View source for Seberang Perai

{{Short description|City in the Malaysian state of Penang}}
{{good article}}
{{EngvarB|date=July 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2016}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Seberang Perai
| official_name      = City of Seberang Perai<br />{{nobold|''Bandaraya Seberang Perai''}}
| settlement_type    = [[List of cities in Malaysia|City]]
| image_skyline      = {{multiple image
| border                  = infobox
| total_width             = 300
| image_style             = border:1;
| caption_align           = center
| perrow                  = 1/2/2/2
| image1                  = Skyline of Butterworth in Seberang Perai 2025.jpg
| caption1                = Skyline of [[Butterworth, Seberang Perai|Butterworth]]
| image2                  = Penang Sentral, Seberang Perai, Penang.jpg
| caption2                = [[Penang Sentral]]
| image3                  = Port of Penang, Seberang Perai 2024.jpg
| caption3                = [[Port of Penang]]
| image4                  = Batu Kawan, Seberang Perai, Penang.jpg
| caption4                = [[Batu Kawan]] township
| image5                  = Perai Industrial Zone, Seberang Perai, Penang.jpg
| caption5                = [[Perai Free Industrial Zone]]
| image6                  = Sunway Carnival Mall, Seberang Perai.jpg
| caption6                = [[Sunway Carnival Mall]]
| image7                  = Bukit Mertajam hill.JPG
| caption7                = Bukit Mertajam Hill
}}
| image_flag         = Flag of Seberang Perai Municipal Council.png
| image_seal         = Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP - Majlis Bandaraya Seberang Perai) Logo.png
| coordinates        = {{coord|5|24|29.95|N|100|22|10.37|E|region:MY|display=inline title}}
| subdivision_type   = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name   = {{MYS}}
| subdivision_type1  = [[States and federal territories of Malaysia|State]]
| subdivision_name1  = {{flag|Penang}}
| subdivision_type2  = [[List of districts in Malaysia|Districts]]
| subdivision_name2  = [[North Seberang Perai District|North]], [[Central Seberang Perai District|Central]] and [[South Seberang Perai District|South]]
| established_title  = Founded<ref name=":22" />
| established_date   = 1800
| established_title2 = Establishment of local governments<ref name=":22" />
| established_date2  = 1913
| established_title4 = Municipality<ref name=":26" />
| established_date4  = 15 December 1976
| established_title5 = Incorporated (city)<ref name=":26" />
| established_date5  = 16 September 2019
| government_type    = [[List of local governments in Malaysia|City council]]
| governing_body     = [[Seberang Perai City Council]]
| leader_title       = Mayor<ref name=mayor>{{Cite web |title=Management group |url=https://www.mbsp.gov.my/index.php/en/hubungi-kami/pegawai-pengurusan-2 |access-date=5 Feb 2024 |website=[[Seberang Perai City Council]]}}</ref>
| leader_name        = Hj Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid
| area_magnitude     = 
| area_total_km2     = 748
| area_total_sq_mi   = 
| elevation_m        = 
| elevation_ft       = 
| population_total   = 946,092
| population_as_of   = 2020
| population_density_km2 = 1264.8
| postal_code_type   = [[Postal codes in Malaysia|Postal code]]
| postal_code        = 12xxx–14xxx
| website            = {{URL|www.mbsp.gov.my}}
| timezone           = [[Malaysian Standard Time|MST]]
| utc_offset         = +8
| timezone_DST       = Not observed
| other_name         = Province Wellesley
| pushpin_map        = Malaysia Penang Seberang Perai#Malaysia municipalities#Asia
| pushpin_mapsize    = 300
| demographics_type1 = Demographics {{nobold|(2020)}}
| demographics1_footnotes = {{my10|2020kf}}
| demographics1_title1 = Ethnic groups
| demographics1_info1 = {{tree list}}
* 49.3% [[Bumiputera (Malaysia)|Bumiputera]]
** 49.0% [[Malaysian Malays|Malay]]
** 0.3% [[Orang Asal|indigenous groups]] from [[Sabah]] and [[Sarawak]]
* 32.9% [[Penangite Chinese|Chinese]]
* 9.6% [[Malaysians of Indian descent in Penang|Indian]]
* 0.4% Other ethnicities
* 7.7% Non-citizens
{{tree list/end}}
| population_footnotes = {{my10|2020kf}}
| population_rank    = [[List of cities and towns in Malaysia by population|3rd]] in Malaysia<br/>
1st in Penang
| image_map          = {{maplink|frame=y|plain=yes|frame-align=center|frame-lat=5.35563|frame-long=100.329167|frame-width=300|zoom=9|type=point|title=Seberang Perai|marker=city|type2=shape|stroke-color=#808080|stroke-width=1|id=Q1861984}}
| subdivision_type3  = [[Mukim]]s<ref name=":mukimcensus">{{Cite journal |date=February 2024 |title=MyCensus 2020: Mukim/Town/Pekan |journal=[[Department of Statistics Malaysia]] |pages=174–175 |isbn=9789672537069}}</ref>
| subdivision_name3  = [[Butterworth, Seberang Perai|Butterworth]] and 57 subdistricts
| leader_title1      = City Secretary<ref name=mayor />
| leader_name1       = Mohd Ibrahim Md Nor
| area_code          = +604-3, +604-5
| area_code_type     = [[Telephone numbers in Malaysia#Landline area codes|Area code(s)]]
| total_type         = City
| demographics_type2 = GDP {{nobold|(2020)}}<ref name="GDPdistrict">{{Cite journal |date=Nov 2024 |title=Gross Domestic Product by Administrative District: Timur Laut, Pulau Pinang 2015–2020 |journal=[[Department of Statistics Malaysia]] |publisher=[[Department of Statistics Malaysia]] |isbn=978-967-253-792-2}}</ref>
| demographics2_title2 = [[Gross domestic product|Total]]
| demographics2_info2 = $10.836 billion
| demographics2_title3 = Per capita
| demographics2_info3 = $11,453
}}
'''Seberang Perai''' is a [[List of cities in Malaysia|city]] in the [[States and federal territories of Malaysia|Malaysian state]] of [[Penang]]. Located on the [[Malay Peninsula]] and separated from [[Penang Island]] by the [[Penang Strait]], it shares borders with [[Kedah]] to the north and east and [[Perak]] to the south. The city spans an area of {{Convert|748|km2|abbr=on}} and had a population of 946,092 {{As of|2020|lc=y}}, making it the [[List of cities and towns in Malaysia by population#Within defined boundaries|third largest city in Malaysia]].{{my10|2020kf}}<ref name=":32">{{Cite news |last=Edmund Lee |date=20 May 2019 |title=New era of development for Seberang Perai with ‘city status’ recognition |url=https://www.buletinmutiara.com/new-era-of-development-for-seberang-perai-with-city-status-recognition/ |access-date=5 Feb 2024 |work=Buletin Mutiara}}</ref>

Originally a part of [[Kedah Sultanate|Kedah]], the territory containing the city was ceded to the [[East India Company|British East India Company]] in 1800. It was named '''Province Wellesley''' and has been administered as part of Penang ever since.<ref name=":22" /><ref name="Ooi-2015" /> The territory became a centre for [[Cash crop|cash crop agriculture]], while the development of new towns such as [[Butterworth, Seberang Perai|Butterworth]] and [[Bukit Mertajam]] followed with the advent of roads and railways towards the end of the 19th century.<ref name="Ooi-2015" /><ref name=":25" />

After Malaya's independence, Seberang Perai benefitted from the development spillover from [[George Town, Penang|George Town]].<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":27" /> The [[Port of Penang]], the third busiest seaport in the country, was relocated to the municipality in 1974, bolstering its industrial-based economy that has attracted numerous [[Multinational corporation|multinational companies]].<ref name=":222">{{Cite journal |date=21 Feb 2023 |title=Table 3.5: Total Container Throughput By Ports, Malaysia, 2022 |url=https://www.mot.gov.my/my/Statistik%20Maritim/2022%204%20-%20SUKU%20IV%202022/JADUAL%203.5%20JUMLAH%20KONTENA%20YANG%20DIKENDALIKAN%20MENGIKUT%20PELABUHAN,%20MALAYSIA,%20Q4%202022.pdf |journal=[[Ministry of Transport (Malaysia)|Ministry of Transport]]}}</ref><ref name=":73" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Liew |first=Jia Teng |date=18 Nov 2021 |title=Cover Story: Why companies are flocking to Batu Kawan Industrial Park |url=https://theedgemalaysia.com/article/cover-story-why-companies-are-flocking-batu-kawan-industrial-park |access-date=5 Feb 2024 |work=[[The Edge (Malaysia)|The Edge]]}}</ref> Two road bridges were constructed to physically connect Seberang Perai with George Town, complementing an [[Penang ferry service|existing ferry service]] between the two cities.<ref name=":29" /> [[Penang Sentral]], a new [[transit-oriented development]], has strengthened Seberang Perai's role as the logistics hub of northwestern Malaysia.<ref name=":8">{{Cite journal |last=Kharas |first=Homi |date=2010 |title=Cities, people & the economy: A study on positioning Penang |url=https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/802841468331912672/pdf/578580PUB01PUB1ang1Final0BOX353782B.pdf |journal=[[World Bank]] |publisher=[[Khazanah Nasional]] |isbn=978-983-44193-3-2}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite journal |last=[[Joshua Woo Sze Zeng]] |date=9 Jul 2020 |title=Exploring a transit-oriented development (TOD) Framework for Penang’s urban growth |url=https://penanginstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Exploring-Transit-Oriented-Development-Framework-for-Penang.pdf |journal=Penang Institute |issue=7}}</ref> Following decades of rapid urbanisation and infrastructural developments, Seberang Perai was conferred city status in 2019.<ref name=":27" /><ref name=":31" />

== Etymology ==
Seberang Perai was originally named Province Wellesley after [[Richard Wellesley, 1st Marquess Wellesley|Richard Wellesley]], who was the [[Governor-General of India]] when the territory was acquired by the [[East India Company|British East India Company]] (EIC) in 1800.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Cotterell |first=Arthur |title=A History of Southeast Asia |publisher=[[Marshall Cavendish]] |year=2014 |isbn=9789814634700 |page=243}}</ref> The term "Seberang Perai" is believed to have emerged from a local expression used to refer to the northern banks of the [[Perai River]].<ref name=":19">{{Cite web |date=30 Sep 2016 |title=Seberang Perai: Stories from Across the Sea |url=https://mphonline.com/products/seberang-perai-stories-from-across-the-sea?srsltid=AfmBOopse_wiosU9cZekbFO6TShQ-Kx-kYZgzkrPeKxIUZHwGIlrnev5 |access-date=23 Oct 2024 |website=[[MPH Group]]}}</ref> After the acquisition of Province Wellesley, the river became the boundary between British-held territory to the south and [[Kedah Sultanate|Kedah]] to the north. ''Seberang'' means "the other side" in [[Malay language|Malay]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Translation of across – English–Malay dictionary |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english-malaysian/across |access-date=23 Oct 2024 |website=[[Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary]]}}</ref> The Thai word ''plāi'' ({{langx|th|ปลาย}}), meaning "the end", referred to the southern limits of Kedah, which were formed by the river.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Opalyn Mok |date=21 Jul 2017 |title=Bringing life back to the river that Perai is named after |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2017/07/21/bringing-life-back-to-the-river-that-perai-is-named-after/1425617 |access-date=14 Jan 2024 |work=[[Malay Mail]]}}</ref> 

The [[Hoklo people|Hokkiens]] referred to the northern banks of the river as ''koay kang'', which means "across the river". At the time, passengers from [[George Town, Penang|George Town]] would land at [[Perai]] and cross the river to get to [[Butterworth, Seberang Perai|Butterworth]] and the hinterland beyond. The term ''koay kang'' coincides with the Malay name Seberang Perai.<ref name=":19" />

