The history of Penang has quite a few intriguing aspects. This little state of Malaysia has attracted all sorts of people - adventurers, artists, crooks, intellectuals, et al. Almost every person who inhabited or ruled over Penang has left behind a progressive and diverse culture that has determined the ethos of this region.
Every bit of Penang history unfailingly mentions Captain Francis Light, a British who acquired possession of Penang from a local sultan in the year 1786. He established the popular town of Georgetown (named after King George IV) and the other major settlements of Penang.
Under Light's rule, Penang progressed significantly. He led to the opening of duty-fee ports in the city, thus attracting settlers and traders from all over Asia. A city that was almost uninhabited in the 1780s, became home to more than 10,000 people by the end of the 18th century.
In the middle of the 19th century, Chinese opium trade became the mainstay of the Penang's economy. The history of Penang states that this was the time when all sorts of notorious activities and scoundrels dominated the society.
In 1867, riots and violence between two rival Chinese groups almost ravaged the city. The British struggled to bring the situation under control and finally fined the two groups heavily as punishment. Penang history claims that this amount went to the establishment of Penang's police force.
Penang was freed of British rule with the resurgence and subsequent independence of Malaysia in 1957.
Despite having been a major hub for international trade over the years, Penang has not been able to reach great levels, when compared to the neighboring Singapore. On tours to Penang, you will still see the conspicuous presence of British architecture and Chinese lifestyle in the milieu of this city.
Singapore Thailand Malaysia provides information on History of Penang and online booking for Penang Malaysia Tours. For tour booking and further information, please fill up the form given below.
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