Penang Mainland’s Urban Core of Growth, Governance, and Culture
Seberang Perai Central District (Daerah Tengah Seberang Perai) is the economic, administrative, and civic heart of mainland Penang. Anchored by Bukit Mertajam, this district is known for its modern infrastructure, commercial zones, administrative offices, and a unique blend of urban Malay-Chinese heritage.
Formation and Historical Background
- Established: Formed during the British Straits Settlements era in the late 1800s, under the former Province Wellesley
- Bukit Mertajam became a major transportation hub with railway and road linkages in the 1900s
- In post-independence Malaysia, it evolved into an administrative center, especially after the relocation of government offices to the mainland
- It is now one of the most densely populated and urbanized districts in Penang, housing major commercial and civic infrastructure
Basic Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| District Name | Seberang Perai Central District |
| State | Penang |
| District Capital | Bukit Mertajam |
| Area | Approx. 238 sq. km |
| Population (2025 est.) | Approx. 450,000 |
| Local Authority | Majlis Bandaraya Seberang Perai (MBSP) |
Administrative Subdivisions (Mukim / Towns)
Key areas include:
- Bukit Mertajam – Administrative and economic hub
- Permatang Pauh – University town and residential zone
- Sungai Dua – Mixed rural-urban zone
- Simpang Ampat (partially)
- Machang Bubok
- Seberang Jaya – Healthcare and shopping center
- Alma – New residential and commercial zone
Government and Notable Figures
| Position / Role | Name | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Mayor (MBSP) | Dato’ Azhar Arshad | Oversees all of Seberang Perai |
| Member of Parliament (MP – Permatang Pauh) | YB Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan | New face in Parliament |
| Member of Parliament (MP – Bukit Mertajam) | YB Steven Sim Chee Keong | Deputy Minister of Finance |
| State Assemblyman (ADUN – Seberang Jaya) | YB Afif Bahardin | Representing urban center |
| Local Community Leader | Tuan Haji Ismail Hashim | Islamic NGO and mosque chairman |
| Education Figure | Prof. Dr. Zaiton Ahmad | USM Seberang Jaya campus advisor |
Key Towns and Areas
- Bukit Mertajam – City-like downtown, transport hub
- Seberang Jaya – KPJ Hospital, Sunway Carnival Mall
- Permatang Pauh – Home to UiTM and historical politics
- Machang Bubok & Alma – Rapid residential and SME growth
Economy & Livelihood
- Commercial centers:
- Shopping malls, markets, business complexes
- Light manufacturing & SMEs:
- Food processing, hardware, automotive workshops
- Retail and services:
- Cafes, banks, education, clinics, logistics
- Growing property development and high-rise housing projects
Education & Institutions
- Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Permatang Pauh
- National, vernacular, and religious schools
- Technical & vocational institutes
- Islamic colleges and pondok centers
Healthcare Facilities
- KPJ Penang Specialist Hospital (Seberang Jaya)
- Bukit Mertajam Hospital – public facility
- Klinik Kesihatan & private clinics widely available
- Traditional medicine and wellness centers
Transport & Connectivity
- Major roads: Jalan Baru, Jalan Permatang Pauh, Jalan Bukit Tengah
- Close to North-South Expressway (PLUS)
- Bukit Mertajam Railway Station – ETS/Komuter service
- Inter-town bus terminals and e-hailing services
Tourism & Attractions
- St. Anne’s Church – Famous Catholic pilgrimage site
- Cherok Tok Kun Hill – Hiking and nature
- BM Summit & Alma Shopping Districts
- Pasar Malam & food streets – Nasi Tomato, Curry Mee, Laksa
- Traditional Malay villages in Permatang Pasir and Sungai Dua
Culture & Local Cuisine
- Richly multicultural: Chinese-majority, followed by Malay and Indian communities
- Signature dishes:
- Char Koay Teow Bukit Mertajam, Pasembur, Apom Manis, Kuih Muih, Mee Rebus
- Celebrations:
- St. Anne’s Feast, Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavali
- Strong tradition of gotong-royong, religious processions, local arts
Summary
Seberang Perai Central District is the pulse of Penang Mainland—a district that combines urban ambition with cultural depth. From administrative powerhouses and universities to food streets and kampung memories, it’s a place where progress and tradition walk side by side.