Photo : Penang Bridge

History

It was in the 16th century that the Portuguese first discovered the island of Penang. They named her 'Pulo Pinaom', probably due to the abundance of 'pinang' or betel nut palm on the island.

The history of modern Penang can be traced back to 1786 when Francis Light officially took possession the island following negotiations with the Sultan of Kedah, and named it 'Prince of Wales Island'. According to tales, Light landed at the site of the present Esplanade and fired gold coins into the surrounding jungles to induce his men to clear the area. He also established 'Georgetown', named after the King of England, George III.

In 1800, Penang's first Lieutenant-Governor, Sir George Leith, secured Britain's first territory on the Malayan Peninsula. He named it 'Province Wellesley' after the Governor of India, Richard Marquis of Wellesley.

In 1832, Penang joined Malacca and Singapore in forming the Straits Settlement. It was chosen as the capital of Straits Settlement. Three years later, Singapore became the capital of the Straits Settlement.

For more than a century, it remained under the British Colonial rule until 1957 when it gained independence and became one of the states of the newly formed Malay Federation and later Malaysia in 1963.

Since then, Penang, also known as the 'Pearl of the Orient', developed into a contemporary metropolis with modern amenities and simple small town friendliness, offering the best of both worlds.

Economy

The Penang State Government has taken a firm decision to diversify the economy's base away from basic industries like agriculture, livestock and fishing towards more value-added resource such as manufacturing.

Penang has succeeded in restructuring its economic development. The agriculture's share of the State's GDP declined from 6.5% in 1980 to 3.3% in 1990. The share of secondary sector (construction and manufacturing) in the State's GDP increased from about 45.2% in 1980 to 48.9% in 1990. Meanwhile, the share of the mining and quarrying sectors maintained at 0.5% for 1980 and 1990.

The State's GDP increased from RM3,413 million in 1980 to RM5,794 million in 1990 - a growth of 69.8%. The Penang State Government is confident the growth of RM12,324.6 million (112.7%) will be achieved in 1998.

Geography

Penang, also known as the 'Pearl of the Orient', is located on the north west coast of Peninsula Malaysia. The State is bounded on the north and east by Kedah, to the South by Perak and to the west by the Straits of Malacca and Sumatra (Indonesia).

Penang consists of Penang Island, which covers an area of 285 sq. km, and a coastal strip of 760 sq. km on the mainland known as Seberang Perai (Province Wellesley). The island is separated from the mainland by a channel. They are linked by the 13.5 km-long Penang Bridge and a 24-hour ferry service that plies the channel.

Climate

Warm, sunny days and cool nights all year round with occasional rain in the evenings. Temperature ranges from 23°C to 33°C. Humidity usually exceeds 82.3%. Annual rainfall is 2,670 mm. Although rain falls throughout the year, September to November are generally the wettest months.