The Northeast Penang Island District ( ms, Daerah Timur Laut Pulau Pinang) is a
district
A district is a type of administrative division that, in some countries, is managed by the local government. Across the world, areas known as "districts" vary greatly in size, spanning regions or counties, several municipalities, subdivisions o ...
within the
Malaysian state
The states and federal territories of Malaysia are the principal administrative divisions of Malaysia. Malaysia is a federation of 13 states (''Negeri'') and 3 federal territories (''Wilayah Persekutuan'').
States and federal territories
Elev ...
of
Penang
Penang ( ms, Pulau Pinang, is a Malaysian state located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, by the Malacca Strait. It has two parts: Penang Island, where the capital city, George Town, is located, and Seberang Perai on the Malay ...
. The district covers the northeastern half of
Penang Island
Penang Island ( ms, Pulau Pinang; zh, 檳榔嶼; ta, பினாங்கு தீவு) is part of the state of Penang, on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It was named Prince of Wales Island when it was occupied by the British Ea ...
, including the centre of
George Town, Penang's capital city. It has an area of and a population of 510,996 . The district borders the
Southwest Penang Island District
The Southwest Penang Island District ( ms, Daerah Barat Daya Pulau Pinang) is a district within the Malaysian state of Penang. The district covers the southwestern half of Penang Island and borders the Northeast Penang Island District to the eas ...
to the west.
History
In 1786, the
British East India Company
The East India Company (EIC) was an English, and later British, joint-stock company founded in 1600 and dissolved in 1874. It was formed to trade in the Indian Ocean region, initially with the East Indies (the Indian subcontinent and Southea ...
had gained control of
Penang Island
Penang Island ( ms, Pulau Pinang; zh, 檳榔嶼; ta, பினாங்கு தீவு) is part of the state of Penang, on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It was named Prince of Wales Island when it was occupied by the British Ea ...
, establishing the city of
George Town at the island's northeastern tip. In the following decades, the entirety of the island was governed directly from George Town.
In 1888, the
Southwest Penang Island District
The Southwest Penang Island District ( ms, Daerah Barat Daya Pulau Pinang) is a district within the Malaysian state of Penang. The district covers the southwestern half of Penang Island and borders the Northeast Penang Island District to the eas ...
office was established in
Balik Pulau
Balik Pulau is a town within the jurisdiction of Penang Island City Council in the Malaysian state of Penang. Located at the southwest of Penang Island, it is also the administrative seat of the Southwest Penang Island District.
The agricultura ...
at the southwest of the island, thus dividing the island into the Northeast and Southwest districts. Both districts on Penang Island first appeared in official maps dating back to the 1890s.
Geography
The District and Land Office of Northeast Penang Island is situated within the heart of
George Town, which is also the capital city of the
State of Penang. In addition, the district covers the following suburbs of George Town.
*
Batu Ferringhi
Batu Ferringhi is a suburb of George Town in Penang, Malaysia. Located along the northern coast of Penang Island and about northwest of the city centre, it is the prime beach destination in Penang among locals and tourists. To cater to the influ ...
*
Tanjung Bungah
Tanjung Bungah (also spelt as ''Tanjong Bungah'') is a suburb of George Town in Penang, Malaysia. It is located along the northern coast of Penang Island between Batu Ferringhi and Tanjung Tokong, and about northwest of the city centre. Tanjung ...
*
Tanjung Tokong
Tanjung Tokong is a suburb of George Town in Penang, Malaysia. It is located along the northeastern coast of Penang Island, next to Pulau Tikus and northwest of the city centre. Over the recent decades, the former fishing village has been transfo ...
*
Pulau Tikus
Pulau Tikus is a northwestern suburb of George Town in Penang, Malaysia. Situated between the city centre and Tanjung Tokong, this upper class suburb was named after a rock just off the coast of Penang Island. It is home to small minorities of ...
*
Batu Lanchang
Batu Lanchang is a suburb of George Town in Penang, Malaysia. It is located nearly southwest of the city centre, and sandwiched between Air Itam to the west and Jelutong to the east.