== History ==
{{Quote box
| title = Historical affiliations
| quote = 
{{flagdeco|East India Company}} [[East India Company|British East India Company]] 1800–1858<br>
{{flagdeco|United Kingdom}} [[British Raj]] 1858–1867<br>
{{flag|Straits Settlements}} 1826–1941; 1945–1946<br>
{{flagdeco|Empire of Japan|1870}} [[Empire of Japan]] 1941–1945<br>
{{flag|Malayan Union}} 1946–1948<br>
{{flag|Malaya|name=Federation of Malaya}} 1948–1963<br>
{{flag|Malaysia}} 1963–present
| align = left
| width = 23em
| fontsize = 90%
| bgcolor = #FFE0AF
}}
=== Early history ===
Seberang Perai bears evidence of human habitation during the [[Neolithic]] era. The site of Guar Kepah, located on the southern banks of the [[Muda River]], is home to human remains found in [[Midden|shell middens]] that indicate the settlement of the area in that period.<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal |last=Shahidan |first=Shaiful |date=2 Jul 2018 |title=Tapak Guar Kepah: Bukti perkuburan masyarakat Neolitik di dalam timbunan cangkerang laut |trans-title=Guar Kepah: Evidence of Neolithic Burial in Shell Mound |url=https://jurnal.dbp.my/index.php/Melayu/article/view/3752/1360 |journal=[[Universiti Sains Malaysia]] |language=MS |volume=11 |issue=2}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Opalyn Mok |date=10 May 2019 |title=5,000-year-old ‘Penang Woman’ on display at archeological site in Guar Kepah |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2019/05/10/5000-year-old-penang-woman-on-display-at-archeological-site-in-guar-kepah/1751575 |access-date=2 Feb 2024 |work=[[Malay Mail]]}}</ref> Guar Kepah remains the only known example of coastal adaptation among Neolithic humans in Malaysia.<ref name=":2" />

Seberang Perai was once a part of the [[Bujang Valley]] civilisation.<ref name=":3">{{Cite journal |last=Sarjit Singh |first=Meljev Singh Sidhu |date=2018 |title=Building materials and structural foundations in the Bujang Valley and comparisons with four regional settlements |url=http://eprints.usm.my/48507/1/MELJEV%20SINGH%20SIDHU%20SO%20SARJIT%20SINGH_hj.pdf |journal=[[Universiti Sains Malaysia]]}}</ref> The [[Mahanavika Buddhagupta|Mahanavika Buddhagupta plaque]] and the [[Cherok Tok Kun]] [[megalith]], found at [[Bukit Mertajam]], both indicate significant [[Hinduism|Hindu]] influence at the area between the 5th and 6th centuries.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Murphy |first=Stephen |date=2017 |title=Revisiting the Bujang Valley: A Southeast Asian entrepôt complex on the maritime trade route |url=https://eprints.soas.ac.uk/34322/7/S.Murphy.Bujang.valley.23.July.2016.pdf |journal=[[Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society]] |pages=2}}</ref>

=== British rule ===
[[File:Penang.gif|left|thumb|328x328px|British acquisition and expansion of [[Penang]] (in yellow) occurred between 1786 and 1874, when the final alterations to Penang's boundaries was enacted.<ref name="nas.gov.sg">{{Cite web |last=Hill |first=Ronald David |date=23 November 1839 |others=Ms copy by Poon Puay Kee |title=Plan of Prince of Wales Island and Province Wellesley |url=http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/maps_building_plans/record-details/fbc7d2ca-115c-11e3-83d5-0050568939ad |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221016153437/https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/maps_building_plans/record-details/fbc7d2ca-115c-11e3-83d5-0050568939ad |archive-date=16 October 2022 |access-date=10 January 2024 |website=[[National Archives of Singapore]]}}</ref><ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite web |last=Moniot |first=Jules Michael |date=1860 |title=Map of Prince of Wales Island, or Pulo Penang and Province Wellesley including a Careful Survey of the South Channel |url=http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/maps_building_plans/record-details/f96da40d-115c-11e3-83d5-0050568939ad |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018071434/https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/maps_building_plans/record-details/f96da40d-115c-11e3-83d5-0050568939ad |archive-date=18 October 2022 |access-date=10 January 2024 |website=[[National Archives of Singapore]]}}</ref><ref name="ReferenceB">{{Cite web |last=Stanford |first=Edward |date=1870 |others=Revised by Major J.F.A.McNair |title=Map of Prince of Wales Island and Province Wellesley, Straits Settlements |url=http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/maps_building_plans/record-details/f97bad5c-115c-11e3-83d5-0050568939ad |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018145240/https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/maps_building_plans/record-details/f97bad5c-115c-11e3-83d5-0050568939ad |archive-date=18 October 2022 |access-date=10 January 2024 |website=[[National Archives of Singapore]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Allen |first1=J. De V. |last2=Stockwell |first2=A. J. |last3=Wright |first3=L. R. |date=1981 |others=Annotated by Aloysius Ng |title=Documents Archive – Pangkor Engagement of 1874 |url=http://www.fas.nus.edu.sg/hist/eia/documents_archive/pangkor-treaty.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161125221607/http://www.fas.nus.edu.sg/hist/eia/documents_archive/pangkor-treaty.php |archive-date=25 November 2016 |access-date=30 January 2023 |website=Empire in Asia |publisher=[[National University of Singapore]]}}</ref>]]
In 1786, [[Francis Light]] acquired [[Penang Island]] from [[Kedah Sultanate|Kedah]] in exchange for British military protection.<ref name=":03">{{Cite journal |last=Samuel Wee |first=Tien Wang |date=1992 |title=British strategic interests in the Straits of Malacca 1786–1819 |url=https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/56368037.pdf |journal=[[Simon Fraser University]]}}</ref> However, when [[Abdullah Mukarram Shah of Kedah|Sultan Abdullah Mukarram Shah]] of Kedah attempted to retake the island by force in response to the EIC's reneging on military protection, British forces launched a preemptive assault on [[Perai]]. The Kedahan forces were routed and the Sultan was forced to [[Suing for peace|sue for peace]].<ref name="Ooi-2015">{{Cite journal |last=Ooi |first=Keat Gin |date=2015 |title=Disparate Identities: Penang from a Historical Perspective, 1780–1941 |url=http://web.usm.my/km/33(Supp.2)2015/km33s22015_03.pdf |journal=Kajian Malaysia |volume=33 |issue=Supp. 2 |pages=27–52 |issn=0127-4082 |access-date=2023-03-07 |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name=":282">{{Cite book |last=Jenkins |first=Gwynn |title=Contested Space: Cultural Heritage and Identity Reconstructions: Conservation Strategies Within a Developing Asian City |publisher=LIT Verlag Münster |year=2008 |isbn=978-3-8258-1366-6 |page=32}}</ref>

In 1800, the EIC annexed a strip of the mainland from Kedah for a sum of 4,000 [[Spanish dollar]]s.<ref name=":22">{{Cite journal |last=Leng |first=Hin-Seak |date=May 1969 |title=Political leadership in a plural society: Penang in the 1960's |url=https://openresearch-repository.anu.edu.au/bitstream/1885/110685/2/b12926322_Leng_Hin-Seek.pdf |journal=[[Australian National University]]}}</ref><ref name="Ooi-2015" /><ref name=":282"/> This acquisition, negotiated by [[George Caunter]] on behalf of [[George Alexander William Leith|Lieutenant-Governor George Leith]], gave the EIC permanent sovereignty over both Penang Island and the newly acquired territory, which was named Province Wellesley after [[Governor-General of India]] [[Richard Wellesley, 1st Marquess Wellesley|Richard Wellesley]].<ref>{{cite book |author=Marcus Langdon |title=Penang: The Fourth Presidency of India. 1805–1830. Volume One: Ships, Men and Mansions |publisher=Areca Books |year=2013 |isbn=9789675719073 |pages=219, 222}}</ref> The [[Perai River]] became the international border between British and Kedah territories.<ref name=":0" />

The EIC had sought to turn the island into an agricultural outpost.<ref name=":25">{{Cite journal |last=Chan |first=Wai Yeap |title=The History of Bukit Mertajam (1800–1957): From Agrarian Town to Central Hub of Northern Malaya |url=https://www.academia.edu/25915163/The_History_of_Bukit_Mertajam_1800_1957_From_Agrarian_Town_to_Central_Hub_of_Northern_Malaya |journal=Penang Institute |via=[[Academia.edu]]}}</ref> The annexation of Province Wellesley allowed for the expansion of the [[Cash crop|cash crop industry]] from the island to the mainland. This led to the harvesting of spices and sugar, which attracted migrants from [[Qing dynasty|China]], [[British Raj|India]], [[British rule in Burma|Myanmar]] and the [[Middle East]], as well as Malay refugees from Kedah fleeing the [[Siamese invasion of Kedah|Siamese conquest of their homeland]].<ref name="Ooi-2015" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":30">{{Cite journal |last=Zhao |first=Long |date=2 December 2018 |title=The townscape evolution of historic port settlement of George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia |url=https://frsb.upm.edu.my/upload/dokumen/20181224115748artikel_09.pdf |journal=[[University of Putra Malaysia]] |volume=11}}</ref> In 1831, the EIC expanded Province Wellesley northwards, moving the international border between British and Siamese territories from the Perai River to the [[Muda River]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Mior Hamzah |first=Mior Ahmad Noor |title=Hubungan Melayu-Siam: Melihat kepada persoalan sempadan di Kedah |url=https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/12116311.pdf |journal=[[Universiti Utara Malaysia]] |language=MS |pages=42}}</ref> The territory's boundaries were further extended in 1868 and in the [[Pangkor Treaty of 1874]], effectively enlarging the British-held territory from the Muda River in the north to the [[Kerian River]] in the south.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Ahmat |first=Sharom |title=Kedah-Siam relations, 1821–1905 |url=https://thesiamsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/1971/03/JSS_059_1g_SharomAhmat_KedahSiamRelations.pdf |journal=[[Siam Society]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Aloysius Ng |title=Documents Archive – Pangkor Engagement of 1874 |url=http://www.fas.nus.edu.sg/hist/eia/documents_archive/pangkor-treaty.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161125221607/http://www.fas.nus.edu.sg/hist/eia/documents_archive/pangkor-treaty.php |archive-date=2016-11-25 |access-date=30 January 2023 |publisher=[[National University of Singapore]]}}</ref>

The development of roads and railways in the early 20th century promoted the growth of Province Wellesley's rubber industry.<ref name=":25" /> [[British Malaya|Malaya]]'s new rail lines, which ran from the Siamese border to the north to [[Singapore in the Straits Settlements|Singapore]] to the south, cut through Province Wellesley, allowing the [[Port of Penang]] to become a major tin exporter. This led to the emergence of new towns, such as [[Butterworth, Seberang Perai|Butterworth]] and [[Bukit Mertajam]], as logistics hubs. The Municipal Ordinance of 1913 resulted in the creation of three local governments within Province Wellesley {{Ndash}} the Butterworth and Bukit Mertajam town boards, and the Province Wellesley Rural Board.<ref name=":22" /><ref name=":25" /> The creation of local governments further accelerated infrastructural developments within the territory.<ref name=":25" />

=== World War II ===
[[File:Jambatan Merdeka Pillbox 01.jpg|thumb|230x230px|A British-built [[Pillbox (military)|pillbox]] along the northern frontier of Province Wellesley.|left]]
[[RMAF Butterworth Air Base|RAF Butterworth]] was opened just a few months prior to the outbreak of [[Pacific War|hostilities between Britain and Japan]] in December 1941.<ref>{{Cite journal |title=RAF Station Butterworth Malaya (1939–1957) |url=https://raafansw.org.au/docPDF/RAAF_Butterworth_Malaysia.pdf |journal=Air Force Association – New South Wales}}</ref> As Japanese troops landed in [[Kota Bharu]] and [[Songkhla]], Allied squadrons defending northern Malaya were decimated and had to retreat to RAF Butterworth by 8 December.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Farrell |first=Brian |date=2008 |title=Malayan Campaign 1941–42: Lessons for One SAF |url=https://www.mindef.gov.sg/oms/content/imindef/publications/pointer/monographs/mono6/_jcr_content/imindefPars/0005/file.res/Malayan%20Campaign.pdf |journal=[[Ministry of Defence (Singapore)]] |publisher=[[Government of Singapore]]}}</ref> The air base was subsequently attacked by Japanese bombers the following day. The [[Royal Air Force]] abandoned it on 15 December, and Penang fell to the Japanese four days later.<ref name=":24">{{Cite book |last=Barber |first=Andrew |title=Penang At War : A History of Penang During and Between the First and Second World Wars 1914–1945 |publisher=AB&B |year=2010 |isbn=9789834337230 |pages=63–117}}</ref>

During the [[Japanese occupation of Malaya|Japanese occupation]], Province Wellesley, like [[George Town, Penang|George Town]], underwent significant social upheaval. Civilians suffered harsh treatment from the Japanese, who attempted to enforce order, while living conditions worsened along with the economic situation.<ref name=":25" /> Rice farmers in Province Wellesley were encouraged to increase their yields, but the rice supply deficit proved too great to overcome.<ref name=":24" /> Despite the establishment of "pioneer farms" in the territory by Japanese administrators in 1944, food shortages persisted until the end of the war when [[Operation Jurist|British forces liberated Penang]]. Following the war's end, [[British Military Administration (Malaya)|British authorities]] swiftly undertook action to restore order in Province Wellesley, which was plagued by elements of the [[Triad (organized crime)|Chinese underworld]] and [[Malayan Communist Party|communist]] infiltrations.<ref name=":25" /><ref name=":24" />

