysia.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.While private hospitals in Penang operate independently of the Ministry of Health, there have been instances of public-private cooperation, such as during theCOVID-19 pandemicwhich saw private hospitals sharing equipment and taking in non-COVID-19 patients in need of urgent medical procedures.
The infant mortality rate in Penang has decreased significantly, dropping by 85% between 1970 and 2000 to 5.7 per 1,000 live births.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, the life expectancy at birth in Penang is 71.9 years for men and 77.2 years for women.According to an official survey in 2019, Penang recorded one of the lowest obesity rates in Malaysia, with an obesity rate of 18.6%.
Penang's cosmopolitan society results in a great number of celebrations and festivities throughout the year. The state hosts major cultural and religious events, includingChinese New Year,Eid al-Fitri,Diwali,Thaipusam,Vaisakhi,Christmas,VesakandSongkran.Chinese New Year celebrations last for 15 days and are marked with festivities unique to the state, such as the birthday of theJade Emperor, and the annual opening of Chinese ancestral halls and associations inGeorge Town.The 15th and final day of Chinese New Year is celebrated with aPeranakan Chinese-inspiredLantern Festival.
George Town is credited as the origin of a unique form of theChingay procession, which involves participants balancing oversized flags on their heads or hands.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.
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.St. Patrick's DayandOktoberfest, traditionally celebrated by ethnic Irish and German communities respectively, are also celebrated in the city.
Penang also hosts several major festivals each year, including theGeorge Town Festivalwhich has become one of the largest arts events inSoutheast Asiasince its inaugural event in 2010.In 2018, theGeorge Town Literary Festivalbecame the first Southeast Asian literary event to achieve the international Literary Festival Award at theLondon Book Fair.
Bangsawanis 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.Another unique form of theatre that began in Penang isboria, 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 inSingaporeandMalacca, the art form was never banned in Penang.
Apart from traditional forms of art, thePenang Philharmonic Orchestra, funded by the state, was established in 2010 to elevate the standard ofclassical musicin Penang. Dewan Sri Pinang andSPICE Arenain George Town are the main venues for performing arts and concerts within the state.
George Townis a hub for the arts and culture scene in Malaysia. The inscription of parts of George Town as aUNESCO World Heritage Sitehas enhanced cultural and creative industries within the city.In 2012, Lithuanian artistErnest Zachareviccreated a series of six wall paintings depicting local culture, inhabitants and lifestyles as part of theGeorge 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.Additionally, art exhibitions are held at the city's event spaces like theHin Bus DepotandSia Boey.
Penang's literary heritage stems from the colonial-eraPeranakan Chineseliterature and its role as a translation hub inMalaya, where prior toWorld War II, the publishing industry facilitated the translation ofChineseandWesternliterary works intoMalay.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 likePopular HoldingsandMPH Group.
George Townwas once the hub of Malaysia's print press. The nation's first newspaper, thePrince of Wales Island Gazette, was founded in the city in 1806.Under British rule, Penang had relatively more press freedom as compared toSingapore, which had a stronger government apparatus.
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.In addition, thePenang state governmentpublishes 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.
The well-preserved colonial-era cityscape has madeGeorge Towna popularfilming locationfor movies and television series that depict Asian culture.Films and series that were filmed within the city includeCrazy Rich Asians,Anna and the King,Lust, Caution,The Little NyonyaandYou Mean the World to Me; the latter was the first movie to be produced entirely inPenang Hokkien.George Town was also featured as a pit-stop inThe Amazing Race 16,The Amazing Race Asia 5andThe Amazing Race Australia 7.
In 2008,UNESCOgazetted nearly 260 ha (2.6 km) withindowntown George Townas aWorld Heritage Site. The city centre is recognised by UNESCO for its "unique architectural and cultural townscape without parallel anywhere in East and Southeast Asia".Shophousessit alongside Anglo-Indian bungalows, mosques, temples, churches, and European-style administrative and commercial complexes, forming the city's multicultural framework.Elsewhere within the city, Siamese and Burmese cultures are prominently displayed at places of worship such asWat Chayamangkalaram,Dhammikarama Burmese TempleandKek Lok Si.
Apart from the colonial-era architecture, George Town is home to most of Penang's skyscrapers, includingKomtar Tower,Marriott ResidencesandMuze @ 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.
Penang's culinary scene incorporatesMalay,Chinese,Indian,PeranakanandThaiinfluences, evident in the variety of street food that includeschar kway teow,asam laksaandnasi kandar.Described byCNNas "the food capital of Malaysia",George Townwas also listed byTimeandLonely Planetas one of the best in Asia for street food.According toTimein 2004, only in the city "could food this good be this cheap".Robin Barton of theLonely Planetremarked 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".
Over the years, Penang's culinary scene has expanded to include fine dining establishments, adding to its already diverse street food options.In 2022, theMichelin Guidemade its debut in the state, in recognition of its "small-scale restaurants and street food that embodies Malaysia's distinctive streetside dining culture".The 2025 edition of theMichelin Guidefeatures 69 eateries throughout the state.
Despite its small size, Penang has hosted regional and international sporting events, such as the2001 SEA Games,2013 Women's World Open Squash ChampionshipandAsia's first Masters Games in 2018.The state represents itself with its own sports teams in the interstateSukma Games.
Penang is home to a variety of sports facilities. ThePenang State StadiuminSeberang Peraiis the state's main stadium, while theCity StadiuminGeorge Townis the home ground ofPenang FC.SPICE Arenain George Town is another major sporting venue, consisting of an indoor arena and an aquatics centre.The city is also home to Malaysia's oldest equestrian centre – thePenang Turf Club, which was established in 1864.
Major annual sporting events in Penang include the Penang International Dragon Boat Festival and thePenang Bridge International Marathon. The Penang International Dragon Boat Festival takes place every December and attracts participants from abroad.ThePenang Bridge International Marathon, which features the iconicPenang Bridgeas its route, has also gained international recognition, attracting about 20,000 participants from 61 countries in 2023.
Penang is the birthplace of illustrious Malaysian and Singaporean personalities, professionals and politicians, including: