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102-432: As the capital city of Penang, George Town also forms the core city of the conurbation, which spans Seberang Perai , Sungai Petani , Kulim , Bandar Baharu , Yan , Alor Pongsu , Bagan Serai , Bukit Merah , Parit Buntar and Selama . Originally founded as an entrepôt , George Town's diversified economy is powered by the twin major sectors of manufacturing and services. Penang's path to industrialisation began in

204-541: A Charter of Justice was granted which mandated the establishment of a "Court of Judicature" composed of the Governor, a recorder and three councillors. The high court was inaugurated at Fort Cornwallis in the following year, with Edmond Stanley as recorder. With the establishment of the court, George Town became the first settlement in British Malaya to possess a modern judicial system. In 1826, George Town

306-457: A brain drain which left it without the expertise to regulate urban development and arrest its decline. In response, George Town's civil societies banded together and galvanised public support for the conservation of historic buildings, and to restore the city to its former glory. Following subsequent heritage conservation efforts, a portion of the city centre was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. Widespread resentment over

408-686: A cabinet committee started the restructuring process by introducing the Local Government Act (Temporary Provision) Act 1973. This Act empowered the federal government to review all existing laws relating to local governments, including state enactments and ordinances. Eventually, three main laws were passed which changed the system of local government in Malaysia. They were Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 (Act 133), Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171) and Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act 172). Some important changes were enforced under

510-510: A city shall continue to be preserved and maintained and shall remain unimpaired by the merger hereby effected". George Town had benefitted from a real estate boom towards the end of the 20th century, but in 2001, the Rent Control Act was repealed, worsening the depopulation of the city's historical core and leaving colonial-era buildings in disrepair. The city also suffered from incoherent urban planning, poor traffic management and

612-413: A civil servant with the title President ( Yang Di-Pertua ) for rural districts and municipalities, and Mayor ( Datuk Bandar ) for cities, though there are a few exceptions in the form of "special and modified local authorities". Councillors are appointed by the state governments. Local government areas are distinct from the districts , which are mainly for land administration purposes. In rural areas,

714-534: A complete investigation four years later. The commission sent its report to the federal cabinet in December 1969 but its report was only released to the public two years later. Although not all of its recommendation were followed by the cabinet, some of its finding became the basis for the restructuring exercise in the next two years. Ong Kee Hui , the Minister for Housing and Local Government at that time through

816-474: A consultative committee called the National Council for Local Government . Membership of this council consist of a federal cabinet minister as the chair, a representative from each state governments as well as no more than 10 representatives of the federal government. Although its role is to be consulted in the matters of law governing local authorities, this 1960 constitutional amendment also provided

918-746: A fortress before the outbreak of fighting, the British high command led by Lieutenant-General Arthur Percival decided to abandon the island and secretly evacuate George Town's European population, leaving the settlement's Asian residents undefended against the Japanese advance. According to historian Raymond Callahan, "the moral collapse of British rule in Southeast Asia came not at Singapore, but at Penang". The Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) seized George Town on 19 December without encountering any resistance. During Japanese occupation , George Town

1020-529: A growth in the private sector. George Town's jurisdiction was expanded by the Malaysian federal government to encompass the entirety of Penang Island and the surrounding islets in 2015. This expansion resulted in an enlargement of the city government's manpower and responsibilities, as well as enhancing the regulation of heritage conservation. The jurisdiction of George Town covers an area of approximately 306 km (118 sq mi), encompassing

1122-584: A local council. At the same time, the Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act 172) was promulgated to overcome the weaknesses in the planning of land use in local area. This Act 172 puts the primary physical planning responsibility at local level to the local government. Additionally, the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 (Act 133) explains several other role of local council regarding drainage, maintenance of municipal roads as well as public buildings. In addition to

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1224-571: A non-European gentry and middle class, which in turn fostered nascent intellectual activities and political movements. George Town, according to historian Mary Turnbull , emerged as "a Mecca for Asian intellectuals", who perceived it to be more intellectually receptive than Singapore. The settlement was a centre for reformist newspapers, and attracted political and intellectual figures such as Rudyard Kipling , W. Somerset Maugham and Sun Yat-sen . However, political turmoil in Qing China and

1326-610: A population of 794,313 as of 2020 . Classified as a "Gamma −" city , the second highest in Malaysia after Kuala Lumpur , George Town is the commercial centre for northern Malaysia and one of the few high-income economies of the cities outside the Klang Valley . According to Euromonitor International and the Economist Intelligence Unit , George Town has the highest potential for revenue growth among all Malaysian cities and contributed nearly 8 per cent of

1428-496: A system in 1792 whereby matters of justice were partially delegated to local leaders. This decision was ratified by Lieutenant-Governor George Leith in 1800. However, further legal disputes meant that under the directives of the Bengal Presidency , this system was replaced by a set of regulations in 1805, drafted by Leith and revised by John Dickens, the presidency's appointed judge and magistrate for Penang. In 1807,

1530-863: A tin mining boom in the Malay Peninsula , the Port of Penang became a leading exporter of tin. By the end of the 19th century, George Town emerged as the foremost financial centre of British Malaya, as mercantile firms and international banks were established. Throughout the century, George Town's population grew rapidly in tandem with economic prosperity. Between 1797 and 1830, an influx of immigrants from all over Asia quadrupled its population. A cosmopolitan population emerged, comprising Chinese , Malay , Indian , Peranakan , Siamese and migrants of mixed European-Asian lineage referred to as "Eurasians". The population growth also created social problems, such as inadequate health facilities and rampant crime, with

1632-542: Is 150,000 with an annual income of not less than RM 20 million. These are the latest criteria approved during the State Council Meeting for Local Government in June 2008. The previous criteria are a minimum of 300,000 residents and minimum annual income of RM 20 million for City and a minimum of 100,000 residents and minimum annual income of RM 5 million for Municipality. Typically, state capitals are granted

1734-514: Is also Malaysia's second busiest in terms of cargo tonnage, handling nearly 120,000 t (120,000 long tons; 130,000 short tons) within the same year, and managed the highest export value of all entry points nationwide . The Port of Penang serves as the main harbour for northwestern Malaysia and southern Thailand . In 2023, it handled more than 1.4 million TEUs of cargo, the third highest of all Malaysian ports. Swettenham Pier , located within downtown George Town , accommodates cruise ships and

1836-450: Is connected to mainland Seberang Perai by two bridges – the 13.5 km (8.4 mi) Penang Bridge and the 24 km (15 mi) long Second Penang Bridge . The North-South Expressway , a 966 km (600 mi) expressway that stretches along the western part of Peninsular Malaysia , provides a direct link from Seberang Perai to Sungai Petani in the north and Bukit Merah in the south. The Butterworth-Kulim Expressway connects

1938-408: Is given the task to co-ordinate the local governments in respect of legal and policy standardisation as well as co-ordinating the channelling of funds from the federal government. The constitution of 1957 gave the exclusive power to govern local governments to the state except those in the federal territories. However, a constitutional amendment was made in 1960 that provides for the establishment of

2040-487: Is one of the main entry points into the city. In 2017 it recorded 125 port calls, surpassing Port Klang as the busiest cruise shipping terminal in the country. The cross-strait Penang ferry service connects downtown George Town and Seberang Perai , and was formerly the only transportation link between the island city and the mainland until the completion of the Penang Bridge in 1985. At present, four ferries ply

2142-542: Is responsible for overseeing the running of local councils in the state. The enforcement of Local Government Act 1976 established in essence only two types of local councils - one for municipality and one for rural area. However, a city status can be conferred to a municipal council by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong with the consent of the Conference of Rulers once it reached the necessary criteria. Apart from that mentioned by

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2244-464: Is shaped by centuries of intermingling between various cultures and religions. It has also gained a reputation as Malaysia's gastronomical capital for its distinct culinary scene . The preservation of these cultures contributed to the designation of the city centre of George Town as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008. George Town was named in honour of King George III , the ruler of Great Britain and Ireland between 1760 and 1820. Prior to

2346-463: Is situated. Over the centuries, the built-up area of George Town has expanded in three directions – along the island's northern coast, south down the eastern shoreline and towards Penang Hill to the west. The surrounding islets within George Town's jurisdiction are Jerejak , Andaman , Udini, Tikus , Lovers' , Betong , Betong Kecil, Kendi and Rimau islands. The riverine systems within

2448-692: Is the busiest cruise terminal in the country. Established as an entrepôt by Francis Light in 1786, George Town was the first British settlement in Southeast Asia , and its proximity to maritime routes along the Strait of Malacca attracted an influx of immigrants from various parts of Asia. It became the capital of the Straits Settlements in 1826, only to lose its administrative status to Singapore in 1832. Shortly before Malaya attained independence from Britain in 1957, George Town

2550-444: Is the densest in the country. Batu Lancang has the largest proportion of Chinese residents in any state constituency. Due to George Town's predominantly Chinese population and the longstanding political consciousness, the city has been regarded as a stronghold for the incumbent Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition. As of 2023 , non-Malays formed the majority in 15 out of the 19 state constituencies in George Town, particularly around

