The name Penang comes from the modernMalay namePulau Pinang which means 'areca nut island'.[6] Penang is also colloquially referred to as the "Pearl of the Orient" and "The Island of Pearls" (Malay:Pulau Mutiara).[7][8]
Over the course of history,Penang Island had 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 betweenLingga andKedah.[9] TheSiamese, who were the overlords of Kedah, called itKo Mak (Thai:เกาะหมาก).[10]
Archaeologists have discovered human remains such as the "Penang Woman", along with seashells, pottery and stone tools, inSeberang Perai.[13] The artefacts indicate that around 5,000 to 6,000 years ago, Penang was inhabited by nomadicMelanesians during theNeolithic era.[14][15][16]
British acquisition and expansion of Penang (in yellow) occurred between 1786 and 1874, when the final alterations to Penang's boundaries were enacted.[19][20][21][22]
Penang's modern history began in 1786 whenFrancis Light, a representative of the BritishEast India Company (EIC), obtainedPenang Island from SultanAbdullah Mukarram Shah ofKedah in exchange for military aid. Light had been sent to theMalay 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 inSoutheast Asia.[23]
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 III of England" on 11 August.[24] The island was renamed Prince of Wales Island after theheir to the British throne and the new settlement ofGeorge Town was established in honour of King George III.[25]
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.[26] An annual payment of 6,000 Spanish dollars was agreed in exchange for British sovereignty over the island.[27]
In 1800,Lieutenant-Governor George Leith secured a strip ofhinterland across thePenang Strait, which was subsequently named Province Wellesley (nowSeberang Perai).[27][28] 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.[29] The British government and, subsequently, the Malaysian government maintained the annual payments to Kedah until 2018, when theMalaysian federal government increased the amount by RM10 million yearly.[30][31]
George Town grew rapidly as afree port and a conduit forspice trade, diverting maritime commerce away fromDutch outposts in the region.[33][34][35] In 1805, Penang became a separatepresidency ofBritish India, sharing similar status withBombay andMadras.[36] By 1808, George Town had established its local government, while the founding of theSupreme Court of Penang marked the birth of Malaysia's modern judiciary.[37] In 1826, George Town was made the capital of theStraits Settlements which includedSingapore andMalacca. As Singapore soon supplanted George Town as the region's premierentrepôt, Singapore became the capital instead in 1832.[38]
Despite its secondary importance to Singapore, George Town retained its importance as a vital British entrepôt.[39] Towards the end of the 19th century, it became a major tin exporter andMalaya's primary financial centre.[40][41][42] Penang's prosperity attracted a cosmopolitan population comprisingChinese,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 asButterworth andBukit Mertajam.[43] However, the population growth created social problems such as inadequate sanitation, health facilities and rampant crime, culminating instreet violence and rioting in 1867.[44][45][46]
The Straits Settlementsbecame a British crown colony within the same year.[47] Direct British rule led to improved law enforcement, and investments in health care and public transportation in Penang.[39][44][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.[39][49][50] The settlement attracted intellectuals and revolutionaries, includingRudyard Kipling,Somerset Maugham andSun Yat-sen.[39][51][52] In 1910, Sun selected George Town as the centre for theTongmenghui's political activities in Southeast Asia, aimed at overthrowing theQing dynasty.[52]
Penang emerged fromWorld War I relatively unscathed, apart from theBattle of Penang during which theImperial German Navy cruiserSMSEmden sank twoAllied warships off George Town.[53] 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 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 underBritish military administration until 1946, after which theStraits Settlements was 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.[66] ThePenang 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 andreintroduced municipal elections in 1951.[37][69] George Town became the first fully-elected municipality in Malaya by 1956 and was granted city status by QueenElizabeth 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.[32][77][78]
Penang, a formerBritish crown colony, is one of the fourMalaysian states without 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.[2] The head of state is theGovernor (Malay:Yang di-Pertua Negeri), who is appointed by theKing of Malaysia.Ramli Ngah Talib is the current Governor of Penang, having assumed office in 2025.[82] In practice, the Governor's role is largely symbolic and ceremonial. This includes the authority to appoint thehead of government and approve legislation that has been passed by the state's legislature.[83]
ThePenang state government has 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.[84]
The 40-memberPenang State Legislative Assembly forms 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.[85][86] 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.[86] As of 2023[update], non-Malays formed the majority in 25 of the40 state constituencies.[87] Thus, non-Malay electoral support is crucial to any political coalition aiming for power in Penang.[86][87]
