The Industrial Gateway and Coastal Charm of Penang Mainland
Seberang Perai North District is the northern division of Penang’s mainland territory, centered around Butterworth, one of Malaysia’s key port towns. It plays a major role in Penang’s industrial economy, logistics network, and cross-strait connectivity, while also preserving rural landscapes, cultural towns, and seaside traditions.
Formation and Historical Background
- Established: Formalized during British colonial rule in the late 1800s as part of Province Wellesley (now Seberang Perai)
- Butterworth was named after William John Butterworth, Governor of the Straits Settlements (1843–1855)
- Initially developed as a fishing and trading port, the area later evolved into a logistics, ferry, and industrial hub connecting Penang Island with the peninsula
- The completion of the Penang Bridge (1985) and Penang Sentral transport hub solidified its position as a key transit and commercial node
Basic Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| District Name | Seberang Perai North District |
| State | Penang |
| District Capital | Butterworth |
| Area | Approx. 254 sq. km |
| Population (2025 est.) | Approx. 315,000 |
| Local Authority | Majlis Bandaraya Seberang Perai (MBSP) |
Administrative Subdivisions (Mukim / Towns)
Key areas within the district include:
- Butterworth – Main urban and commercial center
- Teluk Air Tawar – Coastal residential town
- Bagan Dalam – Ferry and port area
- Mak Mandin & Perai (partially) – Industrial zones
- Kepala Batas & Bertam – Growing administrative and educational towns
- Penaga & Tasek Gelugor – Rural villages and agricultural lands
Government and Notable Figures
| Position / Role | Name | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Mayor (MBSP) | Dato’ Azhar Arshad | Mayor of Seberang Perai |
| Member of Parliament (MP – Kepala Batas) | YB Siti Mastura Mohamad | Political figure representing northern zone |
| State Assemblyman (ADUN – Bertam) | YB Reezal Merican Naina Merican | Former Minister, active local politician |
| State Assemblyman (ADUN – Telok Ayer Tawar) | YB Mustafa Kamal Ahmad | State representative for coastal area |
| Cultural Leader | Tuan Haji Musa Karim | Islamic educator & religious affairs figure |
| Economic Promoter | Encik Tan Kok Liang | Local SME & logistics entrepreneur |
Key Towns and Growth Centers
- Butterworth – Urban growth, Penang Sentral, ferry terminal
- Kepala Batas – Educational institutions and government offices
- Bertam – Tech park, medical centers, residential development
- Penaga & Teluk Air Tawar – Coastal villages with beach access and fishing community
Economy & Livelihood
- Industrial economy:
- Logistics, manufacturing, shipping, warehousing
- Agriculture:
- Paddy fields, coconut groves, fisheries
- Services & retail:
- Shopping malls, traditional markets, food businesses
- SMEs and logistics companies:
- Especially active around Mak Mandin & Butterworth Port
Education & Institutions
- Schools: National, vernacular (Chinese, Tamil), religious
- Higher education:
- MRSM Kepala Batas, UiTM Bertam Campus
- Technical and vocational colleges
- Islamic learning centers and mosques with tahfiz programs
Healthcare Facilities
- Hospital Kepala Batas – Major public hospital
- Klinik Kesihatan in Butterworth, Bertam, and surrounding areas
- Private clinics and maternity centers across the district
Transport & Connectivity
- Penang Sentral – Integrated transport hub (bus, rail, ferry)
- Butterworth Railway Station – KTM ETS and Intercity
- Access to Penang Island via ferry and Penang Bridge
- Federal routes to Kedah, Sungai Petani, and Bukit Mertajam
Tourism & Attractions
- Bagan Heritage Town & Butterworth Art Walk
- Teluk Air Tawar Beach – Sunset views and picnic spot
- Penaga Padi Fields – Agro-tourism and photography
- Masjid Abdullah Fahim (Kepala Batas) – Grand mosque and Islamic center
- Penang Bird Park – Malaysia’s first and largest bird park
- Street food and local culinary hubs (nasi kandar, pasembur, mee udang)
Culture & Local Cuisine
- Multiracial communities: Malay, Chinese, Indian
- Local delicacies:
- Mee Udang Butterworth, Nasi Lemak Kepala Batas, Apom, Cendol, Curry Mee
- Community traditions:
- Cultural festivals, food fairs, kenduri, temple and mosque celebrations
Summary
Seberang Perai North District is the mainland gateway to Penang’s industrial might and coastal lifestyle. With its strategic location, robust economy, and rich cultural backdrop, the district offers a dynamic blend of port city energy and kampung calmness, perfect for residents, investors, and travelers alike.