Formerly an agricultural area, Batu Lanchang has turned into ...
*
Air Itam
Ayer Itam (also spelt Air Itam or Air Hitam) is a suburb of George Town in Penang, Malaysia. Nested within the central valleys of Penang Island, it is located approximately southwest of the city centre. Ayer Itam is one of the well-known place ...
*
Paya Terubong
Paya Terubong is a suburb of George Town in Penang, Malaysia. Located nearly southwest of the city centre, it is nestled within the central valleys of Penang Island and south of Air Itam. It is also one of the most densely populated areas on Pen ...
*
Jelutong
Jelutong is a suburb of George Town in Penang, Malaysia. Located south of the Pinang River, Jelutong has been inhabited since as early as the late 18th century, when traders from Aceh and India settled around the area.
It was once notorious ...
*
Gelugor
Gelugor is a southern suburb of George Town in Penang, Malaysia. Named after a plant species, Gelugor lies along the eastern seaboard of Penang Island, between Jelutong and Sungai Dua, and nearly south of the city centre.
Gelugor had been po ...
The Northeast Penang Island District also includes much of
Penang Island
Penang Island ( ms, Pulau Pinang; zh, 檳榔嶼; ta, பினாங்கு தீவு) is part of the state of Penang, on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It was named Prince of Wales Island when it was occupied by the British Ea ...
's central hill ranges.
Penang Hill
Penang Hill is a hill resort comprising a group of peaks near the center of Penang Island, Malaysia. It is located within the Air Itam suburb, west of the center of George Town. Penang Hill is also known by the Malay name ''Bukit Bendera'', w ...
, the tallest peak on Penang Island, is within the district and serves as a major tourist attraction.
The Northeast Penang Island District is further divided into seven
mukims
A mukim is a type of administrative division used in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. The word ''mukim'' is a loanword in English. However, it was also originally a loanword in Malay from the Arabic word: (meaning ''resident''). The clo ...
.
* George Town
* Paya Terubong
* Bukit Paya Terubong
* Bukit Ayer Itam
* Ayer Itam
* Batu Ferringi
* Tanjong Tokong
Governance
The District and Land Office is situated within
Komtar
The Tun Abdul Razak Complex, ( Malay: Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak; Chinese: 光大大厦; Tamil: கொம்டார் கோபுரம்); colloquially known by its Malay acronym Komtar, formerly known as the Penang New Urban Center and t ...
, the
tallest skyscraper in Penang.
Local government
Although the
districts in Malaysia
Districts (Malay: '' Daerah''; ''Jajahan'' in Kelantan) are a type of administrative division below the state level in Malaysia. An administrative district is administered by a lands and district office (''pejabat daerah dan tanah'') which is ...
were created for the purpose of land administration and revenue, in practice, it is the local government that ensures the provision of basic amenities and maintenance of urban infrastructure.
Notably, both districts on
Penang Island
Penang Island ( ms, Pulau Pinang; zh, 檳榔嶼; ta, பினாங்கு தீவு) is part of the state of Penang, on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It was named Prince of Wales Island when it was occupied by the British Ea ...
are under the jurisdiction of the
Penang Island City Council
The City Council of Penang Island is the council that administers the city of Pulau Pinang, which includes the entirety of Penang Island, Malaysia. The city council, which has jurisdiction over an area of , falls under the purview of the Penang s ...
, which is also based in the centre of
George Town. With a history dating back to 1800, it is the oldest local authority in
Malaysia
Malaysia ( ; ) is a country in Southeast Asia. The federation, federal constitutional monarchy consists of States and federal territories of Malaysia, thirteen states and three federal territories, separated by the South China Sea into two r ...
. The current
Mayor of Penang Island
The Mayor of Penang Island ( ms, Datuk Bandar Pulau Pinang) is the chief executive for the local government of George Town, the capital of the State of Penang and Malaysia's third largest city. The Mayor's responsibilities include the manageme ...
is Yew Tung Seang, who was appointed into the position by the
Penang state government
The Government of Penang ( ms, Kerajaan Negeri Pulau Pinang) refers to the government authority of the Malaysian state of Penang. The state government adheres to and is created by both the Constitution of Malaysia, the supreme law of Malaysia, and ...
in 2018. The Mayor's term lasts for two years.
