Malaysia’s Island of Innovation, Heritage, and Harmony
Penang (Malay: Pulau Pinang), located in the northwest of Peninsular Malaysia, is one of the country’s most economically dynamic and culturally rich states. Divided into Penang Island and Seberang Perai (mainland), this state is a hub of tourism, heritage, manufacturing, and multicultural life.
Formation and Historical Background
- Established: Founded in 1786 by Captain Francis Light, who claimed Penang Island for the British East India Company, naming it Prince of Wales Island.
- It became part of the Straits Settlements in 1826 under British rule and was a major colonial trading port.
- Penang played a key role in the spread of Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity, as well as Chinese and Indian immigration.
- Joined the Federation of Malaya in 1948, and later Malaysia in 1963.
- Today, Penang is a symbol of modernization fused with heritage, earning UNESCO World Heritage Site status for George Town in 2008.
Basic Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| State Name | Penang (Pulau Pinang) |
| Capital City | George Town |
| Administrative Capital | Komtar Tower, George Town |
| Second City | Butterworth (Mainland – Seberang Perai) |
| Area | Approx. 1,048 sq. km |
| Population (2025 est.) | Approx. 1.8 million |
| Official Language | Bahasa Malaysia |
| Sultan / Governor | Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak (Yang di-Pertua Negeri) |
| Chief Minister | YAB Chow Kon Yeow |
| Time Zone | MYT (UTC+8) |
Administrative Divisions (Districts)
Penang consists of 5 districts:
On Penang Island (Pulau Pinang):
- Northeast Penang Island – Capital: George Town
- Southwest Penang Island – Capital: Balik Pulau
On Mainland (Seberang Perai):
- Seberang Perai North – Butterworth
- Seberang Perai Central – Bukit Mertajam
- Seberang Perai South – Nibong Tebal
Government and Notable Figures
| Position | Name | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Governor (Yang di-Pertua Negeri) | Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak | Constitutional head of state |
| Chief Minister | YAB Chow Kon Yeow | Head of state government (DAP) |
| Mayor of Penang Island | Yew Tung Seang | MBPP (Majlis Bandaraya Pulau Pinang) |
| Mayor of Seberang Perai | Rozali Mohamud | MBSP (Majlis Bandaraya Seberang Perai) |
| Police Chief (CPO Penang) | CP Dato’ Khaw Kok Chin | State security head |
| Notable Figures | Tan Sri P. Ramlee (late), Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong, etc. | Cultural and business icons |
Economy
- Manufacturing powerhouse:
- Electronics, semiconductors, medical devices, E&E cluster (Bayan Lepas FTZ)
- Tourism:
- Heritage trails, food tourism, beach resorts, George Town arts
- Logistics and ports:
- Penang Port, Penang International Airport
- SMEs and Digital Economy:
- Startups, e-commerce, IT services booming
- Agriculture and fisheries in rural Balik Pulau and Seberang Perai
Education & Institutions
- Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
- INTI, Wawasan Open University, and others
- International schools, Islamic institutions, TVET centers
- World-class libraries, digital learning hubs
Healthcare
- Penang General Hospital, Island Hospital, Adventist, Gleneagles
- Medical tourism hotspot
- Well-equipped with clinics and pharmacies across all districts
Tourism & Attractions
- George Town UNESCO Site
- Penang Hill & Funicular Train
- Kek Lok Si Temple – Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist temple
- ESCAPE Theme Park, Entopia Butterfly Farm, Street Art Trails
- Batu Ferringhi Beach, Gurney Drive, Penang National Park
- Jetties, Mosques, Colonial Architecture, and Clan Houses
Culture & Cuisine
- Cultural melting pot: Malay, Chinese, Indian, Peranakan, Eurasian
- Signature dishes:
- Penang Laksa, Char Koay Teow, Nasi Kandar, Rojak, Cendol, Mee Goreng Mamak
- Vibrant festivals: Thaipusam, Chinese New Year, George Town Festival, Hari Raya, Deepavali
Summary
Penang is Malaysia’s beacon of harmony and heritage, where history, food, technology, and tropical beauty meet. Whether you explore the bustling streets of George Town or the quiet hills of Balik Pulau, Penang invites you to experience Asia in one state.