The2023 state election witnessed an unprecedented alliance betweenPakatan Harapan (PH) and its erstwhile adversariesBarisan Nasional (BN).[91] The PH–BN alliance currently commands asupermajority in 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.[87]
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.[93]
TheSeberang Perai City Council (MBSP) is in charge ofSeberang 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 taxation, thus differing from local governments that manage urban administration and maintenance of infrastructure.[94][95]
AfterPakatan Rakyat wasvoted into power in 2008, the newly-elected state government attempted to reinstate local government elections within Penang, which have been suspended since the 1960s.[96][97] At the time, theBarisan Nasional-controlledfederal government objected to the move, which eventually led to theFederal Court's decision that local government elections do not fall under the jurisdiction of state governments.[96][98]
The Penang High Court serves as the highest court in the state. Notable lawyers who served the high court includeTunku Abdul Rahman,Cecil Rajendra andKarpal Singh.[99][102] There are also four Magistrates Courts and two Sessions Courts throughout Penang.[103]
Penang is home to the largest contingent of foreign diplomatic missions amongMalaysian states. As of 2023[update], a total of 27 countries have either established consulates or appointed honorary consuls within Penang.[104] ThePenang state government has also inked a sister state agreement with Japan'sKanagawa Prefecture and a friendship state partnership with China'sHainan Province.[105][106]
With a land area of only 1,049 km2 (405 sq mi), Penang is the second smalleststate in Malaysia afterPerlis.[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 thePenang Strait, which is only 3 km (1.9 mi) wide at the narrowest point and 13 km (8.1 mi) at its widest.[115][116]
The state capital,George Town, encompasses the entirety of Penang Island and a few surrounding islets, includingJerejak,Betong,Kendi,Rimau andAndaman islands.[118] On the other hand, the city of Seberang Perai covers the mainland side of Penang.[119]
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 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.[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 920 ha (2,300-acre)Silicon Island, envisioned as a new hub for high-tech manufacturing and commerce.[126] Following years of reclamation works, theGurney Drive shoreline is also being transformed intoGurney Bay, intended as "a new iconic waterfront destination for Penang".[127]
The major rivers within Penang include thePinang,Perai,Muda andKerian rivers. 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.[128]
Penang has atropical rainforest climate under 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.[129] Penang's proximity toSumatra makes it susceptible to dust particles carried by wind from transient forest fires that create the perennialSoutheast Asian haze.[130] The Penang Meteorological Office atBayan Lepas is the primary weather forecast facility for northwestern Malaysia.[131]
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 km2) have been designated as protected forest reserves.[138] In 2021, the 12,481 ha (124.81 km2) Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve was designated aUNESCO Biosphere Reserve in recognition of the area's biodiversity.[139] The gazetted nature reserve includes thePenang National Park, which covers 2,562 ha (25.62 km2) of the northwestern tip of the island.[140][141] It has been identified as one of the state's ecotourism destinations, alongside thePenang Botanic Gardens and the Tropical Spice Garden.[142]
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][153][154] Average monthly salaries rose to RM3,557 (US$859.18), thesecond highest among Malaysian states afterSelangor, while labour force participation rate increased to 71.3% from 70.1% in the previous year.[3][155]
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.[145] As of 2023[update], the bulk of Penang's FDI originated from theNetherlands,Cayman Islands andSingapore.[3] 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.[156][157] Penang is concurrentlyMalaysia's largest exporter, accounting for nearly RM495 billion (US$119.57 billion) – or 32.8% – of the country's exports in 2024.[158] 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.[159][160]
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 byKnight Frank, surpassing even Kuala Lumpur.[162] In 2023, Penang's residential market was ranked the second most popular inSoutheast Asia after Singapore.[163]
The services sector contributed 48% of Penang's GDP as of 2023[update] and employed almost3⁄5 of the state's workforce.[3][143]George Town is the commercial hub of northern Malaysia.[175] As of 2023[update], finance and ancillary services contributed 9% of Penang's GDP.[143] ThePenang International Airport (PIA) is the country's second busiest in terms of aircraft movements and in 2023, handled RM365 billion (US$93 billion) worth of exports, thehighest of all entry points nationwide.[176][177] In 2024, thePort of Penang processed over 1.4 millionTEUs of cargo, the third highest among Malaysia's seaports.[178][179]
Traditionally one of Malaysia's most popular tourist destinations, Penang has embarked oneconomic diversification by expanding its tourism offerings in areas such ashealth care,business events,ecotourism and cruise arrivals.[180] Penang is the leading destination in Malaysia formedical tourism.[181][182] The state's business events industry generated an economic impact of nearly RM1.3 billion (US$0.31 billion) in 2024.[183] Penang'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.[184][185]