Electoral constituencies
Demographics
The following is based on the
2010 National Census conducted by Malaysia's Department of Statistics.
Education
The district is where some of the oldest schools in
Malaysia
Malaysia ( ; ) is a country in Southeast Asia. The federation, federal constitutional monarchy consists of States and federal territories of Malaysia, thirteen states and three federal territories, separated by the South China Sea into two r ...
were established.
Penang Free School
, motto_translation = Strong and Faithful
, streetaddress = Green Lane,
, city = George Town
, state = Penang
, postcode = 11600
, country = Malaysi ...
, founded in 1816, is the oldest English school in
Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia, also spelled South East Asia and South-East Asia, and also known as Southeastern Asia, South-eastern Asia or SEA, is the geographical United Nations geoscheme for Asia#South-eastern Asia, south-eastern region of Asia, consistin ...
, as well as the first of several missionary schools in the city. These English-medium schools, including
St. Xavier's Institution
, motto_translation = Labour Conquers All
, streetaddress = Farquhar Street,
, city = George Town
, state = Penang
, postcode = 10200
, country = Ma ...
,
St. George's Girls School and
Methodist Boys' School have produced some of
Malaysia
Malaysia ( ; ) is a country in Southeast Asia. The federation, federal constitutional monarchy consists of States and federal territories of Malaysia, thirteen states and three federal territories, separated by the South China Sea into two r ...
's most influential figures, including lawmakers, politicians, professionals and businessmen.
In addition, the first Chinese schools in
Malaysia
Malaysia ( ; ) is a country in Southeast Asia. The federation, federal constitutional monarchy consists of States and federal territories of Malaysia, thirteen states and three federal territories, separated by the South China Sea into two r ...
were established within the district. Since then, Chinese schools like
Chung Ling High School
Chung Ling High School (; ms, Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan Chung Ling) is a secondary school in George Town, Penang, Malaysia. It was initially established in 1917 as a primary school, and later became a junior high school in 1923, becom ...
,
Heng Ee High School
Heng Ee High School ( zh, , s=恒毅国民型华文中学, t=恆毅國民型華文中學, p=, poj=Hêng-gī kok-bîn-hêng huâ-bûn tiong-o̍h; ms, Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan Heng Ee) is a Chinese conforming secondary school located ...
and
Penang Chinese Girls' High School
Penang Chinese High School (PCGHS) (; Malay: Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan China Pulau Pinang) is a secondary school in Penang, Malaysia. Often referred to as "Bīn huá" () among the local Chinese community in Penang. The school provides co ...
have maintained strong reputations based on academic excellence.
International schools have also been established within the city to cater to the growing expatriate population. These schools offer primary to secondary education up to
A Levels
The A-Level (Advanced Level) is a subject-based qualification conferred as part of the General Certificate of Education, as well as a school leaving qualification offered by the educational bodies in the United Kingdom and the educational aut ...
and
International Baccalaureate
The International Baccalaureate (IB), formerly known as the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), is a nonprofit foundation headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and founded in 1968. It offers four educational programmes: the IB Dip ...
.
In terms of tertiary education, the district is home to one of the best Malaysian public universities -
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Universiti Sains Malaysia ( 'Science University of Malaysia'; abbreviated as USM) is a public research university in Malaysia. Founded on 1 June 1969 as a statutory body with its own constitution, it is among the oldest institutes of higher l ...
, as well as several private colleges and institutions such as
Wawasan Open University
Wawasan Open University, abbreviated as WOU, is a private university located in Penang, Malaysia that provides working adults with access to higher education via open distance learning (ODL).
It was established in 2006 and enrolled its fir ...
,
SEGi College and
Han Chiang College
Han Chiang University College of Communication, abbreviated as Han Chiang UC, is a non-profit private university college in George Town, Penang, Malaysia.
