Penang

Question 1

Location:
Where is Penang located ?

Answer 1

Penang is located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia,
By the Malacca Strait.

The state of Penang shares border with Kedah to the north east ,
And Perak to the south.

Question 2

Describe 2 parts of Penang.
And its capital city.

Answer 2

It has 2 parts.
Penang island, capital city is George town.
Seberang perai on mainland, city centre is Butterworth.

These 2 halves are physically connected by the Penang bridge and second Penang bridge.

Question 3

What is penang called ?
What is the nickname of Penang?
What is the motto?

Answer 3

Penang is also called the island of areca nut.
Nickname Pearl of the orient.
Motto: united and loyal

Question 4

Penang is one of Malaysia’s most ….. Populated and ……. States.
…… Smallest state in Malaysia, after Perlis. What is the size km2 of Penang ?

Answer 4

Malaysia’s most densely populated and urbanised states.
Second smallest state

Size total: 1049km2 including island which is about 295km2

Question 5

Landscape
Describe Penang island.

Answer 5

Penang island is hilly and mostly forested interior.
The highest point is Penang hill, centre of the island. (About 833 metres above sea level)

4 major rivers include Pinang river which runs towards to Penang Strait.

There are beautiful beaches around

Question 6

Where is Penang strait

Answer 6

Penang strait separates Penang island from the mainland of seberang perai.

Question 7

Climate
Describe the climate.

Answer 7

The Weather is tropical rainforest climate.
Drier conditions from December to February.
Rainy seasons from September to October.

Question 8

Describe Penang’s national park and how to get there

Answer 8

It has the smallest national park in the world called Penang national park.
At Northwestern tip of the island

There’s protected forest reserves.

The Penang national park is 42km away from Georgetown.

By car follow the road towards the direction of Batu Feringghi and continue to Teluk Bahang.

Public transport to Teluk Bahang is available at ferry terminal / Komtar or use taxi/bus services provided.

Question 9

Transportation:
How to get to Penang from KL

Answer 9

From KL it generally takes about 5-6 hours by car
Or
About 1 hour flight from KLIA/Subang airport to Penang airport.
Or
Train to avoid traffic jam. Take ETS train service from KL Sentral station to Butterworth station, which takes about 4 hours. From there take a connecting ferry to the island or take a taxi.

A cheaper transport by bus from TBS main bus hub station (Terminal bersepadu selatan) KL, and you’ll have to reach Penang sentral station located at Butterworth, and from there proceed to island via ferry ride.

Question 10

How many hospitals?

Answer 10

7 hospitals in Penang.
Largest hospital called island hospital, at McAlister road.
3km away from Georgetown, nearer to main Penang bridge.

Question 11

Demographics:
Penang’s population and races

Answer 11

1,74 million (2020)
41% Chinese
40% Malay
9% indian
Rest different

45% Islam
37% Buddhism
9% Hinduism
Rest other religion / no religion

Question 12

Language :
What is the major language

Answer 12

Urban multilingual society
Malay
English
Hokkien
Mandarin
Tamil

Well known Penang hokkien dialect.
Penang Chinese uses variety dialects including teochew, hakka, Cantonese.

Mandarin commonly used by youths because of education

Question 13

Describe Georgetown city people.

Answer 13

Georgetown remains a Chinese majority city with over half of its population being Chinese.
Including peranakan Chinese (descendant mix) , ancient Chinese and Indonesia

Question 14

Cultures and festivals:
What are the popular festivals in Penang?

Answer 14

1) George town festival
Month long festival
Celebrating and preserve arts, heritage and culture
(To experience visual art, theatre, music, dance, film, photography)

2) host Penang international dragon boat festival , at teluk bahang, Northwestern tip of the island, 13km west of the city centre.
It is added to UNESCO world intangible cultural heritage list.
(Racing dragon boats and eating rice dumplings)

3) Chinese new year
- firecrackers, lion dance, feast, open house, family reunions and worship at temples

4) Tamil Hindu festival - 3 days
- colourful event

5) during Ramadan/puasa/fasting - avoid

Question 15

Popular food in Penang

Answer 15

1) nasi kandar Penang (rice with curries and side dishes

2) curry Mee noodles (cooked with white curry made with coconut milk)

3) fried char kuey teow

Question 16

Economy:
What is penang’s economic growth?

Answer 16

1) the industries that contributed to the economic growth of Penang are
Manufacturing
Services
Construction
Agriculture
Mining
Quarrying

Manufacturing is the most important part of Penang economy, which is highly industrialised with high tech electronic plants including dell, Intel and others.

Overall, Penang contributed to about 7.4% to Malaysia’s economy.

2) celebration of cultural festivals - major force of attraction

Question 17

Describe the Penang rivers

Answer 17

The 4 major rivers include Pinang river which runs towards Penang strait.

Pinang river is the main rover that runs through the city of Georgetown, about 3.5km.

Question 18

Describe Penang as UNESCO world heritage

Answer 18

Georgetown is recognised as UNESCO world heritage site for its world preserved architectural and cultural heritage. Georgetown is around 16km north of Penang international Hospital.