2652-560: The Battle of Penang where the Imperial German Navy cruiser SMS Emden sank two Allied warships off the settlement. World War II , on the other hand, caused unprecedented social and political turmoil in George Town. In mid-December 1941, the settlement was subjected to severe Japanese aerial bombardment , forcing inhabitants to flee George Town and take refuge in the jungles. While Penang Island had been designated

2754-587: The British High Commissioner held the power to appoint six more. In 1956, George Town became Malaya's first fully-elected municipality and in the following year, it was granted city status by Queen Elizabeth II . This made George Town the first city within the Malayan Federation, and by extension, Malaysia. During the early years of Malaya's independence, George Town retained its free port status, which had been guaranteed by

2856-718: The Federated and the Unfederated Malay States , finally extending to the Kingdom of Sarawak and North Borneo . Laws were promulgated to govern the establishment of local authorities and the organisation of local council elections. One of the important laws was the Local Government Election Ordinance 1950 that entrusted local councils to organise elections for the office of councillors—people that govern local areas. Another law

2958-523: The Indonesian confrontation against the formation of Malaysia in 1963 has forced the federal government to suspend local council elections in 1965. The suspension was made by means of emergency law namely the Emergency (Suspension of Local Government Elections) Regulations 1965 and its amendment on the same year. Since then, local governments in Malaysia have not been elected. Problems faced during

3060-629: The Köppen climate classification ( Af ). Weather forecast in George Town is served by the Penang Meteorological Office at Bayan Lepas , which acts as the primary weather forecast facility for northwestern Peninsular Malaysia. The city 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. It sees on average about 2,477 millimetres (97.5 in) of precipitation annually. Its proximity to

3162-570: The Penang Botanic Gardens and the 2,562 ha (25.62 km ) Penang National Park , was inscribed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in recognition of the area's biodiversity. As land scarcity is a pressing issue in George Town, land reclamation has been extensively undertaken at high-demand areas, such as at Tanjong Tokong and Bayan Lepas . Between 1960 and 2015, George Town expanded by more than 9 km (3.5 sq mi) due to land reclamation that altered much of

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3264-662: The Penang Strait between both cities daily. George Town, Penang This is an accepted version of this page George Town is the capital of the Malaysian state of Penang . It is the core city of the George Town Conurbation , Malaysia's second largest metropolitan area with a population of 2.84 million and the second largest metropolitan economy in the country. The city proper spans an area of 306 km (118 sq mi) encompassing Penang Island and surrounding islets, and had

3366-461: The Penang state government under an extendable one-year term. As of 2023 , one of the 24 councillor positions has been allocated to the city's non-governmental organisations (NGOs), while the remaining 23 are occupied by component parties of the ruling state government. The mayor since 2023 is Rajendran P. Anthony, the second mayor of Indian descent in the city's history after D. S. Ramanathan and

3468-639: The Port of Penang with the industrial town of Kulim to the east, facilitating logistical access for industries in Kulim . Within George Town, the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway is a highway along the city's eastern coastline, connecting the city centre with the two bridges. Federal Route 6 is a pan-island trunk road encircling the city, while the George Town Inner Ring Road is a major thoroughfare within

3570-575: The State Assembly Building in Light Street since 1959. George Town is represented by six Members of Parliament and 19 state constituencies . Prior to 2023, state elections had been conducted simultaneously with nationwide general elections every five years. Tanjong is the smallest parliamentary constituency in Malaysia by area. Padang Kota is the least populated state constituency by population, while Pengkalan Kota

3672-554: The Straits Settlements . A Municipal Commission for George Town came into being the following year. In 1957, prior to Malaya's independence , Queen Elizabeth II granted George Town city status, making it the first city in the new nation. By then, George Town had also become the first municipality in Malaya to have a fully-elected local government. Following the Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation , local government elections across

3774-626: The city centre . In the 2023 state election , PH retained 17 of George Town's state constituencies, with the far-right Perikatan Nasional (PN) opposition bloc seizing two of the Malay-majority seats at the western edge of the city. Parliamentary constituencies State constituencies Local government in Malaysia The local government in Malaysia is the lowest tier of government in Malaysia administered under

3876-456: The parliamentary and state assemblies . However, it has now taken up the role of speeding up and encouraging development projects for better economic environment. The Constitution of Malaysia provides that matters relating to local government is within the administration of the respective state governments. However the Ministry of Housing and Local Government , which is a federal ministry,