Han Chiang UC offers a variety of foundation, diploma and undergraduate programmes, ...
.
The Penang State Library operates a branch and a children's library within the district.
Health care
In recent years,
George Town has become the medical tourism centre of
Malaysia
Malaysia ( ; ) is a country in Southeast Asia. The federation, federal constitutional monarchy consists of States and federal territories of Malaysia, thirteen states and three federal territories, separated by the South China Sea into two r ...
, generating about 70% of the country's medical tourism revenue and attracting approximately half of medical tourist arrivals into the country.
The numerous public and private hospitals in the district, coupled with low cost of living and ease of travel have helped facilitate the medical tourism boom.
The
Penang General Hospital
The Penang General Hospital ( ms, Hospital Pulau Pinang, ta, பினாங்கு பொது மருத்துவமனை) is the main public hospital in the city of George Town in Penang, Malaysia. The largest public hospital in Pe ...
is the main public hospital for George Town and the district. Built in 1882, it also serves as the reference hospital within northern
Malaysia
Malaysia ( ; ) is a country in Southeast Asia. The federation, federal constitutional monarchy consists of States and federal territories of Malaysia, thirteen states and three federal territories, separated by the South China Sea into two r ...
.
Private hospitals, including
Penang Adventist Hospital
The Penang Adventist Hospital ( ms, Hospital Adventist, ) is a Christian nonprofit medical institution in Penang, Malaysia. It is operated by the Adventist Hospital & Clinic Services (M) (255697-M), and is part of an international network of hosp ...
and
Lam Wah Ee Hospital
Lam Wah Ee Hospital () is a non-profit hospital in George Town within the Malaysian state of Penang. The 700-bed tertiary acute care hospital is accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health. It was established as a provider of tr ...
, also offer advanced facilities and speedier care by well-trained professionals. These hospitals cater not only to the local population but also patients from other states and neighbouring countries such as
Indonesia
Indonesia, officially the Republic of Indonesia, is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania between the Indian and Pacific oceans. It consists of over 17,000 islands, including Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi, and parts of Borneo and New Guine ...
and
Singapore
Singapore (), officially the Republic of Singapore, is a sovereign island country and city-state in maritime Southeast Asia. It lies about one degree of latitude () north of the equator, off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, borde ...
.
Transportation
Land
The district is linked with the
Malay Peninsula
The Malay Peninsula (Malay: ''Semenanjung Tanah Melayu'') is a peninsula in Mainland Southeast Asia. The landmass runs approximately north–south, and at its terminus, it is the southernmost point of the Asian continental mainland. The area ...
via the
Penang Bridge
The Penang Bridge is a dual carriageway toll bridge and controlled-access highway in the state of Penang, Malaysia. The bridge connects Perai on the mainland side of the state with Gelugor on the island, crossing the Penang Strait. The brid ...
, which runs between the
George Town suburb of
Gelugor
Gelugor is a southern suburb of George Town in Penang, Malaysia. Named after a plant species, Gelugor lies along the eastern seaboard of Penang Island, between Jelutong and Sungai Dua, and nearly south of the city centre.
Gelugor had been po ...
and
Perai
Perai is an urban settlement in the city of Seberang Perai, Penang, Malaysia. It lies at the southern bank of the Perai River and borders Butterworth to the north. Perai gave its name to the city of Seberang Perai, the mainland half of the State o ...
on the mainland.
George Town has a relatively well-developed road network stretching back to the early days of British colonisation. Within the city centre are narrow streets and lanes, while modern arterial roads connect the city centre with the suburbs such as
Tanjung Tokong
Tanjung Tokong is a suburb of George Town in Penang, Malaysia. It is located along the northeastern coast of Penang Island, next to Pulau Tikus and northwest of the city centre. Over the recent decades, the former fishing village has been transfo ...
,
Air Itam
Ayer Itam (also spelt Air Itam or Air Hitam) is a suburb of George Town in Penang, Malaysia. Nested within the central valleys of Penang Island, it is located approximately southwest of the city centre. Ayer Itam is one of the well-known place ...
and
Jelutong
Jelutong is a suburb of George Town in Penang, Malaysia. Located south of the Pinang River, Jelutong has been inhabited since as early as the late 18th century, when traders from Aceh and India settled around the area.