=== Post-independence ===
In 1953, the British reorganised the local governments within the territory.<ref name=":22" /><ref name=":25" /> Five local governments {{Ndash}} one each for the municipalities of Butterworth and Bukit Mertajam, and three rural district councils {{Ndash}} were instituted.<ref name=":22" /><ref name=":37">{{Cite news |date=20 Oct 1953 |title=Plan to split rural board |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singstandard19531020-1.2.73?qt=province,%20wellesley,%20rural,%20board&q=province%20wellesley%20rural%20board |access-date=2 Feb 2024 |work=[[Singapore Tiger Standard|Singapore Standard]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=10 Dec 1952 |title=Town Councils planned |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/freepress19521210-1.2.52?qt=butterworth,%20town,%20board&q=butterworth%20town%20board |access-date=2 Feb 2024 |work=[[Singapore Free Press]]}}</ref> After [[Federation of Malaya|Malaya]] gained independence in 1957, the ruling [[Alliance Party (Malaysia)|Alliance]] coalition moved to amalgamate the local governments within Seberang Perai.<ref name=":38">{{Cite news |date=19 Apr 1960 |title=Ranchangan gabongan majlis2 tempatan |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19600419-1.2.66?qt=seberang,%20perai&q=seberang%20perai |access-date=2 Feb 2024 |work=[[BH (newspaper)|Berita Harian]] |language=MS}}</ref> In 1961, the Butterworth and Bukit Mertajam municipalities were consolidated with the North and Central Seberang Perai rural district councils, respectively.<ref name=":22" /><ref name=":39">{{Cite news |date=19 Apr 1961 |title=Province gets new district council |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitsbudget19610419-1.2.71?qt=province,%20wellesley,%20rural,%20council&q=province%20wellesley%20rural%20council |access-date=2 Feb 2024 |work=The Straits Budget}}</ref> The three remaining local governments were subsequently [[Merger (politics)|merged]] into a single municipality in 1974.<ref name=":26">{{Cite web |title=History |url=https://www.mbsp.gov.my/index.php/en/proposed-bicycle-lanes/general-info/history |access-date=2 Feb 2024 |website=[[Seberang Perai City Council]]}}</ref> Two years later, Seberang Perai was conferred municipal status and the local government was renamed the Seberang Perai Municipal Council.<ref name=":26" />

In the early 1960s, the [[Government of Penang|Penang state government]] began industrialising Seberang Perai through the establishment of the first [[industrial estates]] at [[Mak Mandin]] and [[Perai]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Chin |first=Yee Whah |date=Jul 2006 |title=Penang Small and Medium Enterprises: Struggle, Accommodation and Challenges |url=https://journalarticle.ukm.my/4294/2/akademika65%5B02%5D.pdf |journal=[[Universiti Sains Malaysia]]}}</ref> In 1974, the Port of Penang was relocated from [[George Town, Penang|George Town]] to the municipality, and in 1980, the adjacent [[Perai Free Industrial Zone]] was created to take advantage of the available maritime and rail infrastructure.<ref name=":73">{{Cite journal |last=Athukorala |first=Prema-chandra |title=Growing with Global Production Sharing: The Tale of Penang Export Hub, Malaysia |url=https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/gep/documents/conferences/2012/malaysia-conference/prema-chandra-athukorala.pdf |journal=[[Australian National University]]}}</ref><ref name="Jou-2014">{{Cite book |last=Sue-Ching Jou, Hsin-Huang Michael Hsiao |first=Natacha Aveline-Dubach |title=Globalization and New Intra-Urban Dynamics in Asian Cities |publisher=[[National Taiwan University]] |year=2014 |isbn=9789863500216 |location=[[Taipei]] |pages=187–188}}</ref> These were accompanied by a significant increase in the municipality's population, which was largely due to the spillover of development from George Town.<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":27" />

Decades of economic growth and the availability of industrial land have led to substantial investments in infrastructure, including the completions of the [[Penang Bridge]] and the [[Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge|Second Penang Bridge]] that connect the municipality with George Town.<ref name=":27">{{Cite journal |last=Samat |first=Narimah |date=22 Jul 2013 |title=Urban Expansion and its Impact on Local Communities: A Case Study of Seberang Perai, Penang, Malaysia |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/366249021_SOCIAL_SCIENCES_HUMANITIES_Urban_Expansion_and_its_Impact_on_Local_Communities_A_Case_Study_of_Seberang_Perai_Penang_Malaysia |journal=[[Universiti Sains Malaysia]] |issn=0128-7702 |via=[[ResearchGate]]}}</ref><ref name=":29">{{Cite web |title=Penang bridges |url=https://www.ice.org.uk/what-is-civil-engineering/what-do-civil-engineers-do/penang-bridges |access-date=17 Dec 2023 |website=[[Institution of Civil Engineers]]}}</ref><ref name="Hot on Singapore's heels">{{Cite news |date=3 Jul 1992 |title=Hot on Singapore's heels |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19920703-1.2.30.3?qt=province,%20wellesley,%20seberang,%20perai&q=province%20wellesley%20seberang%20perai |access-date=2 Feb 2024 |work=[[The Business Times (Singapore)|The Business Times]]}}</ref> The industrial sector has also spurred the development of newer townships within the municipality, such as [[Seberang Jaya]] and [[Batu Kawan]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tern Chern |first=Lo |date=19 Oct 2022 |title=Rise of Batu Kawan |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2022/10/19/rise-of-batu-kawan |access-date=2 Feb 2024 |work=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]]}}</ref> Seberang Perai was granted city status in 2019.<ref name=":31">{{Cite news |date=16 Sep 2019 |title=Seberang Perai gains city status |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2019/09/16/seberang-perai-gains-city-status/1791117 |access-date=2 Feb 2024 |work=[[Malay Mail]]}}</ref>

== Geography ==
Seberang Perai spans the entire mainland portion of Penang. With a total land mass of {{Convert|747.8|km2|abbr=on}}, Seberang Perai is slightly larger than [[Singapore]].{{ref|Alpha|α}}<ref name=":32" /> The terrain of the city is mostly flat and [[Alluvium|alluvial]], except for the hilly region that lays along its eastern border with Kedah.<ref name=":34">{{Cite journal |last=Abd. Rahman |first=Abdul Hadi |date=Sep 2000 |title=Coastal Sedimentation and Recent Coastline Changes Along the Seberang Perai Coast, Pulau Pinang |url=https://gsmpubl.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/agc2000_24.pdf |journal=[[University of Malaya]]}}</ref> Standing at a height of {{Convert|1787|ft|abbr=on}}, Mertajam Hill is the tallest point within Seberang Perai. The city's coast is divided into a northern sandy shoreline and a muddy, mangrove-covered southern coastline. The southern coast is geographically sheltered by [[Penang Island]], while the northern shoreline is more exposed to the [[Strait of Malacca|Malacca Strait]].<ref name=":34" />

Seberang Perai's jurisdiction also includes two offshore islets {{Ndash}} [[Aman Island|Aman]] and [[Gedung Island|Gedung]] islands.<ref name=":4">{{Cite journal |title=Draf Rancangan Tempatan Seberang Perai 2030 |url=https://www.mbsp.gov.my/images/draft_rancangan/drtsp-2030.pdf |journal=[[Seberang Perai City Council]] |language=MS}}</ref> These islets feature mudflats that connect with the mainland due to sedimentation that occurred during the construction of the [[Penang Bridge]].<ref name=":34" />

The city is demarcated by the [[Muda River]] to the north, which serves as the border between Seberang Perai and [[Kedah]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lopez |first=Leslie |date=9 Apr 2021 |title=Murky politics as two Malaysian states – Penang and Kedah – clash over water |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/murky-politics-as-two-malaysian-states-penang-and-kedah-clash-over-water |access-date=5 Feb 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]]}}</ref> To the south, the [[tripoint]] between Seberang Perai, Kedah and Perak lies within the [[Kerian River]].<ref name=":35">{{Cite news |last=Mohd Yunus |first=Zubir |date=16 Oct 2016 |title=Kerian menjadi titik sempadan Perak, Kedah, Pulau Pinang |url=https://www.bharian.com.my/bhplus-old/2016/10/202554/kerian-menjadi-titik-sempadan-perak-kedah-pulau-pinang |access-date=5 Feb 2024 |work=[[BH (newspaper)|Berita Harian]] |language=ms}}</ref> Several riverine systems flow through the city, including [[Perai River|Perai]], Juru, Jejawi and Tengah rivers.<ref name=":34" /> River pollution caused by industrial waste has been a persistent issue for decades, with the Juru, Jawi and Perai rivers classified as having average water quality (Class III) by Malaysia's Department of Environment since 2016.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dermawan |first=Audrey |date=29 May 2022 |title=The sad state of Penang rivers |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2022/05/800375/sad-state-penang-rivers |access-date=5 Feb 2024 |work=[[New Straits Times]]}}</ref>
{{Map of subdivisions in Seberang Perai}}

=== Climate ===
{{Weather box
| width = auto
| metric first = y
| single line = y
| collapsed = Y
| location = Butterworth ([[RMAF Butterworth Air Base]]) (2007–2020 normals, extremes 2015–2022)
|Jan record high C = 35.9
|Feb record high C = 37.0
|Mar record high C = 36.6
|Apr record high C = 35.0
|May record high C = 34.0
|Jun record high C = 34.8
|Jul record high C = 34.4
|Aug record high C = 34.0
|Sep record high C = 34.0
|Oct record high C = 34.3
|Nov record high C = 33.9
|Dec record high C = 36.4
|Jan record low C = 22.3
|Feb record low C = 19.8
|Mar record low C = 21.6
|Apr record low C = 22.7
|May record low C = 23.3
|Jun record low C = 22.5
|Jul record low C = 22.2
|Aug record low C = 22.1
|Sep record low C = 22.0
|Oct record low C = 22.7
|Nov record low C = 22.8
|Dec record low C = 21.6
| Jan high C = 31.6
| Feb high C = 32.1
| Mar high C = 32.2
| Apr high C = 31.9
| May high C = 31.8
| Jun high C = 31.8
| Jul high C = 31.5
| Aug high C = 31.9
| Sep high C = 31.3
| Oct high C = 31.1
| Nov high C = 30.9
| Dec high C = 31.5
|Jan mean C = 27.8
|Feb mean C = 28.1
|Mar mean C = 28.4
|Apr mean C = 28.6
|May mean C = 28.7
|Jun mean C = 28.6
|Jul mean C = 28.2
|Aug mean C = 28.1
|Sep mean C = 27.7
|Oct mean C = 27.7
|Nov mean C = 27.7
|Dec mean C = 27.7
| year mean C = 
| Jan low C = 24.0
| Feb low C = 24.1
| Mar low C = 24.8
| Apr low C = 25.3
| May low C = 25.5
| Jun low C = 25.4
| Jul low C = 24.9
| Aug low C = 24.7
| Sep low C = 24.6
| Oct low C = 24.6
| Nov low C = 24.7
| Dec low C = 24.5
| precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation mm = 96.3
| Feb precipitation mm = 83.6
| Mar precipitation mm = 100.7
| Apr precipitation mm = 183.7
| May precipitation mm = 261.0
| Jun precipitation mm = 148.9
| Jul precipitation mm = 185.9
| Aug precipitation mm = 126.3
| Sep precipitation mm = 293.4
| Oct precipitation mm = 291.9
| Nov precipitation mm = 266.3
| Dec precipitation mm = 112.9
| Jan precipitation days = 7.6
| Feb precipitation days = 6.0
| Mar precipitation days = 7.1
| Apr precipitation days = 13.4
| May precipitation days = 14.9
| Jun precipitation days = 10.0
| Jul precipitation days = 11.1
| Aug precipitation days = 12.6
| Sep precipitation days = 16.0
| Oct precipitation days = 17.3
| Nov precipitation days = 13.9
| Dec precipitation days = 10.3
|source 1 = IEM<ref>{{cite web
|url=https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/sites/monthlysum.php?network=MY__ASOS&station=WMKB
|title= [WMKB] Butterworth [1948-] Monthly Summaries
|publisher=The Iowa Environmental Mesonet
|access-date=25 December 2024}}</ref>
| source 2 = Meteomanz (precipitation 2016–2022)<ref name=Meteomanz>{{cite web
| url = http://www.meteomanz.com/sy3?l=1&cou=5010&ind=48602&y1=2016&m1=01&y2=2022&m2=12&so=000&fm=00
| title = SYNOP/BUFR observations. Data by months
| publisher = Meteomanz
| access-date = 22 March 2024}}</ref>
}}