3978-478: The states and federal territories which in turn are beneath the federal tier . Local governments are generally under the exclusive purview of the state governments as provided in the Constitution of Malaysia , except for local governments in the federal territories . The federal Ministry of Local Government Development plays a role in co-ordinating and standardising the practices of local governments across

4080-480: The 1970s with the establishment of free industrial zones at Bayan Lepas and Perai . As Penang's industries rapidly scaled up the value chain, the border towns in neighbouring Kedah , specifically Sungai Petani and Kulim , also started to witness economic spillover resulting from agglomeration effects and the rise in the standard of living within the former. In 1996, the Kulim Hi-Tech Park (KHTP)

4182-415: The 1973 restructuring exercise, there were 6 types of local governments. The designations and naming vary by state. The total number of local councils in Malaysia then was 418. The types were: Among the basic criteria for granting City status on a local government is that it has a minimum population of 500,000 and an annual income of not less than RM 100 million. For a municipal status, the minimum population

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4284-525: The Act 171 alone. One of them was, the restriction of the number of local governments in the peninsula. More importantly the abolishment of local government elections. Under this act, local councillors were no longer elected but appointed by the state government. The local government roles have had rapidly changed as well. In the early 1960s, a local government was considered as another channel in exercising one's democratic right - apart from electing representatives to

4386-436: The Act 171, there are many other agencies established and charged with the role of a local council. These so-called modified local authorities were established under newly created, separate and special Act of Parliament or state enactments or ordinances. There are currently four types of local governments in Malaysia. Currently there are a total of 155 local authorities in Malaysia and their breakdown are as follows: Prior to

4488-478: The British to enlarge and reinforce Fort Cornwallis as the garrison for the settlement. Local governance committees were formed from 1796 to resolve specific matters of administration. However, there were no unified legal systems in place to maintain order in the settlement. Light, who believed that feudal laws instituted by the newly-immigrated settlers were incompatible with British law , initially implemented

4590-461: The British. The George Town City Council enjoyed full financial autonomy and by 1965, it was the wealthiest local government in Malaysia, with an annual revenue almost double that of the Penang state government . This financial strength allowed the Labour -led city government to implement progressive policies, and to take control of George Town's infrastructure and public transportation. These included

4692-492: The Central Area Transit (CAT) bus service in collaboration with Rapid Penang . In 2025, MBPP projected its estimated revenue at RM433.3 million and an estimated expenditure of RM466.3 million, which included allocations for smart city projects, economic growth, cleanliness, sustainability and urban mobility. After Pakatan Rakyat (predecessor to the incumbent Pakatan Harapan ) was voted into power in 2008 ,

4794-916: The George Town City Council and the Penang Island Rural District Council were merged to form the Penang Island Municipal Council. This led to a prolonged debate over George Town's city status, in spite of Clause 3 of the Local Government (Merger of the City Council of George Town and the Rural District Council of Penang Island) Order, 1974, which stated that "the status of the City of George Town as

4896-429: The George Town City Council in 1966. Local government elections nationwide were also suspended in the aftermath of the Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation , never to be reinstated. The period of relative prosperity vis-à-vis the rest of Malaysia came to an end in 1969, when the Malaysian federal government rescinded George Town's free port status. This sparked massive unemployment, brain drain and urban decay within

4998-541: The George Town Conurbation as stretching from Sungai Petani in the north to Parit Buntar in the south. In 2011, the then Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak , announced plans to intensify infrastructure investment in Penang as part of a "Greater Penang Masterplan". However, by 2013, there had been no further developments on the proposal, prompting then Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to question

5100-425: The arrival of the British, the geographical area had been known as Tanjung Penaga , due to the abundance of penaga laut trees ( Calophyllum inophyllum ) found at the cape ( tanjung ) of the city. The city is often mistakenly spelled as "Georgetown", which was never the city's official name. This misspelling may be due to confusion with other places worldwide that share the same name. In common parlance,

5202-465: The cape, it was densely covered in jungle. After the area was cleared, Light oversaw the construction of Fort Cornwallis , the first structure in the newly established settlement. The first roads of George Town – Light , Beach , Chulia and Pitt streets – were created in a grid-like configuration. This urban planning method facilitated the easy division, transaction and assessment of land, as well as efficient military deployment. The grid pattern

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5304-409: The chair a casting vote thus gave the federal government a big clout on local government. Constitutional provision aside, there are many laws passed by the parliament to control the operation of local government in Malaysia. The most over-reaching piece of law is the Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171). This act of parliament outlines the form, organisational structure, functions and responsibilities of

