seberang

Seberang is a Malay toponym meaning across or on the other side, and it is used in many place names across Malaysia and Indonesia. In Malaysian geography, the term often signals a location opposite a reference point such as an island, river, or port.

The best known use is Seberang Perai, the mainland part of Penang state, opposite Penang Island. It is divided into three districts—North Seberang Perai, Central Seberang Perai, and South Seberang Perai—and includes major towns such as Butterworth, Bukit Mertajam, and Seberang Jaya, with Nibong Tebal and Kepala Batas among other populated areas. The mainland lies along the northwestern coast of Penang and is connected to the island by road bridges and a ferry network.

Transportation and connectivity are defining features of Seberang Perai. The mainland is linked to Penang Island by the Penang Bridge (opened in 1985) and the Penang Second Bridge (opened in 2014). A traditional ferry service previously connected Butterworth with George Town, and the area remains a transportation hub for Penang, including the Port of Butterworth, which handles freight and supports industrial activity.

History and administration: The area was historically known as Province Wellesley under British rule. It was renamed Seberang Perai in 1957, aligning with the formation of Penang state within Malaysia. Administratively, Seberang Perai remains a distinct mainland component of Penang, organized into three districts and serving as a major population and economic center on the state’s mainland side.

Demographics and economy: Seberang Perai hosts a multi-ethnic population, including Malays, Chinese, Indians, and others. The economy blends manufacturing, logistics, commerce, and agriculture, with urban centers such as Butterworth and Bukit Mertajam and rural areas that contribute to Penang’s overall growth.