== Governance and politics ==
=== Local government ===
{{Main|Seberang Perai City Council}}
{{multiple image
| border            = 
| perrow            = 1/1
| total_width       = 250
| image1            = Flag of Seberang Perai Municipal Council.png
| image2            = MBSP Bandar Perda (221003) (cropped).jpg
| image3            = 
| caption2          = '''Above''': Flag of the [[Seberang Perai City Council]]<br/>
'''Below''': The [[City Tower, Seberang Perai|City Tower]], the headquarters of the city government, was completed in 2005, replacing the previous administrative offices at Butterworth.<ref name=mpsp20061>{{Cite news |last=Yaacob |first=Zainulfaqar |date=25 Sep 2019 |title=Kompleks pentadbiran MBSP kini dinamakan ‘Menara Bandaraya’ |url=https://www.buletinmutiara.com/kompleks-pentadbiran-mbsp-kini-dinamakan-menara-bandaraya/ |access-date=8 Feb 2024 |work=Buletin Mutiara |language=MS}}</ref><ref name=mpsp20062>{{Cite news |last=Goh |first=Ban Lee |date=25 Feb 2019 |title=Butterworth set to soar |url=https://thesun.my/opinion_news/butterworth-set-to-soar-CL591477 |access-date=8 Feb 2024 |work=[[The Sun (Malaysia)|The Sun]]}}</ref><ref name=mpsp20063>{{Cite news |last=Yeng |first=Ai Chun |date=22 Nov 2008 |title=Former MPSP building up for sale |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2008/11/22/former-mpsp-building-up-for-sale |access-date=8 Feb 2024 |work=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]]}}</ref>
| align             = left
}}

Throughout the 19th century, Province Wellesley was administered from [[George Town, Penang|George Town]] without any local governance structure in place.<ref name=":25" /> This changed in 1913 when the Municipal Ordinance came into effect, mandating the establishment of local governments in Province Wellesley.<ref name=":22" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=5 Jun 1913 |title=First batch of commissioners appointed: Singapore bodies to be consulted |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitsbudget19130605-1.2.53?qt=province,%20wellesley,%20rural,%20board&q=Province%20Wellesley%20rural%20board |access-date=8 Feb 2024 |work=The Straits Budget |page=12}}</ref> Three local governments were created, namely the town boards for [[Butterworth, Seberang Perai|Butterworth]] and [[Bukit Mertajam]], and the Province Wellesley Rural Board, which administered the rest of the territory.<ref name=":22" />

The [[Seberang Perai City Council]] (MBSP) was formed following several reorganisations throughout the 20th century. In 1953, the Province Wellesley Rural Board was split into three rural district councils for the [[North Seberang Perai District|Northern]], [[Central Seberang Perai District|Central]] and [[South Seberang Perai District|Southern]] districts.<ref name=":22" /><ref name=":37" /> After Malaya's independence, the local governments were gradually amalgamated by the then [[Alliance Party (Malaysia)|Alliance]]-controlled [[Government of Penang|state government]]. The Butterworth and Bukit Mertajam municipal governments were [[Merger (politics)|merged]] with the North and Central Seberang Perai rural district councils, respectively, in 1961.<ref name=":22" /><ref name=":39" /> The three remaining district councils were consolidated into a single municipality in 1974.<ref name=":26" /> As a municipality, Seberang Perai was conferred municipal status in 1976 and city status in 2019.<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":31" />

One of the two city governments in Penang, MBSP is led by a mayor, assisted by a secretary and 24 councillors who perform oversight responsibilities over 18 departments.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 Oct 2021 |title=Struktur Pentadbiran |url=https://www.mbsp.gov.my/index.php/ms/mengenai-mpsp/maklumat-am/carta-organisasi |access-date=8 Feb 2024 |website=[[Seberang Perai City Council]] |language=MS}}</ref> The Penang state government appoints the mayor and councillors, with the councillors serving under an extendable one-year term.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Background |url=https://www.mbpp.gov.my/en/corporate/background |access-date=30 December 2023 |website=[[Penang Island City Council]]}}</ref> Local government elections were put in place in 1961, but were suspended due to the [[Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation]] and have not been reinstated since.<ref>{{Cite news |date=31 May 1961 |title=Alliance sweeps in |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitsbudget19610531-1.2.35?qt=election,%20province,%20wellesley&q=election%20province%20wellesley |access-date=8 Feb 2024 |work=The Straits Budget |pages=9}}</ref><ref name=":36">{{Cite web |last=Abdullah |first=Saifuddin |title=George Town: Malaysia's First Local Democracy |url=https://penanginstitute.org/happenings/in-the-mass-media/913-george-town-malaysia-s-first-local-democracy/ |access-date=19 December 2023 |website=Penang Institute}}</ref> {{As of|2024|June}}, the mayor of Seberang Perai is Hj Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid.<ref name=":42">{{Cite news |last=Edmund Lee |date=26 Jun 2024 |title=New mayor for MBSP |url=https://www.buletinmutiara.com/new-mayor-for-mbsp/#:~:text=THE%20Seberang%20Perai%20City%20Council,effective%20June%2024%20this%20year. |access-date=31 Jul 2024 |work=Buletin Mutiara}}</ref> The [[City Tower, Seberang Perai|City Tower]], located at [[Bukit Tengah]], serves as the city council's headquarters.<ref name="mpsp20061" />

MBSP's current [[urban planning]] strategy is outlined in the ''Seberang Perai Local Plan 2030'', first published in 2021.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Akmal |first=Riadz |date=9 Jul 2021 |title=Impressive feedback for proposed 2030 Seberang Perai planning blueprint |url=https://www.buletinmutiara.com/impressive-feedback-for-proposed-2030-seberang-perai-planning-blueprint/ |access-date=8 Feb 2024 |work=Buletin Mutiara}}</ref> In 2025, MBSP projected its estimated revenue at RM367.3 million and an estimated expenditure of RM416.1 million, which included allocations for environment, public safety and infrastructure.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Akmal |first=Riadz |date=4 Oct 2024 |title=10 Core Priorities for 2025 MBSP Budget |url=https://www.buletinmutiara.com/10-core-priorities-for-2025-mbsp-budget/ |access-date=3 Nov 2024 |work=Buletin Mutiara}}</ref>{{ref|Beta|β}}

=== State and national representation ===
[[File:Map of Seberang Perai by ethnic proportions 2020.svg|left|thumb|Distribution of ethnic {{legend inline|#ff0000|size=80%}} Chinese and {{legend inline|#00b050|size=80%}} Malays in Seberang Perai, derived from the 2020 Malaysian census.<ref name=":mukimcensus" />]]
{{See also|List of electoral districts in Penang}}
Seberang Perai is represented by [[List of Malaysian electoral districts#Penang|seven Members of Parliament]] and [[List of electoral districts in Penang#George Town|21 state constituencies]].<ref name=":52">{{Cite journal |last=Hutchinson |first=Francis |date=23 November 2023 |title=The August Poll in Penang: A Perspective on Pakatan, its Partners and its Prospects |url=https://www.iseas.edu.sg/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ISEAS_Perspective_2023_93.pdf |journal=[[ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute]]}}</ref> Prior to 2023, state elections had been conducted simultaneously with [[Elections in Malaysia|nationwide general elections]] every five years. {{As of|2023}}, [[Malaysian Malays|ethnic Malays]] formed the majority in 11 of the 21 state constituencies, especially in the [[North Seberang Perai District|city's north]].<ref name=":52" /> On the other hand, non-Malays were largely clustered in urban constituencies such as at [[Butterworth, Seberang Perai|Butterworth]], [[Perai]], [[Bukit Mertajam]] and [[Batu Kawan]], as well as many of the coastal areas in the [[South Seberang Perai District|south]]. In the [[2023 Penang state election|2023 state election]], the [[Pakatan Harapan]]-[[Barisan Nasional]] alliance retained 12 of Seberang Perai's constituencies, whereas the [[Far-right politics|far-right]] [[Perikatan Nasional]] opposition bloc won nine Malay-majority seats across swathes of the north and southeast.<ref name=":52" />

'''Parliamentary constituencies<ref name=":52" />'''
{{Div col|colwidth=15em}}
*[[Kepala Batas (federal constituency)|Kepala Batas]]
*[[Tasek Gelugor (federal constituency)|Tasek Gelugor]]
*[[Bagan (federal constituency)|Bagan]]
*[[Permatang Pauh (federal constituency)|Permatang Pauh]]
*[[Bukit Mertajam (federal constituency)|Bukit Mertajam]]
*[[Batu Kawan (federal constituency)|Batu Kawan]]
*[[Nibong Tebal (federal constituency)|Nibong Tebal]]{{Div col end}}

'''State constituencies<ref name=":52" />'''
{{Div col|colwidth=10em}}
*[[Penaga]]
*[[Bertam]]
*[[Pinang Tunggal (state constituency)|Pinang Tunggal]]
*[[Permatang Berangan]]
*[[Sungai Dua (state constituency)|Sungai Dua]]
*[[Telok Ayer Tawar]]
*[[Sungai Puyu]]
*[[Bagan Jermal (state constituency)|Bagan Jermal]]
*[[Bagan Dalam (state constituency)|Bagan Dalam]]
*[[Seberang Jaya (state constituency)|Seberang Jaya]]
*[[Permatang Pasir (state constituency)|Permatang Pasir]]
*[[Penanti (state constituency)|Penanti]]
*[[Berapit]]
*[[Machang Bubuk (state constituency)|Machang Bubuk]]
*[[Padang Lalang (state constituency)|Padang Lalang]]
*[[Perai (state constituency)|Perai]]
*[[Bukit Tengah (state constituency)|Bukit Tengah]]
*[[Bukit Tambun (state constituency)|Bukit Tambun]]
*[[Jawi (state constituency)|Jawi]]
*[[Sungai Bakap (state constituency)|Sungai Bakap]]
*[[Sungai Acheh (state constituency)|Sungai Acheh]]{{Div col end}}

=== Judiciary ===
Seberang Perai has a judicial system that consists of the magistrate and sessions courts. Each of the city's three districts is served by these courts. The [[North Seberang Perai District|north district]] cases are under the jurisdiction of the Butterworth Magistrates Court, while the [[Central Seberang Perai District|central district]] cases are presided over by the Bukit Mertajam Magistrates Court.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 January 2018 |title=Court Directory |url=http://penangbar.org/court-directory/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161203002653/http://penangbar.org/court-directory/ |archive-date=3 December 2016 |access-date=22 June 2018 |website=penangbar.org |publisher=Penang Bar Committee}}</ref> The [[South Seberang Perai District|south district]] cases are handled by the Jawi Magistrates Court. The [[Royal Malaysia Police]] is responsible for law enforcement within Seberang Perai, maintaining a total of 20 police stations throughout the city {{As of|2022|lc=y}}.<ref name=":11">{{Cite journal |date=Nov 2023 |title=My Local Stats Seberang Perai Utara Pulau Pinang 2022 |journal=[[Department of Statistics Malaysia]] |issn=2735-2498}}</ref><ref name=":12">{{Cite journal |date=Nov 2023 |title=My Local Stats Seberang Perai Tengah Pulau Pinang 2022 |journal=[[Department of Statistics Malaysia]]}}</ref><ref name=":13">{{Cite journal |date=Nov 2023 |title=My Local Stats Seberang Perai Selatan Pulau Pinang 2022 |journal=[[Department of Statistics Malaysia]] |issn=2735-251X}}</ref>