5406-549: The city centre. Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) operates the West Coast line , connecting the conurbation to other regions of western Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore . The Butterworth railway station is the primary rail terminal within the conurbation. Aside from regular KTM services, Butterworth is one of the major stops of the Eastern and Oriental Express service between Bangkok and Singapore. Other KTM stations within

5508-458: The city include the Kluang, Dua, Glugor and Pinang rivers. The Pinang River, which is 3.5 km (2.2 mi) long, flows through the city centre. Penang Hill, with a height of 833 m (2,733 ft), is the highest point in Penang, serving as a water catchment area and a green lung for the city. In 2021, the 12,481 ha (124.81 km ) Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve, which includes

5610-730: The city of George Town is also called " Penang ", which is the name of the larger state. In 1771, Francis Light , a former Royal Navy captain, was instructed by the British East India Company (EIC) to establish trade relations in the Malay Peninsula . He arrived in Kedah , a Siamese vassal state facing threats from the Bugis of Selangor . Kedah's ruler Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin II offered Light Penang Island in exchange for British military protection. Light noted

5712-470: The city's decline also resulted in the then opposition Pakatan Rakyat bloc (now Pakatan Harapan ) wresting power in Penang from the incumbent Barisan Nasional (BN) administration in the 2008 state election . The newly-elected state government took a more inclusive approach to heritage conservation and sustainable urban development, while concurrently pursuing economic diversification . The city has since witnessed an economic rejuvenation, boosted by

5814-403: The city's eastern shoreline. In 2023, a massive reclamation project commenced off Batu Maung to build the 920 ha (9.2 km ) Silicon Island, envisioned as a new hub for high-tech manufacturing and commerce. Reclamation projects to create Gurney Bay and the nearby mixed-use precinct of Andaman Island are also ongoing. George Town features a tropical rainforest climate , under

5916-540: The city. The federal government also began channelling resources towards the development of Kuala Lumpur and Port Klang , leading to George Town's protracted decline. To revive Penang's fortunes, newly-elected Chief Minister Lim Chong Eu launched the Komtar project in 1974 and spearheaded the establishment of the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone (Bayan Lepas FIZ) which, at the time,

6018-491: The concept of a George Town Conurbation was borne out of the desire by policy planners to decentralise urban development in Peninsular Malaysia to four major metropolitan areas. In the first NUP, formulated in 2006, the George Town Conurbation was defined as spanning all of Penang , Sungai Petani , Kulim , Parit Buntar and Bagan Serai . The Second National Physical Plan (NPP-2), endorsed in 2010, demarcated

6120-550: The consultative meetings of the committee as observer without any voting rights. In Sabah, the local authorities were established through provisions under the Local Government Ordinance 1961. This ordinance also outlines the responsibility and function of local councils in Sabah. A state ministry, the Ministry of Local Government and Housing , created for the first time after the state election in 1963, governs

6222-493: The conurbation include Sungai Petani , Tasek Gelugor , Bukit Tengah , Bukit Mertajam , Simpang Ampat , Nibong Tebal , Parit Buntar and Bagan Serai . Public bus services are primarily provided by Rapid Penang , which operates 46 routes throughout the conurbation as of 2024, including interstate routes into Kedah and Perak . Penang Sentral in Seberang Perai serves as the main intermodal transport hub of

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6324-601: The conurbation. Opened in 2018, the hub integrates Rapid Penang and interstate bus services , linking to the adjacent Butterworth railway station and the Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal . The Penang Hill Railway is the only rail-based transportation system in the conurbation. As of 2024, a cable car system is being built to complement the funicular railway. Additionally, the Penang Transport Master Plan envisages

6426-460: The country have been suspended since 1965. The Penang Island City Council (MBPP), headquartered in the City Hall , carries out the official administrative and legislative duties of the city. One of the two city governments in Penang, MBPP is led by a mayor , assisted by a secretary and 24 councillors who perform oversight responsibilities over 19 departments. Each councillor is appointed by

6528-405: The country's personal disposable income in 2015, second only to Kuala Lumpur. Its technological sector, anchored by hundreds of multinational companies , has made George Town the top exporter in the country . The Penang International Airport links George Town to several regional cities, while a ferry service and two road bridges connect the city to the rest of Peninsular Malaysia. Swettenham Pier