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.[186][187] Theoffshore 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.[186][188] In addition, Penang is home to a thrivingstartup community, driven by home-grown companies likePiktochart and DeliverEat.[189][190]
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 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 278 L (61 imp gal; 73 US gal) in 2018.[191][192] Over 80% of Penang's water supply comes from theMuda River, which forms the northern border betweenSeberang Perai andKedah.[193] This leaves the state vulnerable to effluents from upstream Kedah, as well as constant political disputes between the neighbouring states over the river.[194][195] To counter water supply disruptions, PBAPP has contingency plans in place to draw water from alternative sources such as theAyer Itam,Teluk Bahang andMengkuang dams.[196] The state government has also been negotiating with neighbouringPerak to secure additional water supply.[197]
In 1904,George Town became the first city withinBritish Malaya to be supplied with electricity.[198] 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 comprising 31monopoletransmission towers across thePenang Strait, boosting power transmission to George Town to 2,000 MW.[199][200][201] Collaboration between TNB and the two city governments in Penang to replace existing street lighting with energy-efficientLED street lights is ongoing.[202]
Municipal solid waste is disposed at the Pulau Burung landfill in Seberang Perai.[203] 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%.[204] However, Penang boasts the highest recycling rate in the country, standing at 47% as of 2019[update].[204][205] To streamline the waste management process, the two city governments reintroduced awaste sorting policy in 2024.[206]
In 2020, Penang had become the first Malaysian state to require the installation offibre-optic communication infrastructure for all development projects.[207] As of September 2023[update],5G coverage had reached 73.4% of the populated areas in the state.[208] In 2024,DE-CIX inaugurated the Penang Internet Exchange (PIX), with internet traffic being routed through adata centre atBayan Baru.[209][210] State government agencies have been promoting thedigital economy and intensifying efforts to attract high-valuetechnology players to further boost the state's economic growth.[211]
ThePenang Hill Railway, Malaysia's only funicular railway system, ascends slopes that are said to be the steepest in the world at an angle of 27.9°.[221]
Under British rule,George Town was 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.[222][223] Thetrishaw from the colonial era still plies the city's streets, catering primarily to tourists.[224]
To promote urban mobility, pedestrian and cycling infrastructure throughout the state are also being upgraded.[232][233] In 2016, George Town became the first city in Malaysia to operate apublic bicycle-sharing service with the inauguration ofLinkBike.[234]
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 Klang near the federal capitalKuala Lumpur.[49] Despite this, thePort of Penang remains the primary harbour for northwestern Malaysia andsouthern Thailand.[241] It handled more than 1.4 millionTEUs of cargo in 2024, the third highest among Malaysia's seaports.[143][179]
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 Klang as the busiest cruise shipping terminal in Malaysia.[242] 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.[243][244]
The cross-straitPenang ferry service connects George Town andSeberang Perai, and was formerly the only transportation link between the island city and the mainland until the completion of thePenang Bridge in 1985. At present, four ferries ply thePenang Strait between both cities daily.[245]
As of 2020[update], Penang had a population of 1,740,405 and the highest population density of allMalaysian states at 1,659/km2 (4,300/sq mi).[1] Penang is Malaysia's second most urbanised state, with an urbanisation level of 92.5%.[5] Residents of Penang are colloquially known as Penangites or "Penang-lang".[249]
In 2020, Penang recorded negative migration rate with more people leaving the state than it received.[252] However, 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.[253][254][255]
Foreigners comprised 8% of Penang's population in 2020.[250] Over 38% of Penang's expatriates resided withindowntown George Town,Paya Terubong andBayan Lepas.[260] 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.[261][262]
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.[263][264]Tamil is the most widely spoken language among ethnic Indians, while Penang's Chinese population uses a variety of Chinese dialects such asTeochew,Hakka andCantonese.[26][265]Penang Hokkien serves as thelingua franca between the different ethnic groups in Penang, with efforts being made at the grassroots level to preserve its relevance.[266][267][268]
Penang, like otherPeninsular 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 beingSarawak. 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, thePenang state government formed the Penang Harmony Corporation to further enhance interreligious harmony in the state.[269]
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.[273][274][275]George Town is 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 schools in George Town such asSt. Xavier's Institution,St. George's Girls' School andMethodist Boys' School.[26]