== Demographics ==
{{Historical populations|9=1921|10=130341|11=1931|12=141388|13=1947|14=183616|15=1957|16=233234|17=1970|18=343010|19=1980|20=432982|21=1991|22=545688|23=2000|24=655711|25=2010|26=818197|27=2020|28=946092|shading=off|source={{my10|2020kf}}<ref>{{Cite journal |last=A. Vlieland |first=C. |date=1932 |title=British Malaya: A report on the 1931 census and on certain problems of vital statistics |url=https://statsdigital.stats.gov.my/Penerbitan/penerbitan/view?id=5bc68d0dd5bc73855e4aae5b |journal=[[Straits Settlements]] |pages=129 |via=[[Department of Statistics Malaysia]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=V. Del Tufo |first=M. |title=Malaya: A report on the 1947 census of population |url=https://statsdigital.stats.gov.my/Penerbitan/penerbitan/view?id=5bc68d0dd5bc73855e4aae5a |journal=[[Federation of Malaya]] |pages=136 |via=[[Department of Statistics Malaysia]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |date=11 Jul 1959 |title=1957 population census report no. 3: State of Penang |url=https://statsdigital.stats.gov.my/Penerbitan/penerbitan/view?id=5bc68d0dd5bc73855e4aae22 |journal=Department of Statistics, Federation of Malaya |location=[[Kuala Lumpur]] |pages=4–6 |via=[[Department of Statistics Malaysia]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Chander |first=R. |title=1970 population and housing census of Malaysia |url=https://statsdigital.stats.gov.my/Penerbitan/penerbitan/view?id=5cbbea4ee72b5b1a3e3e5930 |journal=[[Department of Statistics Malaysia]] |location=[[Kuala Lumpur]] |pages=53–54}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Khoo |first=Teik Huat |date=Jun 1984 |title=1980 population and housing census of Malaysia: Population report for administrative districts |url=https://statsdigital.stats.gov.my/Penerbitan/penerbitan/view?id=5bc68d0dd5bc73855e4aae0c |journal=[[Department of Statistics Malaysia]] |location=[[Kuala Lumpur]] |pages=123–129}}</ref><ref name=census1991>{{Cite journal |last=Khoo |first=Soo Gim |date=Feb 1995 |title=Population and housing census of Malaysia 1991: General report of the population census |url=https://statsdigital.stats.gov.my/Penerbitan/penerbitan/view?id=5bc68d0dd5bc73855e4aadf4 |journal=[[Department of Statistics Malaysia]] |location=[[Kuala Lumpur]] |volume=2 |pages=25 |issn=1394-3642}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Abdul Rahman |first=Shaari |date=Sep 2004 |title=Population and housing census of Malaysia 2000: Census atlas |url=https://statsdigital.stats.gov.my/Penerbitan/penerbitan/view?id=5bc68d0dd5bc73855e4aae10 |journal=[[Department of Statistics Malaysia]] |location=[[Putrajaya]] |pages=79 |issn=1394-6250}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |date=May 2012 |title=Population and housing census of Malaysia: Population profile by parliament and state legislative assembly areas 2010 |url=https://statsdigital.stats.gov.my/Penerbitan/penerbitan/view?id=5bc68d0dd5bc73855e4aae2e |journal=[[Department of Statistics Malaysia]] |location=[[Putrajaya]] |pages=17–19}}</ref>|align=left}}{{Bar box|title=Ethnicities of Seberang Perai in 2020{{my10|2020kf}}|left1=Ethnicities / Nationality|right1=Percentage|float=left|bars={{Bar percent|[[Malaysian Malays|Malays]]|Green|49.0}}{{Bar percent|[[Orang Asal|Other Bumiputeras]]|Teal|0.3}}{{Bar percent|[[Penangite Chinese|Chinese]]|Red|32.9}}{{Bar percent|[[Malaysians of Indian descent in Penang|Indians]]|Orange|9.6}} {{Bar percent|Others|DarkGray|0.4}}{{Bar percent|Non-Malaysians|Purple|7.7}}}}According to the 2020 Malaysian census, Seberang Perai had a population of 946,092 within its jurisdiction of {{convert|748|km2|abbr=on}}, giving it a population density of {{convert|1264.8|/km2|abbr=on}}.{{my10|2020kf}} This also makes Seberang Perai the [[List of cities and towns in Malaysia by population#Within defined boundaries|third largest city by population in Malaysia]] after [[Kuala Lumpur]] and [[Kajang]]. Seberang Perai is also the most populous settlement within the [[George Town Conurbation]], containing over 54.3% of Penang's population. The city centre of [[Butterworth, Seberang Perai|Butterworth]] recorded a population of 80,378, or approximately 8.5% of the total population of Seberang Perai.<ref name=":mukimcensus" />

In the decades following Malaya's independence, Seberang Perai's population grew rapidly due to the spillover of development from [[George Town, Penang|George Town]].<ref name=":7">{{Cite journal |last=Hasni |first=Rosmiyati |date=2015 |title=Predicting Seberang Perai housing land pattern in 2017 |url=http://eprints.usm.my/35129/1/PPIK30.pdf |journal=[[Universiti Sains Malaysia]]}}</ref> Between 1975 and 1990, suburban sprawl became more pronounced within the [[North Seberang Perai District|northern]] and [[Central Seberang Perai District|central]] districts of the city.<ref>{{Cite journal |title=City scan Penang, Malaysia: City resilience program |url=https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/303601599804400672/pdf/City-Scan-Penang-Malaysia-City-Resilience-Program.pdf |journal=[[World Bank]]}}</ref> By 1991, Seberang Perai's population outstripped that of [[Penang Island]] for the first time in the state's history.{{ref|Gamma|γ}}

=== Ethnicities ===
{{As of|2020}}, [[Malaysian Malays|Malays]] accounted for 49% of Seberang Perai's population and were the majority ethnic group in the [[North Seberang Perai District|northern part of the city]].{{my10|2020kf}} [[Penangite Chinese|Ethnic Chinese]] constituted a significant proportion of the city's population at nearly 33%, followed by the [[Malaysians of Indian descent in Penang|Indians]] at almost 10%. During the British colonial era, agriculture promoted significant immigration from China and India, resulting in sizable non-Malay populations within the [[Central Seberang Perai District|central]] and [[South Seberang Perai District|southern]] districts of the city.<ref name="Ooi-2015" /><ref name=":25" />{{my10|2020kf}} In particular, Chinese comprised the majority at areas such as Butterworth, [[Bukit Mertajam]] and [[Nibong Tebal]].<ref name=":mukimcensus" />

==Economy==
{{Pie chart|caption=Economic sectors in Seberang Perai by GDP share (2020)<ref name="GDPdistrict" />|label1=Services|label2=Manufacturing|value1=46.8|value2=46.0|thumb=right|color1=red|color2=green|value3=4.0|value4=2.2|value5=0.3|label3=Agriculture|label4=Construction|label5=Mining|color3=yellow|color4=blue|color5=orange}}
Formerly regarded as a "poor cousin" to [[George Town, Penang|George Town]], Seberang Perai has undergone significant transformation in the decades following Malaya's independence.<ref name=":27" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Rena Lim |date=10 Nov 2018 |title=Mainland holds Penang’s future |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2018/11/10/mainland-holds-penangs-future-state-government-keen-on-seeing-more-industrial-growth-in-seberang-pra |access-date=5 Feb 2024 |work=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Goh |first=Ban Lee |date=7 Oct 2019 |title=Seberang Perai comes of age |url=https://thesun.my/opinion_news/seberang-perai-comes-of-age-JB1452487 |access-date=5 Feb 2024 |work=[[The Sun (Malaysia)|The Sun]]}}</ref> The [[Government of Penang|Penang state government]] has been actively promoting a policy of balanced development between the two cities, and Seberang Perai has been positioned as the "future of Penang".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Susan Loone |date=29 Aug 2018 |title=Penang CM rolls out vision, says state's future is in Seberang Prai |url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/440871 |access-date=10 Feb 2024 |work=[[Malaysiakini]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Akmal |first=Riadz |date=4 May 2023 |title=Penang govt intensifies efforts for balanced development in Seberang Perai and Penang island |url=https://www.buletinmutiara.com/penang-govt-intensifies-efforts-for-balanced-development-in-seberang-perai-and-penang-island/ |access-date=10 Feb 2023 |work=Buletin Mutiara}}</ref> In 2021, "Penang Bay", an initiative aimed at promoting sustainable development, urban regeneration and creative economy between [[Central George Town, Penang|downtown George Town]] and [[Butterworth, Seberang Perai|Butterworth]], was officially announced.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Christopher Tan |date=9 Mar 2021 |title=Penang Bay – A potential SDG City Zone to unlock opportunities |url=https://www.buletinmutiara.com/penang-bay-a-potential-sdg-city-zone-to-unlock-opportunities/ |access-date=11 Feb 2024 |work=Buletin Mutiara}}</ref>

With significant industrialisation since the 1970s, the city has been designated a "growth centre" within the [[George Town Conurbation]].<ref name=":25" /><ref name=":27" /> Nine of Penang's industrial clusters are located in the city, which has emerged as a significant recipient of [[foreign direct investment]] (FDI) and the [[List of Malaysian states and municipalities by exports#Exports by city and municipality|seventh largest exporter in Malaysia]].<ref name=":5">{{Cite news |date=28 Jun 2021 |title=No more industrial land in Seberang Perai, says exco man |url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2021/06/28/no-more-industrial-land-in-seberang-perai-says-exco-man/ |access-date=10 Feb 2024 |work=[[Free Malaysia Today]]}}</ref><ref name=":06">{{Cite journal |date=July 2023 |title=Final External Trade Statistics 2023 |journal=[[Department of Statistics Malaysia]] |pages=89 |issn=2180-1827}}</ref> The development of newer townships has also driven [[Economic diversity|economic diversification]], with a growing services sector concentrated around retail and tourism.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Filmer |first=Andrea |date=Mar 2019 |title=Batu Kawan Rising |url=https://penangmonthly.com/article/15488/batu-kawan-rising-1 |access-date=10 Feb 2024 |website=Penang Monthly |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=20 May 2022 |title=Batu Kawan becomes hotspot for new retail |url=https://www.thevibes.com/index.php/articles/business/61280/batu-kawan-becomes-hotspot-for-new-retail |access-date=10 Feb 2024 |work=The Vibes}}</ref><ref name=":232">{{Cite journal |date=May 2021 |title=Penang Tourism Master Plan 2021–2030 |url=https://gtwhi.com.my/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Penang-Tourism-Master-Plan-2021-2030-Report.pdf |journal=[[Government of Penang|Penang state government]] |isbn=9789671966105}}</ref>

In 2020, Seberang Perai's [[Gross domestic product|GDP]] was worth RM45.149 billion (US$10.836 billion), accounting for about 46.5% of Penang's total GDP. The economy of Seberang Perai is primarily driven by the services and manufacturing sectors, which together contributed nearly 93% of the city's GDP that year.<ref name="GDPdistrict" />

=== Manufacturing ===
[[File:View of Butterworth from George Town 2025.jpg|left|thumb|Plans are in progress for [[economic integration]] between [[Butterworth, Seberang Perai|Butterworth]] (background) and [[Central George Town, Penang|downtown George Town]] (foreground) as part of the "Penang Bay" initiative.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Edmund Lee |date=6 February 2020 |title=State to seek ideas and funds for Penang Bay project |url=https://www.buletinmutiara.com/state-to-seek-ideas-and-funds-for-penang-bay-project/ |access-date=5 May 2025 |work=Buletin Mutiara}}</ref>]]
The first industrial estates in Penang were established in the 1960s at [[Mak Mandin]] and [[Perai]] during the tenure of the state's first [[Chief Minister of Penang|Chief Minister]] [[Wong Pow Nee]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Chin |first=Yee Whah |date=Jul 2006 |title=Penang Small and Medium Enterprises: Struggle, Accommodation and Challenges |url=https://journalarticle.ukm.my/4294/2/akademika65%5B02%5D.pdf |journal=[[Universiti Sains Malaysia]]}}</ref> However, these early efforts at industrialisation were limited to [[Import substitution industrialization|import substitution]].<ref name=":732">{{Cite journal |last=Athukorala |first=Prema-chandra |title=Growing with Global Production Sharing: The Tale of Penang Export Hub, Malaysia |url=https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/gep/documents/conferences/2012/malaysia-conference/prema-chandra-athukorala.pdf |journal=[[Australian National University]]}}</ref> After the revocation of George Town's free port status and the fall of the [[Alliance Party (Malaysia)|Alliance]]-led state government in [[1969 Malaysian general election|1969]], newly elected Chief Minister [[Lim Chong Eu]] sought to restructure Penang's economy.<ref name=":732" /><ref name="Ooi-2009">{{Cite web |last=Ooi |first=Kee Beng |date=December 2009 |title=Tun Lim Chong Eu: The Past is Not Passé |url=http://penangmonthly.com/article.aspx?pageid=7680&name=tun_lim_chong_eu_the_past_is_not_pass |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808051103/https://penangmonthly.com/article.aspx?pageid=7680&name=tun_lim_chong_eu_the_past_is_not_pass |archive-date=8 August 2020 |access-date=2017-11-30 |website=Penang Monthly}}</ref> The Nathan Report of 1970, produced by [[Robert R. Nathan|Robert R. Nathan Associates]], proposed an export-led growth strategy and the strengthening of linkages with the global economy.<ref name=":732" /> In 1980, the [[Perai Free Industrial Zone]] was created with the aim of becoming a significant manufacturing hub for bulk items, taking advantage of its proximity to the [[Port of Penang]] and the [[KTM West Coast railway line|railway line that connects it to the rest of western Peninsular Malaysia]].<ref name=":732" /><ref name="Nijkamp">{{Cite book |last=Peter Nijkamp |first=Amitrajeet A. Batabyal |title=Regional Growth and Sustainable Development in Asia |publisher=Springer |year=2016 |isbn=9783319275895 |page=245}}</ref>