6630-514: The country. Local government has the power to collect taxes (in the form of assessment tax ), to create laws and rules (in the form of by-laws ) and to grant licenses and permits for any trade in its area of jurisdiction, in addition to providing basic amenities, collecting and managing waste and garbage as well as planning and developing the area under its jurisdiction. Local governments are usually referred to as local authority ( Malay : pihak berkuasa tempatan , abbreviated PBT ), headed by

6732-575: The early 1960s were further aggravated by a plethora of local government entities in the country at that time. To make matters worse, there were many laws governing local authorities since every state had their own laws. Until the early 1970s, the proliferation of local councils reached staggering numbers—374 in Peninsula Malaysia alone. Hence, the federal government saw the need to reform local governments in Malaysia to improve its working and standing. A Royal Commission of Inquiry to investigate

6834-421: The entirety of Penang Island and nine surrounding islets. George Town is slightly more than two-fifths the size of Singapore . The 295 km (114 sq mi) Penang Island has an uneven terrain with a mountainous topography down the middle. The island's coastal plains are narrow, with the most extensive plain located at the northeastern cape, where the 25.5 km (9.8 sq mi) city centre

6936-536: The event of Penang's absorption into Malaya's customs union, the Penang Secessionist Committee was founded in 1948 and attempted to avert Penang's merger with Malaya. A petition at the time warned that the incorporation of Penang into Malaya would "reduce it to the churn of filth of a fishing village... trade assiduously built up during the last one and a half centuries will be turned to nothing, entailing untold monetary losses and hardship to

7038-503: The federal government's lack of progress. The strained federal-state ties following the 2013 general election resulted in the Barisan Nasional -controlled federal government cutting development expenditures for Penang, then an opposition state held by Pakatan Rakyat (predecessor to Pakatan Harapan ). This situation persisted until the 2018 general election , which led to both the federal and Penang governments being helmed by

7140-464: The first political election ever held in the settlement. Although the committees were organised ad hoc and lacked regulatory power, these early measures marked the beginning of a systematic approach to municipal governance in Penang. In 1856, the India Board , an administrative body of British India , passed Act No. XXVII, which mandated the appointment of Municipal Commissioners and taxation of

7242-764: The first settlement in British Malaya to be liberated from the Japanese. After a period of military administration , the British dissolved the Straits Settlements in 1946 and merged the Crown Colony of Penang into the Malayan Union , which was then replaced with the Federation of Malaya in 1948. At first, the impending annexation of the British colony of Penang into the vast Malay heartland proved unpopular among Penangites. Partly due to concerns that George Town's free port status would be at risk in

7344-560: The first since 2015. MBPP's current urban planning strategy is set out in the Penang Island Local Plan 2030 , first published in 2022. The city government is responsible for municipal services including waste management, public maintenance and community service. It is also involved in major infrastructural projects such as the Jalan Bukit Kukus Paired Road . Since 2009, it has operated

7446-567: The formation of a high-tech industrial cluster stretching from the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone (Bayan Lepas FIZ) to the Kulim Hi-Tech Park (KHTP). By 2005, both the Bayan Lepas FIZ and KHTP were accorded Multimedia Super Corridor Cyber City status. This has fostered extensive ecosystems that include research and development (R&D), human capital development and various forms of business support, driven by private sector investment. Additionally, industrial growth has accelerated

7548-604: The influx of Chinese migrants posed security concerns among the British authorities. Sun chose George Town as the headquarters for revolutionary activities by the Tongmenghui in Southeast Asia that eventually launched the Wuchang Uprising , a precursor to the Xinhai Revolution that ushered in the beginning of Republican China . George Town emerged from World War I relatively unscathed, except for

7650-405: The introduction of urban rail throughout the state. Construction of the 28 km (17 mi) Mutiara LRT line is expected to begin in 2025 and will be completed by 2030. To further promote urban mobility, pedestrian and cycling infrastructure throughout George Town are also being upgraded. In 2016, George Town became the first city in Malaysia to have a public bicycle-sharing service with

7752-401: The island of Sumatra makes George Town susceptible to dust particles carried by wind from transient forest fires that cause the perennial Southeast Asian haze . In 1796, a committee was formed to record trade revenue, and another committee responsible for property valuation was established in 1800. The latter committee was assembled through an election of ratepaying representatives, making it

7854-459: The island on 17 July that year. They took formal possession of the island "in the name of King George III of England " on 11 August. Penang Island was renamed Prince of Wales Island after the heir to the British throne . George Town was the first British colonial possession in Southeast Asia and marked the beginning of the gradual British colonisation in Malaya . When Light first landed on