The Penang Public Library Corporation is thestate government body tasked with the operation of public libraries throughout the state.[281] In 2016, thePenang state government launched Malaysia's firstdigital library, situated within the grounds of PFS.[282] Similar digital libraries have since been built at various locations throughout the state.[283]
In addition, Penang has 19 private hospitals that offer specialist services, making the state the leading hub formedical tourism in Malaysia.[181][286] 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.[286] 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 pandemic which saw private hospitals sharing equipment and taking in non-COVID-19 patients in need of urgent medical procedures.[287]
The infant mortality rate in Penang has decreased significantly, dropping by 85% between 1970 and 2000 to 5.7 per 1,000 live births.[288] 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.[289] According to an official survey in 2019, Penang recorded one of the lowest obesity rates in Malaysia, with an obesity rate of 18.6%.[290]
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,Vesak andSongkran.[292] 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.[293][294] The 15th and final day of Chinese New Year is celebrated with aPeranakan Chinese-inspiredLantern Festival.[294]
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.[295] 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.[296]
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.[297]St. Patrick's Day andOktoberfest, traditionally celebrated by ethnic Irish and German communities respectively, are also celebrated in the city.[298][299]
Penang also hosts several major festivals each year, including theGeorge Town Festival which has become one of the largest arts events inSoutheast Asia since its inaugural event in 2010.[300] In 2018, theGeorge Town Literary Festival became the first Southeast Asian literary event to achieve the international Literary Festival Award at theLondon Book Fair.[301]
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.[303] 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 inSingapore andMalacca, the art form was never banned in Penang.[304]
George Town is a hub for the arts and culture scene in Malaysia. The inscription of parts of George Town as aUNESCO World Heritage Site has enhanced cultural and creative industries within the city.[306] In 2012, Lithuanian artistErnest Zacharevic created 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.[302] Additionally, art exhibitions are held at the city's event spaces like theHin Bus Depot andSia Boey.[307][308]
Penang's literary heritage stems from the colonial-eraPeranakan Chinese literature and its role as a translation hub inMalaya, where prior toWorld War II, the publishing industry facilitated the translation ofChinese andWestern literary works intoMalay.[309][310] Post-independence, the state's literary scene has diversified, with independent local publishers and retailers such as Areca Books, Gerakbudaya and theGeorge Town World Heritage Incorporated running alongside major bookstore chains likePopular Holdings andMPH Group.[310]
George Town was 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.[312][313] Under British rule, Penang had relatively more press freedom as compared toSingapore, which had a stronger government apparatus.[49][314]
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.[315][316] In addition, thePenang 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.[317]
In 2008,UNESCO gazetted nearly 260 ha (2.6 km2) withindowntown George Town as 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".[81]Shophouses sit alongside Anglo-Indian bungalows, mosques, temples, churches, and European-style administrative and commercial complexes, forming the city's multicultural framework.[323] Elsewhere within the city, Siamese and Burmese cultures are prominently displayed at places of worship such asWat Chayamangkalaram,Dhammikarama Burmese Temple andKek Lok Si.[324]
Apart from the colonial-era architecture, George Town is home to most of Penang's skyscrapers, includingKomtar Tower,Marriott Residences andMuze @ 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.[325]
Penang's culinary scene incorporatesMalay,Chinese,Indian,Peranakan andThai influences, evident in the variety of street food that includeschar kway teow,asam laksa andnasi kandar.[326] Described byCNN as "the food capital of Malaysia",George Town was also listed byTime andLonely Planet as one of the best in Asia for street food.[326][327][328] According toTime in 2004, only in the city "could food this good be this cheap".[327] Robin Barton of theLonely 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".[328]
Over the years, Penang's culinary scene has expanded to include fine dining establishments, adding to its already diverse street food options.[329][330] In 2022, theMichelin 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".[331] The 2025 edition of theMichelin Guide features 69 eateries throughout the state.[332]
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.[339] ThePenang Bridge International Marathon, which features the iconicPenang Bridge as its route, has also gained international recognition, attracting about 20,000 participants from 61 countries in 2023.[340]
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^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 fromthe original(PDF) on 24 January 2016. Retrieved24 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.
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