Seberang Perai is now home to nine of Penang's industrial clusters {{Ndash}} namely at Mak Mandin, Perai, [[Seberang Jaya]], [[Bukit Tengah]], [[Bukit Minyak]], [[Simpang Ampat, Seberang Perai|Simpang Ampat]] and [[Batu Kawan]].<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Christopher Tan |date=3 Apr 2021 |title=Penang strives to drive industry forward |url=https://www.buletinmutiara.com/penang-strives-to-drive-industry-forward/ |access-date=10 Feb 2024 |work=Buletin Mutiara}}</ref> The availability of industrial land has attracted several local and [[Multinational corporation|multinational companies]] (MNCs), such as [[Mattel]], [[Flex (company)|Flex]], [[Sanmina Corporation|Sanmina]], [[JinkoSolar]], [[Honeywell]] and [[Lam Research]].<ref name="Hot on Singapore's heels"/><ref>{{Cite web |title=Manufacturing Companies In Perai, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia |url=https://www.dnb.com/business-directory/company-information.manufacturing.my.pulau_pinang.perai.html |access-date=31 Jan 2024 |website=[[Dun & Bradstreet]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Rafee |first=Hannah |date=20 Mar 2020 |title=Steady climb in Penang industrial segment |url=https://theedgemalaysia.com/article/steady-climb-penang-industrial-segment |access-date=10 Feb 2024 |work=[[The Edge (Malaysia)|The Edge]]}}</ref> In 2022, Seberang Perai received investments worth nearly RM10.9 billion, which accounted for 79% of Penang's total inbound investments that year.<ref name="Stats-Malaysia-2018">{{Cite journal |date=August 2023 |title=Laporan Sosioekonomi Negeri Pulau Pinang 2022 |url= |journal=[[Department of Statistics Malaysia]] |issn=2600-9854}}</ref> Within the same year, RM65.7 billion worth of exports passed through the Port of Penang, making Seberang Perai the [[List of Malaysian states and municipalities by exports#Exports by city and municipality|seventh largest exporter among Malaysian cities]].<ref name=":06" />

=== Services ===
[[File:Design Village, Batu Kawan, Penang.jpg|left|thumb|Opened in 2016, [[Design Village]] at [[Batu Kawan]] houses 150 stores within a {{Convert|400000|sqft|abbr=on|adj=on}} [[Floor area|net lettable area]].<ref name=":9">{{Cite news |last=Dermawan |first=Audrey |date=24 Aug 2017 |title=Design Village Penang aims to draw in some 2.5 million visitors this year |url=https://www.nst.com.my/business/2017/08/272123/design-village-penang-aims-draw-some-25-million-visitors-year |access-date=10 Feb 2024 |work=[[New Straits Times]]}}</ref>]]The development of newer townships, namely [[Seberang Jaya]] and [[Batu Kawan]], has given rise to a thriving retail sector, attracting major players such as [[Sunway Group]] and [[IKEA]], respectively.<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=19 Mar 2019 |title=Higher FY20, FY21 profits seen for Sunway REIT |url=https://theedgemalaysia.com/article/higher-fy20-fy21-profits-seen-sunway-reit |access-date=10 Feb 2024 |work=[[The Edge (Malaysia)|The Edge]]}}</ref> In 2016, [[Design Village]], Penang's first premium [[Outlet store|outlet mall]], was launched, further enhancing Batu Kawan as a retail destination.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":9" />

The Penang state government has undertaken initiatives to promote [[agritourism]] and [[ecotourism]] in Seberang Perai.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Vimal |first=Kevin |date=11 Apr 2022 |title=Seberang Perai set to become the next big thing in tourism |url=https://www.buletinmutiara.com/seberang-perai-set-to-become-the-next-big-thing-in-tourism/ |access-date=10 Feb 2024 |work=Buletin Mutiara}}</ref> The Penang Tourism Master Plan, formulated in 2021, identified the city's agricultural sector, as well as natural features like mangroves, mudflats and waterways, as having untapped tourism potential.<ref name=":233">{{Cite journal |title=Penang Tourism Master Plan 2021–2030 |url=https://gtwhi.com.my/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Penang-Tourism-Master-Plan-2021-2030-Report.pdf |journal=[[Government of Penang|Penang state government]] |isbn=9789671966105}}</ref>

Seberang Perai has historically been the logistical hub of Penang, serving as a termini for rail and [[Penang ferry service|ferry]] services. The relocation of the [[Port of Penang]] to the city in 1974 facilitated the development of new container services.<ref name="Jou-2014" /><ref name=":14">{{Cite news |last=Yusof |first=Ayisy |date=8 Feb 2021 |title=Penang Port's NBCT gazetted as a free commercial zone |url=https://www.nst.com.my/business/2021/02/664209/penang-ports-nbct-gazetted-free-commercial-zone |access-date=10 Feb 2024 |work=[[New Straits Times]]}}</ref> In 2022, the seaport handled close to 1.32 million [[Twenty-foot equivalent unit|TEUs]] of cargo, the third highest in Malaysia.<ref name="Stats-Malaysia-2018" /><ref name=":223">{{Cite journal |date=21 Feb 2023 |title=Table 3.5: Total Container Throughput By Ports, Malaysia, 2022 |url=https://www.mot.gov.my/my/Statistik%20Maritim/2022%204%20-%20SUKU%20IV%202022/JADUAL%203.5%20JUMLAH%20KONTENA%20YANG%20DIKENDALIKAN%20MENGIKUT%20PELABUHAN,%20MALAYSIA,%20Q4%202022.pdf |journal=[[Ministry of Transport (Malaysia)|Ministry of Transport]]}}</ref> The logistical role of Seberang Perai is further complemented by [[Penang Sentral]], a [[transit-oriented development]] (TOD) at [[Butterworth, Seberang Perai|Butterworth]].<ref name=":1" />

=== Agriculture ===
Known as the "rice bowl" of Penang, Seberang Perai has a long history of agriculture.<ref name=":25" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Stephanie Kee |first= |date=Jan 2018 |title=Penang – A Rice Bowl State under Threat? |url=https://penangmonthly.com/article/9947/penang-a-rice-bowl-state-under-threat-1 |access-date=10 Feb 2024 |website=Penang Monthly |language=en}}</ref> During British rule, spice, sugar and rubber were some of the major crops in the territory. Post-independence, the focus has shifted to rice, palm oil and coconut cultivation.<ref name=":27" /> {{As of|2017}}, agriculture made up nearly 44% of Seberang Perai's land use.<ref name=":4" /> The city had approximately {{Convert|12472|acre|abbr=on}} of paddy fields {{As of|2008|lc=y}}, mainly located in the [[North Seberang Perai District|north]].<ref name=":27" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Opalyn Mok |date=23 Feb 2017 |title=Spurring the local economy in Seberang Perai through agro-industry |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2017/02/23/spurring-the-local-economy-in-seberang-perai-through-agro-industry/1321439 |access-date=10 Feb 2024 |work=[[Malay Mail]]}}</ref> Despite limited land availability, Penang has consistently recorded the highest average rice yield in Malaysia since 2018, with a total yield of RM190.8 million in 2022.<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 Nov 2023 |title=Penang's average rice production highest in country for six straight years |url=https://thesun.my/local_news/penang-s-average-rice-production-highest-in-country-for-six-straight-years-NP11782483 |access-date=10 Feb 2024 |work=[[The Sun (Malaysia)|The Sun]]}}</ref>

== Culture ==
[[File:Container art at Butterworth, Seberang Perai 2024.jpg|left|thumb|267x267px|A container art installation at [[Butterworth, Seberang Perai|Butterworth]], created in 2020.<ref name=":10">{{Cite news |last=Rachel Yeoh |date=24 May 2022 |title=Bandar Cassia dubbed Penang’s new art city |url=https://www.thevibes.com/index.php/articles/news/61545/bandar-cassia-dubbed-penangs-new-art-city |access-date=11 Feb 2024 |work=The Vibes}}</ref>]]
Seberang Perai's ethnic diversity has given rise to a variety of cultural celebrations throughout the year. [[Chinese New Year]] is celebrated at Chinese-majority areas such as [[Butterworth, Seberang Perai|Butterworth]], where public events and decorated streets are a common sight during the annual festivities.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hilmy |first=Imran |date=10 Jan 2023 |title=‘Painting’ Seberang Prai town red |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/01/10/painting-seberang-prai-town-red |access-date=11 Feb 2024 |work=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]]}}</ref> The [[Minor Basilica of St. Anne]] at [[Bukit Mertajam]] plays host to the annual [[Novena|Novena feast]], which draws thousands of pilgrims from abroad.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sharma |first=M. Sivanantha |date=31 Jul 2022 |title=Over 30,000 attend St Anne's Feast celebrations in Penang |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/07/31/over-30000-attend-st-anne039s-fest-celebrations-in-penang |access-date=11 Feb 2024 |work=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]]}}</ref> The 'Street of Harmony' at [[Seberang Jaya]] has nine places of worship, each representing a different faith, and is a tribute to religious diversity within the township.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Vimal |first=Kevin |date=16 Sep 2022 |title=Never let differences separate us, says CM Chow |url=https://www.buletinmutiara.com/never-let-differences-separate-us-says-cm-chow/ |access-date=11 Feb 2024 |work=Buletin Mutiara}}</ref>

As part of [[urban renewal]] efforts, several locations at Butterworth have been adorned with [[street art]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Opalyn Mok |date=2 Feb 2017 |title=A Butterworth art scene? It’s already here |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2017/02/02/a-butterworth-art-scene-its-already-here/1305595 |access-date=11 Feb 2024 |work=[[Malay Mail]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Lo |first=Tern Chern |date=16 Feb 2017 |title=Butterworth Art Walk in alley aimed at getting visitors to stop and ponder |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/community/2017/02/16/towns-history-on-the-walls-butterworth-art-walk-in-alley-aimed-at-getting-visitors-to-stop-and-ponde/ |access-date=11 Feb 2024 |work=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]]}}</ref> Additionally, container art pieces showcasing the identities of Penang's local communities have also been installed at Butterworth and [[Batu Kawan]].<ref name=":10" /> In recent years, Seberang Perai has emerged as a venue for newly introduced events that celebrate the city's culture and nascent arts scene, such as the Butterworth Fringe Festival and the Penang International Paddy Festival.<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 Dec 2023 |title=Butterworth Fringe Festival draws 30,000 with local and international cultural acts |url=https://thesun.my/local_news/butterworth-fringe-festival-draws-30000-with-local-and-international-cultural-acts-GI11912235 |access-date=11 Feb 2024 |work=[[The Sun (Malaysia)|The Sun]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Akmal |first=Riadz |date=24 Jul 2022 |title=Penang International Paddy Festival draws thousands of visitors |url=https://www.buletinmutiara.com/penang-international-paddy-festival-draws-thousands-of-visitors/ |access-date=11 Feb 2024 |work=Buletin Mutiara}}</ref>

=== Sports ===
The 40,000-seater [[Penang State Stadium]] at [[Batu Kawan]] is the main stadium of Penang.<ref name=":15">{{Cite journal |title=Penang Meeting Planners Guide 2022–23 |url=https://www.pceb.my/pceb_miceguide.pdf |journal=Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau}}</ref> Constructed in 2000 for the [[Sukma Games#Edition|Sukma Games held that year]], the multi-purpose stadium has a [[FIFA]]-certified football field, and also hosts [[Motorsport|motorsports]] events and concerts.<ref name=":15" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Lo |first=Tern Chern |date=27 Jun 2020 |title=Penang seeks RM67mil for stadium |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2020/06/27/penang-seeks-rm67mil-for-stadium |access-date=11 Feb 2024 |work=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]]}}</ref> In addition to the stadium, newer sports facilities have been planned in areas like [[Nibong Tebal]] and [[Seberang Jaya]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=23 Jul 2022 |title=Sports centre in Seberang Prai to be ready next year |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2022/07/23/sports-centre-in-seberang-prai-to-be-ready-next-year |access-date=11 Feb 2024 |work=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Liew |first=Jia Xian |date=20 Sep 2022 |title=Facelift for pool to make a splash |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2022/09/20/facelift-for-pool-to-make-a-splash |access-date=11 Feb 2024 |work=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]]}}</ref>

== Education ==
[[File:Tamanilmugate.jpg|left|thumb|An entrance of [[Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia|Universiti Sains Malaysia's engineering campus]] at [[Nibong Tebal]]]]
In the late 19th century, Islamic education, taught in huts called ''pondoks'' in [[Malay language|Malay]], was common in the rural areas of Province Wellesley.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Sulong |first=Jasni |date=2015 |title=Pondok education in Seberang Perai: Its evolution and uniqueness |url=http://web.usm.my/km/33(Supp.2)2015/km33s22015_05.pdf |journal=[[Universiti Sains Malaysia]]}}</ref> These ''pondoks'' served as the precursors to the [[madrasa]] system and modern religious schools that are still prevalent across the city.