7956-412: The jurisdiction area of local governments largely correspond to the district boundaries. However, in urbanised areas, local government areas may not be consistent with the district boundaries and may overlap with adjoining districts, as municipal or city boundaries usually do not conform to district boundaries. Local government in Malaysia is an exclusive "power of the states or territories" and therefore

8058-488: The latter culminating in rioting in 1867 . George Town came under direct British rule when the Straits Settlements became a British crown colony in 1867. Law enforcement and immigration control were gradually strengthened to suppress organised crime . More investments were also made on the settlement's health care and public transportation. Advances in education and living standards gave rise to

8160-498: The launch of LinkBike . The Penang International Airport (PIA) lies 16 km (9.9 mi) south of downtown George Town . It is the main airport within the conurbation, with services to major regional cities including Kuala Lumpur , Singapore , Bangkok , Taipei , Hong Kong , Xiamen , Shanghai , Doha and Dubai . PIA is the third busiest in Malaysia for passenger traffic after Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu airports, recording close to 6.8 million passengers in 2023. It

8262-654: The local authorities in Kuching area were established under the provision of Kuching Municipal Ordinance 1988 and City of Kuching North Ordinance 1988. Under these ordinances, there are currently three local authorities in Kuching area, namely Kuching North City Hall, Kuching South City Council and Padawan Municipal Council. The latter two however were later governed under the Local Authority Ordinance 1996. The state Ministry of Environment and Public Health

8364-500: The local population also forced women into sexual slavery . Between 1944 and 1945, Allied bombers based in India targeted naval and administrative buildings in George Town , damaging and destroying several colonial buildings in the process. The Penang Strait was mined to constrict Japanese shipping. Following Japan's surrender , on 3 September 1945, British Royal Marines launched Operation Jurist to retake George Town, making it

8466-526: The maintenance of its own public bus service, as well as the construction of public housing schemes and the Ayer Itam Dam . However, longstanding political differences between the George Town City Council and the Alliance -controlled state government led to allegations of maladministration against the city government. In response, Chief Minister of Penang , Wong Pow Nee , took over the powers of

8568-506: The merchants in Penang". The secessionist movement was ultimately met with British disapproval. To assuage the concerns raised by the secessionists, the British government guaranteed George Town's free port status and promised greater decentralisation. Meanwhile, municipal elections, which had been abolished in 1913, were reintroduced in 1951 , further diminishing the secessionists' commitment to their cause. Nine councillors were to be elected from George Town's three electoral wards, while

8670-664: The move and the Federal Court later ruled that local government elections are not within the purview of state governments. George Town is the administrative capital of Penang. The offices of the Chief Minister of Penang and the Penang state government are located in Komtar , while the official residence of the Governor of Penang is located in Scotland Road. Penang's legislature has been convened in

8772-493: The newly-elected state government attempted to reinstate local government elections within Penang. Backed by strong support from George Town's NGOs, the Local Government Elections (Penang Island and Province Wellesley) Enactment was passed in 2012, which would have allowed city government elections for the first time since the 1960s. However, the Barisan Nasional -controlled federal government objected to

8874-493: The operation of local authorities in the state. In Sarawak, local authorities were established under the Local Authority Ordinance 1996. This ordinance is the successor of pre-independence law, the Local Government Ordinance 1948. Other laws regulating the running of local authorities in Sarawak include Building Ordinance 1994, Protection of Public Health Ordinance 1999 as well as by-laws formulated under this main laws. Meanwhile,

8976-464: The passing of times, many local unique social and cultural characteristics have influenced the working of the local governments in Malaysia. The British in 1801 established a Council of Assessors in Penang , charged with the role of planning and developing the municipality area, and was the basis of local government in the then Malaya (present-day Peninsula Malaysia ). After Penang, local councils were established beginning with Malacca , followed by

9078-487: The precise nature of councils referred to as local government can differ between each state or territory. Despite this, they occupy a similar role in each state. The remaining territories are not divided into territory and local government. State-based departments oversee local council and often intervene in their affairs. The government system in Malaysia was a legacy of British colonisation , with many of its laws derived from and modelled on English laws . However, with

9180-641: The same coalition for the first time since 2008. In 2021, the Fourth National Physical Plan (NPP-4) provided a revised definition of the George Town Conurbation, which now includes Yan and Selama . The George Town Conurbation spans the entirety of Penang , Kedah 's southernmost municipalities of Sungai Petani , Kulim , Bandar Baharu and Yan , and towns in northern Perak, namely Alor Pongsu , Bagan Serai , Bukit Merah , Parit Buntar and Selama . This metropolitan area cumulatively covers 3,758.8 km (1,451.3 sq mi) of