It was once notorious ...
.
The
Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway
Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway ( zh, 林倉祐大道; ms, Lebuhraya Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu) or Federal Route 3113, is an expressway in Penang, Malaysia, that connects the city of George Town to Batu Maung. This expressway stretches along the easte ...
runs along the eastern coastline of
Penang Island
Penang Island ( ms, Pulau Pinang; zh, 檳榔嶼; ta, பினாங்கு தீவு) is part of the state of Penang, on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It was named Prince of Wales Island when it was occupied by the British Ea ...
between the city centre and the
Penang International Airport
Penang International Airport is an airport in northern Malaysia. The airport is located near Bayan Lepas at the southeastern tip of Penang Island, south of the city centre.[Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone
Bayan Lepas is a town in the Malaysian state of Penang. It is located within the Southwest Penang Island District, near the southeastern tip of Penang Island. Founded in the 19th century, Bayan Lepas has various industries. History
Bayan Lep ...]
and the
Penang Bridge
The Penang Bridge is a dual carriageway toll bridge and controlled-access highway in the state of Penang, Malaysia. The bridge connects Perai on the mainland side of the state with Gelugor on the island, crossing the Penang Strait. The brid ...
.
Federal Route 6 is a winding trunk road that serves as the pan-island road, forming a circular loop round
Penang Island
Penang Island ( ms, Pulau Pinang; zh, 檳榔嶼; ta, பினாங்கு தீவு) is part of the state of Penang, on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It was named Prince of Wales Island when it was occupied by the British Ea ...
. In the clockwise direction, this road connects the city centre with
Bayan Lepas
Bayan Lepas is a town in the Malaysian state of Penang. It is located within the Southwest Penang Island District, near the southeastern tip of Penang Island. Founded in the 19th century, Bayan Lepas has various industries. History
Bayan Lep ...
,
Balik Pulau
Balik Pulau is a town within the jurisdiction of Penang Island City Council in the Malaysian state of Penang. Located at the southwest of Penang Island, it is also the administrative seat of the Southwest Penang Island District.
The agricultura ...
and
Teluk Bahang
Teluk Bahang is a town within the city of George Town in the Malaysian state of Penang. It is located within the Southwest Penang Island District, near the northwestern tip of Penang Island. Established as a fishing village, Teluk Bahang has evol ...
.
Public transportation throughout
Penang Island
Penang Island ( ms, Pulau Pinang; zh, 檳榔嶼; ta, பினாங்கு தீவு) is part of the state of Penang, on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It was named Prince of Wales Island when it was occupied by the British Ea ...
is composed of buses operated by
Rapid Penang
Rapid Penang (styled as ''rapidPenang'') is a public bus brand in the State of Penang, Malaysia. Formed as a subsidiary of Prasarana Malaysia in 2007, to date it is the main public transport operator within Penang; its bus network serves commut ...
. In recent years, a free shuttle service within the city centre and double decker buses for tourists have also been introduced.
The district also has the only operational railway on
Penang Island
Penang Island ( ms, Pulau Pinang; zh, 檳榔嶼; ta, பினாங்கு தீவு) is part of the state of Penang, on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It was named Prince of Wales Island when it was occupied by the British Ea ...
- the
Penang Hill Railway
The Penang Hill Railway is a one-section funicular railway which climbs the Penang Hill from Air Itam, on the outskirts of the city of George Town in the Malaysian state of Penang. The railway first opened in 1923 as a two-section railway, and th ...
. It is the oldest funicular rail system in
Malaysia
Malaysia ( ; ) is a country in Southeast Asia. The federation, federal constitutional monarchy consists of States and federal territories of Malaysia, thirteen states and three federal territories, separated by the South China Sea into two r ...