{{As of|2022}}, Seberang Perai is home to a total of 159 primary schools and 79 secondary schools, in addition to one international school located in the [[South Seberang Perai District|city's south]].<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":12" /><ref name=":13" /> In 2001, [[Universiti Sains Malaysia]] relocated its [[Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia|engineering campus]] to [[Nibong Tebal]], and it is now one of the two public universities in the city, the other being a [[Universiti Teknologi MARA]] campus at [[Permatang Pauh]].<ref name="InvestPenang-2011">{{Cite journal |date= |title=List of Institutes of Higher Learning |url=https://investpenang.gov.my/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/List-of-Institutes-of-Higher-Learning_-13-July-1.pdf |url-status= |journal=Invest Penang |access-date=9 December 2023}}</ref> Several private institutions have also been established throughout the city, including at [[Batu Kawan]], where local colleges have formed partnerships with foreign universities such as [[University of Wollongong]] and [[University of Plymouth]].<ref name="InvestPenang-2011" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Jeremy Tan |date=28 Jun 2022 |title=Varsity college opens new campus in Batu Kawan industrial park |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2022/06/28/varsity-college-opens-new-campus-in-batu-kawan-industrial-park |access-date=12 Feb 2024 |work=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=8 Jan 2023 |title=High employability education by Plymouth University |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/education/2023/01/08/high-employability-education-by-plymouth-university |access-date=12 Feb 2024 |work=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]]}}</ref> Following the success of the Penang Digital Library in [[George Town, Penang|George Town]], the [[Government of Penang|Penang state government]] has initiated the construction of similar digital libraries at [[Butterworth, Seberang Perai|Butterworth]] and [[Bukit Mertajam]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Akmal |first=Riadz |date=22 Nov 2021 |title=Butterworth Digital Library Clinches Two Awards |url=https://www.buletinmutiara.com/butterworth-digital-library-clinches-two-awards/ |access-date=4 Feb 2024 |work=Buletin Mutiara}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Akmal |first=Riadz |date=27 May 2023 |title=First digital library in Bukit Mertajam set for completion next year |url=https://www.buletinmutiara.com/first-digital-library-in-bukit-mertajam-set-for-completion-next-year/ |access-date=12 Feb 2024 |work=Buletin Mutiara}}</ref>

==Healthcare==
[[File:Sunway Medical Centre in Seberang Perai, Penang.jpg|left|thumb|[[Sunway Medical Centre Penang|Sunway Medical Centre]], a private hospital at [[Seberang Jaya]], was opened in 2022.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dewi |first=K. Kasturi |date=7 Aug 2023 |title=Health boost for northern region |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2023/08/07/health-boost-for-northern-region |access-date=13 Feb 2024 |work=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]]}}</ref>]]
Healthcare in Penang is provided by a [[Two-tier healthcare|two-tier system]] consisting of public and private hospitals. The [[Ministry of Health (Malaysia)|Malaysian Ministry of Health]] administers four public hospitals in Seberang Perai {{Ndash}} namely at [[Kepala Batas, Seberang Perai|Kepala Batas]], [[Seberang Jaya]], [[Bukit Mertajam]] and Sungai Bakap.<ref name=":2132">{{Cite web |title=Penang's Healthcare Facilities |url=https://penanginstitute.org/resources/key-penang-statistics/visualisations-of-key-indicators/penang-healthcare/ |access-date=10 December 2023 |website=Penang Institute |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=31 Jan 2019 |title=Hospital |url=https://www.mbsp.gov.my/index.php/en/component/content/article/80-info-seberang-perai/530-hospital |access-date=13 Feb 2024 |website=[[Seberang Perai City Council]]}}</ref> In addition, six private hospitals are scattered throughout the city.<ref name=":2132" />

In recent years, private hospitals such as Bagan Specialist Centre, [[Sunway Medical Centre Penang|Sunway Medical Centre]] and KPJ Penang Specialist Hospital have contributed significantly in making Penang the top destination for [[medical tourism]] in Malaysia.<ref name=":192">{{Cite news |last=Mulyanto |first=Randy |date=21 November 2023 |title=Malaysia's Penang Lures Medical Tourists from Indonesia |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Health-Care/Malaysia-s-Penang-lures-medical-tourists-from-Indonesia |access-date=7 December 2023 |work=[[Nikkei, Inc.]]}}</ref><ref name=":58">{{Cite news |last=Cheryl Poo |date=16 August 2023 |title=Recovery of Malaysia's Medical Tourism Sector in the Bag, More Markets Targeted |url=https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/677849 |access-date=6 December 2023 |work=[[The Edge (Malaysia)|The Edge]]}}</ref> The [[Seberang Perai City Council]] has also installed three [[automated external defibrillator]]s (AEDs) throughout the city {{As of|2023|lc=y}} as part of a state-wide initiative to enhance survival rates of [[cardiac arrest]] cases.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hilmy |first=Imran |date=28 November 2023 |title=Penang Health Dept Installs 168 Automated External Defibrillators |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/11/28/penang-health-dept-installs-168-automated-external-defibrillators |access-date=26 December 2023 |work=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Akmal |first=Riadz |date=3 Apr 2023 |title='Heart Saver Penang' Initiative to Increase Coverage of AED |url=https://www.buletinmutiara.com/heart-saver-penang-initiative-to-increase-coverage-of-aed/ |access-date=4 Feb 2024 |work=Buletin Mutiara}}</ref>

==Transportation==
{{See also|Transport in Penang}}

=== Land ===
[[File:Penang Sentral, Butterworth 20231224 075704.jpg|left|thumb|[[Penang Sentral]] was designed to integrate bus, rail and ferry services, located in close proximity to both the [[Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal]] and the [[Butterworth railway station]].]]
Seberang Perai is connected to [[George Town, Penang|George Town]] by two road bridges. The {{convert|13.5|km||abbr=on|adj=on}} [[Penang Bridge]] connects the suburb of [[Perai]] with [[Gelugor]] in the island city.<ref name=":29" /> Opened in 2014, the [[Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge|Second Penang Bridge]] spans {{convert|24|km|abbr=on}} between [[Batu Kawan]] and [[Batu Maung]] on the island.<ref>{{Cite news |last=AR |first=Zurairi |date=1 Mar 2014 |title=Longest bridge in Southeast Asia launches today in Penang |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2014/03/01/longest-bridge-in-southeast-asia-launches-today-in-penang/627155 |access-date=23 Oct 2024 |work=[[Malay Mail]]}}</ref> The [[North–South Expressway (Malaysia)|North-South Expressway]], a {{convert|966|km|mi|-long|abbr=on|adj=mid}} expressway along western [[Peninsular Malaysia]], passes through the length of the city.<ref>{{Cite journal |date=Dec 1989 |title=Study on traffic control and management system of Malaysian expressways and toll highways |url=https://openjicareport.jica.go.jp/pdf/10789535_01.pdf |journal=[[Malaysian Highway Authority]] |via=[[Japan International Cooperation Agency]]}}</ref> Other [[Toll road|toll routes]] within the city include the [[Butterworth Outer Ring Road]] (BORR) and the [[Butterworth–Kulim Expressway|Butterworth-Kulim Expressway]].<ref>{{Cite journal |date=2021 |title=Annual Report 2021 |url=https://www.llm.gov.my/documents/PublishDoc/pub_1689341195.pdf |journal=Highway Authority Malaysia}}</ref> {{As of|2023}}, Seberang Perai's road system, excluding toll routes, measured {{Convert|5215.7|km|abbr=on}} in length. This included {{Convert|84.8|km|abbr=on}} of [[Malaysian Federal Roads System|federal roads]], {{Convert|2958.9|km|abbr=on}} of [[Malaysian State Roads system|state roads]] and {{Convert|2171.9|km|abbr=on}} of municipal roads.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.jkr.gov.my/sites/default/files/upload/BUKU%20STATISTIK%20JALAN%20EDISI%202024_FINAL%20%281%29.pdf |title=Statistik Jalan Edisi 2024 |publisher=[[Malaysian Public Works Department]] |year=2024 |pages=151–227 |language=ms |trans-title=Road Statistics 2024 Edition}}</ref>

The [[Keretapi Tanah Melayu]] (KTM) [[KTM West Coast railway line|West Coast Line]] also runs through Seberang Perai, with the [[Butterworth railway station]] serving as the main terminal of northwestern Malaysia.<ref name=":16">{{Cite journal |date=Aug 1979 |title=Urban Transport Study in Greater Metropolitan Areas of George Town, Butterworth and Bukit Mertajam, Malaysia: Progress Report (Phase 1) |url=https://openjicareport.jica.go.jp/pdf/10597219.pdf |journal=[[Japan International Cooperation Agency]]}}</ref> Apart from the regular KTM services, Butterworth is one of the main stops of the [[Eastern and Oriental Express|Eastern and Oriental Express service]] between [[Bangkok]] and [[Singapore]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cripps |first=Karla |date=2023-07-14 |title=Famed luxury train is returning to Southeast Asia with two new routes |url=https://www.cnn.com/travel/eastern-and-oriental-express-belmond-singapore-malaysia/index.html |access-date=2023-10-15 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref> 

Opened in 2018, [[Penang Sentral]] is a [[transit-oriented development]] (TOD) located adjacent to the Butterworth railway station and the [[Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal]].<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":18" /> It serves as an integrated hub for bus, rail and ferry services.<ref name=":18">{{Cite news |last=Kaur |first=Sharen |date=18 Feb 2020 |title=Phase 2 of Penang Sentral to go full swing next year |url=https://www.nst.com.my/property/2020/02/566630/phase-2-penang-sentral-go-full-swing-next-year |access-date=14 Feb 2024 |work=[[New Straits Times]]}}</ref>

[[Rapid Penang]] is the primary public transport operator in Seberang Perai, with a total of 14 [[Transit bus|public bus]] routes within the city, along with two cross-strait routes connecting the city and George Town, as well as five interstate routes that run to southern [[Kedah]] and northern [[Perak]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rapid Penang – Bus |url=https://myrapid.com.my/bus-train/rapid-penang/rapid-pg-bus/ |access-date=2023-12-10 |website=MyRapid |language=en-US}}</ref> In recent years, the [[Government of Penang|Penang state government]] has proposed the introduction of [[Urban rail transit|urban rail]] across the state as part of the [[Penang Transport Master Plan]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Azhar |first=Kamarul |date=27 Aug 2020 |title=Cover Story: The long & winding saga of the Penang Transport Master Plan and its political fallout |url=https://theedgemalaysia.com/article/cover-story-long-winding-saga-penang-transport-master-plan-and-its-political-fallout |access-date=23 Oct 2024 |work=[[The Edge (Malaysia)|The Edge]]}}</ref> The plan includes the cross-strait [[Mutiara line|Mutiara LRT line]] linking the city with George Town, and a monorail line between [[Butterworth, Seberang Perai|Butterworth]] and [[Bukit Mertajam]].<ref name=":022">{{Cite news |date=29 March 2024 |title=Loke: Federal Gov't Takes Over Penang LRT Mutiara Line Project from State Gov't |url=https://thesun.my/local_news/loke-federal-gov-t-takes-over-penang-lrt-mutiara-line-project-from-state-gov-t-JG12275905 |access-date=29 March 2024 |work=[[The Sun (Malaysia)|The Sun]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Public Transport – LRT & BRT |url=https://penanginfra.com/public-transport-lrt-brt/ |access-date=14 Feb 2024 |website=Penang Infrastructure Corporation |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Sea ===
[[File:Butterworth and Penang Scenery (31781843055).jpg|left|thumb|North Butterworth Container Port (NBCT), part of the [[Port of Penang]], has been gazetted as a [[Free economic zone|Free Commercial Zone]] (FCZ) since 2021.<ref name=":14" />]]
In 1974, the [[Port of Penang]] was relocated from [[George Town, Penang|George Town]] to Seberang Perai in order to facilitate new container services.<ref name=":73" /><ref name="Jou-2014" /><ref name=":17">{{Cite journal |last=Azmi |first=Zuriati |date=2015 |title=ASEAN Economic Community 2015: A case study on the potential impacts to Penang Port Sdn Bhd |url=https://etd.uum.edu.my/5654/1/s813506_01.pdf |journal=[[Universiti Utara Malaysia]]}}</ref> The seaport now consists of seven terminals and berths located across [[Butterworth, Seberang Perai|Butterworth]] and [[Perai]], including the North Butterworth Container Port (NBCT) which has been designated a [[Free economic zone|Free Commercial Zone]] (FCZ) since 2021.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":17" /> It serves as a crucial export hub for northwestern Malaysia and [[southern Thailand]].<ref name=":17" /> The Port of Penang is the third busiest in Malaysia, handling nearly 1.32 million [[Twenty-foot equivalent unit|TEUs]] and RM65.7 billion worth of exports in 2022.<ref name=":06" /><ref name="Stats-Malaysia-2018" /><ref name=":223" />