9282-534: The strategic potential of the island as a "convenient magazine for trade" that could enable the British to check Dutch and French territorial ambitions in Southeast Asia, and tried unsuccessfully to persuade his superiors to accept the Sultan's offer. Light was finally authorised to negotiate the British acquisition of Penang Island in 1786. After the cession was finalised with Muhammad Jiwa's successor Sultan Abdullah Mukarram Shah , Light and his entourage landed on

9384-697: The three main laws, several other laws and regulations including by-laws were created and enforced to help the running of local government. Article 95D of the Malaysian Constitution however bars the Parliament to create laws pertaining land and local government for the states of Sabah and Sarawak . Furthermore, article 95E excludes the states from following laws formulated by the National Council for Local Government. However, both state governments still send their representative to

9486-485: The three states. The following is based on official censuses for the local government areas within the George Town Conurbation since 2000. As the core of the George Town Conurbation, Penang has a diversified tertiary sector that generated three-quarters of the conurbation's estimated gross domestic product (GDP) by 2020. Economic spillover effects have benefited neighbouring towns such as Sungai Petani and Kulim , resulting in economies of agglomeration and

9588-526: The urbanisation of Sungai Petani and Kulim since the 1990s. The NPP-4 outlines plans for ongoing economic diversification in Sungai Petani and Kulim, the two largest economies within Kedah by GDP. Manufacturing remains the main economic driver in the two towns, while the southern fringes of the conurbation, spanning Bandar Baharu and northern Perak , are primarily focused on agriculture. (RM million) (US$ million) (RM) George Town

9690-561: The working of local governments in West Malaysia was established in June 1965 for this purpose. The commission was headed by Senator Athi Nahappan while its members were D. S. Ramanathan , Awang Hassan , Chan Keong Hon , Tan Peng Khoon and Haji Ismail Panjang Aris —all were prominent politicians of the Alliance , the ruling party of the country. The commission organised many meetings and discussions as well as received many memoranda from various organisations and managed to finish

9792-587: Was also replicated in Singapore following the acquisition of the island by Stamford Raffles in 1819. As Light intended, George Town grew rapidly as a free port and a conduit for spice trade , taking maritime commerce from Dutch posts in the region. The spice trade allowed the EIC to cover the administrative costs of Penang. The threat of French invasion in the midst of the Napoleonic Wars forced

9894-405: Was declared a city by Queen Elizabeth II , making it the first city in the country's history. In 1974, George Town was merged with the rest of the island, throwing its city status into doubt until 2015, when its jurisdiction was reinstated and expanded to cover the entire island and adjacent islets. The city is described by UNESCO as having a " unique architectural and cultural townscape" that

9996-458: Was made the capital of the Straits Settlements , which also comprised Singapore and Malacca . In 1832, the administrative centre was relocated to Singapore, as it surpassed George Town in commercial and strategic prominence. Despite its secondary importance to Singapore, George Town continued to play a crucial role as a British entrepôt. Following the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 and

10098-661: Was only lightly garrisoned by the IJA, while the Imperial Japanese Navy converted Swettenham Pier into a major submarine base for the Axis powers . Japanese military police imposed order by massacring Chinese civilians under the Sook Ching policy; the victims were buried in mass graves all over the island, such as at Rifle Range , Bukit Dumbar and Batu Ferringhi . Poverty and wanton Japanese brutality towards

10200-584: Was opened as an extension of Penang's electronics manufacturing industry. However, interstate coordination in urban development was lacking, causing development policies to be disjointed while an urban sprawl radiated out of Penang's borders into Kedah and Perak . In the early 2000s, the Malaysian federal government began drafting the National Urbanisation Policy (NUP) and the National Physical Plan (NPP), in which

10302-422: Was outside the city. Although these were successful in transforming Penang into a tertiary-based economy , they also led to the decentralisation of the urban population as residents gravitated towards newer suburban townships closer to the Bayan Lepas FIZ. The destruction of hundreds of shophouses and whole streets for the construction of Komtar further exacerbated the hollowing out of George Town. In 1974,

10404-536: Was the Local Government Ordinance 1952 which empowered local residents to establish local councils in their area wherever necessary. Prior to Malaya's independence from the British in 1957, there was a total of 289 units of local council in Malaya. The constitution of the new country after independence from Britain gave the power to control local governments to the states. The 1960s was a challenging time for local authorities in Malaya. They faced many problems regarding internal politics and administration. In addition,

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