, having commenced operations in 1923. It was last upgraded in 2011 with new coaches that take as little as five minutes to reach the peak of
Penang Hill
Penang Hill is a hill resort comprising a group of peaks near the center of Penang Island, Malaysia. It is located within the Air Itam suburb, west of the center of George Town. Penang Hill is also known by the Malay name ''Bukit Bendera'', w ...
.
Sea
The Port of Penang consists of four terminals, one of which is located within the district. The
Swettenham Pier
Swettenham Pier is a pier within the city of George Town in Penang, Malaysia. Established in 1904, it is the busiest port-of-call in Malaysia for cruise shipping. The pier plays a vital role as a major entry point for tourists into Penang, aside ...
serves not only cruise ships, but also on occasion, warships as well.
As of 2014,
Swettenham Pier
Swettenham Pier is a pier within the city of George Town in Penang, Malaysia. Established in 1904, it is the busiest port-of-call in Malaysia for cruise shipping. The pier plays a vital role as a major entry point for tourists into Penang, aside ...
recorded 1.2 million tourist arrivals and attracted some of the world's biggest cruise liners, such as the
RMS Queen Mary 2
RMS ''Queen Mary 2'' (also referred to as the ''QM2'') is a British transatlantic ocean liner. She has served as the flagship of Cunard Line since succeeding ''Queen Elizabeth 2'' in 2004. As of 2022, ''Queen Mary 2'' is the only ocean liner ...
.
In addition, the
Penang Ferry Service
The Penang Ferry Service is the oldest ferry service within the State of Penang, Malaysia, connecting the city of George Town on Penang Island and Butterworth on the mainland. This cross-strait transit has been operational since 1894, making ...
operates across the
Penang Strait
The Penang Strait is an 11 kilometre-wide strait that separates Penang Island from mainland Malay Peninsula. Penang Island is to the west of the channel, while Seberang Perai, the mainland half of the State of Penang, is to the east. The northern ...
between
George Town and
Butterworth Butterworth may refer to:
Places
* Butterworth (ancient township), a former township centred on Milnrow, in the then Parish of Rochdale, England, United Kingdom
* Butterworth, Eastern Cape, now also known as Gcuwa, a town located in South Africa
...
on the
Malay Peninsula
The Malay Peninsula (Malay: ''Semenanjung Tanah Melayu'') is a peninsula in Mainland Southeast Asia. The landmass runs approximately north–south, and at its terminus, it is the southernmost point of the Asian continental mainland. The area ...
. At present, four ferries ply the route between George Town and Butterworth daily.
Tourist attractions
A great majority of
Penang
Penang ( ms, Pulau Pinang, is a Malaysian state located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, by the Malacca Strait. It has two parts: Penang Island, where the capital city, George Town, is located, and Seberang Perai on the Malay ...
's tourist attractions lie within the centre of
George Town. The city centre, a
UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) aimed at promoting world peace and security through international cooperation in education, arts, sciences and culture. It ...
World Heritage Site
A World Heritage Site is a landmark or area with legal protection by an international convention administered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). World Heritage Sites are designated by UNESCO for h ...
, is well-renowned for its architectural, cultural and culinary varieties; George Town is also said to be the food capital of
Malaysia
Malaysia ( ; ) is a country in Southeast Asia. The federation, federal constitutional monarchy consists of States and federal territories of Malaysia, thirteen states and three federal territories, separated by the South China Sea into two r ...
. In addition, the district has a number of natural attractions ranging from the central hills of
Penang Island
Penang Island ( ms, Pulau Pinang; zh, 檳榔嶼; ta, பினாங்கு தீவு) is part of the state of Penang, on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It was named Prince of Wales Island when it was occupied by the British Ea ...
to the sandy beaches along the island's northern coastline.
Listed below are just some of the landmarks within the Northeast Penang Island District.
See also
*
Districts of Malaysia
Districts (Malay: '' Daerah''; ''Jajahan'' in Kelantan) are a type of administrative division below the state level in Malaysia. An administrative district is administered by a lands and district office (''pejabat daerah dan tanah'') which is ...
References
{{Districts of Malaysia
1888 establishments in British Malaya