Prior to the completion of the [[Penang Bridge]] in 1985, the [[Penang ferry service]] was the only transportation link between the city and George Town.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jeremy Tan |date=29 November 2023 |title=Nostalgia of Voyages Past for Penang's Iconic Ferries |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2023/11/29/nostalgia-of-voyages-past |access-date=27 December 2023 |work=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]]}}</ref> Since 2023, three ferries have been operating daily between both cities across the [[Penang Strait]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Opalyn Mok |date=8 December 2023 |title=Penang Port CEO Says Extra Ferry Open for Private Charter |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/12/08/penang-port-ceo-says-extra-ferry-open-for-private-charter/106574 |access-date=10 December 2023 |work=[[Malay Mail]]}}</ref> The introduction of newer ferries that year significantly improved service frequencies to 20 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes during non-peak hours.<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 August 2023 |title=New Penang Ferry Service Operational from Today |url=https://thesun.my/local_news/new-penang-ferry-service-operational-from-today-IA11334480 |access-date=27 December 2023 |work=[[The Sun (Malaysia)|The Sun]]}}</ref>

== Utilities ==
In 1968, the [[Asian Development Bank]] approved a loan of US$7.2 million for Penang to extract water from the [[Muda River]], which forms the boundary between Seberang Perai and [[Kedah]].<ref>{{Cite journal |date=Feb 1969 |title=Location of approved loans and technical assistance projects 1968 |url=https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/institutional-document/32207/adb-ar-1968.pdf |journal=[[Asian Development Bank]] |pages=16}}</ref> The Muda River Water Scheme was inaugurated in 1973 by the then [[Prime Minister of Malaysia]], [[Abdul Razak Hussein]], which also included Kedah's assurance to Penang of the latter's riparian rights to retrieve water from the river.<ref>{{Cite news |date=10 Mar 2021 |title=See us in court, Chow tells Kedah over Sg Muda feud |url=https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/20218/see-us-in-court-chow-tells-kedah-over-sg-muda-feud |access-date=14 Feb 2024 |work=The Vibes}}</ref> Since then, Seberang Perai has been heavily dependent on the river as its main source of water. Raw water is channeled from the river to a water treatment facility at [[Sungai Dua, Butterworth|Sungai Dua]] before being distributed to the rest of the city.<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 Oct 2023 |title=PBAPP draws up crisis management plan to tackle Sg Muda incidents |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/10/04/pbapp-draws-up-crisis-management-plan-to-tackle-sg-muda-incidents |access-date=14 Feb 2024 |work=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]]}}</ref> The [[Penang Water Supply Corporation]] (PBAPP) is also responsible for overseeing the six reservoirs in the city, including the [[Mengkuang Dam]], the largest dam in the state with a capacity of 86.4 billion litres.<ref name=":402">{{Cite web |title=Statistics |url=https://pba.com.my/penang-water-supply-statistics-infrastructure/ |access-date=29 December 2023 |website=[[Penang Water Supply Corporation]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Penang Dams & Effective Capacity |url=https://pba.com.my/penang-dams-effective-capacity/ |access-date=29 December 2023 |website=[[Penang Water Supply Corporation]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=24 Oct 2023 |title=No problems with Mengkuang Dam: PBAPP |url=https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/99588/no-problems-with-mengkuang-dam-pbapp |access-date=14 Feb 2024 |work=The Vibes}}</ref>

Electricity in Seberang Perai is supplied by [[Tenaga Nasional]] (TNB), the national power company. The city's electrical infrastructure is powered by two [[Combined cycle power plant|combined cycle gas turbine]] (CCGT) power plants at [[Perai]].<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Electricity and Gas Supply Infrastructure Malaysia |url=https://www.st.gov.my/ms/contents/files/download/97/Electricity_Gas_Supply_Infrastucture_Malaysia_2019_.pdf |journal=[[Energy Commission (Malaysia)|Suruhanjaya Tenaga]] |location=[[Putrajaya]]}}</ref> As part of ongoing efforts to minimise energy consumption, TNB and the [[Seberang Perai City Council]] planned to replace 77,359 street lights in the city with [[LED street light]]ing by 2023.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ong |first=K. H. |date=13 February 2023 |title=Penang island Completes Converting over 33,000 Streetlights to LEDs, State Govt to Seek Incentives from Ministry |url=https://www.buletinmutiara.com/penang-island-completes-changing-over-33000-streetlights-to-leds-state-govt-to-seek-incentives-from-ministry/ |access-date=29 December 2023 |work=Buletin Mutiara}}</ref>

In 2020, Penang became the first Malaysian state to require the installation of [[Fiber-optic communication|fibre-optic communication infrastructure]] for all development projects.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Opalyn Mok |date=21 Dec 2020 |title=Penang makes it compulsory for developers to install fibre optic infrastructure in new developments |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/12/21/penang-makes-it-compulsory-for-developers-to-install-fibre-optic-infrastruc/1933760 |access-date=23 Oct 2024 |work=[[Malay Mail]]}}</ref> 2023 marked the implementation of [[5G]] technology in Seberang Perai, with the installation of the supporting spectrum infrastructure at 235 sites across the city.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ahirudin |first=Ahirul |date=9 Sep 2022 |title=Penang first in northern Malaysia to get 5G coverage |url=https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/70987/penang-first-in-northern-malaysia-to-get-5g-coverage |access-date=14 Feb 2024 |work=The Vibes}}</ref>

==International relations==
{{As of|2023}}, four countries have appointed honorary consuls within the city.<ref name="Okt">{{Cite journal |date=Nov 2023 |title=Diplomatic and consular list November 2023 |url=https://www.kln.gov.my/documents/8390448/8439172/Diplomatic+and+Consular+List/609dd90b-5710-4de9-9764-0c7adf145caa |journal=[[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Malaysia)|Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia]]}}</ref>
{{Div col|colwidth=20em|content=* {{flag|Austria}}
* {{flag|Canada}}
* {{flag|Fiji}}
* {{flag|Nepal}}}}

=== Sister and friendship cities ===
Seberang Perai is also [[Sister city|twinned]] with the following sister and friendship cities.

'''Sister cities'''

{{Div col|colwidth=20em|content=* {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Fremantle]], Australia<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fremantle fast facts |url=https://www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/council/about-city-fremantle/fremantle-fast-facts |access-date=15 Jan 2024 |website=[[City of Fremantle]] |language=en}}</ref>}}

'''Friendship cities'''

{{Div col|colwidth=20em|content=* {{flagicon|KOR}} [[Gwangju]], South Korea<ref>{{Cite journal |date=29 Aug 2014 |title=Closing Remarks Municipal President MPSP |url=https://www.mbsp.gov.my/ydp/ucapan/2014/korea.pdf |journal=[[Seberang Perai City Council]]}}</ref>}}

== Notable people ==
Seberang Perai was the birthplace of prominent Malaysian public officials and personalities, including:

* [[Wong Pow Nee]] (1911 {{Ndash}} 2002), first [[Chief Minister of Penang]]<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Biographical Notes: Wong Pow Nee (7 November 1911 – 31 August 2002) – Malaysian politician |url=https://www.iseas.edu.sg/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Wong-Pow-Nee-Biographical-Notes.pdf |journal=[[ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute]]}}</ref>
* [[Mohamed Salleh Ismael]] (1917 {{Ndash}} 1973), first ethnic Malay [[Inspector-General of Police (Malaysia)|Inspector-General of Police]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tun Mohamed Salleh Ismael |url=https://www.rmp.gov.my/infor-korporate/ketua-polis-negara/tun-mohamed-salleh-ismael |access-date=16 Jan 2024 |website=[[Royal Malaysia Police]]}}</ref>
* [[Abdul Hamid Mohamad]] (born 1942), former [[Chief Justice of Malaysia]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 Jul 2023 |title=Biografi Tun Abdul Hamid Mohamad |url=https://library.kehakiman.gov.my/index.php/2023/07/24/biografi-tun-abdul-hamid-muhammad/ |access-date=16 Jan 2024 |website=[[Federal Court of Malaysia]]}}</ref>
* [[Anwar Ibrahim]] (born 1947), tenth (and incumbent) [[Prime Minister of Malaysia]]<ref>{{Cite news |date=23 Jan 2023 |title=PM Anwar returns to hometown in Penang |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/01/23/pm-anwar-returns-to-hometown-in-penang |access-date=23 Oct 2024 |work=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]]}}</ref>
* [[Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak]] (born 1949), incumbent [[List of governors of Penang#List of Yang di-Pertua of the State of Penang|Governor of Penang]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pejabat Tuan Yang Terutama |url=https://www.penang.gov.my/index.php?option=com_sppagebuilder&view=page&id=52&Itemid=1684&lang=en |access-date=16 Jan 2024 |website=[[Government of Penang|Penang state government]] |language=en-gb}}</ref>
* [[Mohamad Sabu]] (born 1954), incumbent president of [[National Trust Party (Malaysia)|Amanah]] and Member of Parliament for [[Kota Raja (federal constituency)|Kota Raja]]<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 Dec 2022 |title=Profile: Mat Sabu, the crowd-puller |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2022/12/857363/profile-mat-sabu-crowd-puller |access-date=16 Jan 2024 |work=[[New Straits Times]]}}</ref>
* [[Steven Sim Chee Keong]] (born 1982), incumbent [[Minister of Human Resources (Malaysia)|Minister of Human Resources]] and Member of Parliament for [[Bukit Mertajam (federal constituency)|Bukit Mertajam]]<ref>{{Cite news |last=Soo |first=Wern Jun |date=5 Jul 2018 |title=Age no longer a factor, says deputy to youngest minister |url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2018/07/05/age-no-longer-a-factor-in-the-new-malaysia-says-deputy-minister/ |access-date=16 Jan 2024 |work=[[Free Malaysia Today]]}}</ref>
* [[Cheam June Wei]] (born 1997), Malaysian badminton player<ref name=":23">{{Cite news |last=Saaid |first=Hamdan |date=22 Nov 2021 |title=Jin Wei-June Wei main beregu campuran? |url=https://www.hmetro.com.my/arena/badminton/2021/11/780274/jin-wei-june-wei-main-beregu-campuran |access-date=16 Jan 2024 |work=[[Harian Metro]]}}</ref>
* [[Goh Jin Wei]] (born 2000), Malaysian badminton player<ref name=":23" />

== Notes ==

: {{note|Alpha|α}} Singapore's land mass is approximately {{Convert|734|km2|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Environment |url=http://www.singstat.gov.sg/find-data/search-by-theme/society/environment/latest-data |access-date=29 December 2023 |website=Department of Statistics Singapore |language=en}}</ref>
: {{note|Beta|β}} {{As of|2021}}, 1 [[Malaysian ringgit]] was equivalent to {{To USD|1|MYS|year=2021}} [[United States dollar|US dollar]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Exchange Rates |url=https://www.bnm.gov.my/exchange-rates?p_p_id=bnm_exchange_rate_display_portlet&p_p_lifecycle=0&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&_bnm_exchange_rate_display_portlet_monthStart=0&_bnm_exchange_rate_display_portlet_yearStart=2021&_bnm_exchange_rate_display_portlet_monthEnd=11&_bnm_exchange_rate_display_portlet_yearEnd=2021&_bnm_exchange_rate_display_portlet_sessionTime=0900&_bnm_exchange_rate_display_portlet_rateType=MR&_bnm_exchange_rate_display_portlet_quotation=fx |access-date=21 Feb 2024 |website=[[Central Bank of Malaysia]]}}</ref>
: {{note|Gamma|γ}} In 1991, Seberang Perai had a population of 545,688, larger than that of [[Penang Island]] which recorded a population of 518,478.<ref name="census1991" />

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
* [https://www.mbsp.gov.my/ Seberang Perai City Council]

{{Penang}}
{{Greater Penang Conurbation}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Articles related to Seberang Perai
| list  = 
{{Cities in Malaysia}}
{{Largest cities of Malaysia}}
}}

[[Category:Seberang Perai| ]]