Penaga

Overview

Penaga is one of the localities in North Seberang Perai, on the Penang Mainland. In 1800, Seberang Perai, formerly known as Province Wellesley, was successfully occupied by the East India Company through a treaty. At the time of its takeover, Seberang Perai has already boasted a population of between 2,000 and 3,000. During the Siam invasion in 1821, many Kedahan Malays sought refuge in Seberang Perai, which contributed to the sharp increase in population. The fleeing Malays were protected by the British and the close-by Kedah Sultanate. Many settlements were established then and one of it was Penaga.

Penaga neighbouring localities are Teluk Air Tawar, Pinang Tunggal, Bertam, Tasek Gelugor, Teluk Air Tawar and Mak Mandin. The ‘pekan’ or town centre, is similar to most small towns in Malaysia, comprising semi-wooden shop houses and a few brick ones, lining both sides of Jalan Penaga. Seemingly made out of flatland and fringed by sprawling, luminous green paddy fields, it is an ideal place to discover by bicycle. You’ll be surprised to discover charming Malay houses on stilts sitting pretty in real kampung or villages.

As far as development is concerned, Penaga is still slightly out of the way. The place is still rural, and the pace here is slower than in the central and southern part of Seberang Perai. The two main roads in the area are Jalan Penaga and Jalan Permatang Bendahari, which goes all the way to the bank of the Muda River, across from Kota Kuala Muda. The village of Kampung Baru Penaga is located on the coast overlooking Penang Island. It’s an ideal setting for a photo-op with the riverbank dotted by charming, old-fashioned fishing boats and sweeping coconut trees.

The Penang state government is seeking to ensure the growth of the state’s agriculture sector by focusing on programmes that could improve quality and yields to further improve the efficiency of agribusiness in Penang. A number of initiatives have been planned and executed by the state government, including the development of a RM100 million aquaculture industry zone in Penaga. This 277.6ha Aquaculture Industrial Development Zone (AIDZ) is capable of increasing aquaculture production, besides becoming a new agro-tourism destination in the state. Seafood restaurants and exhibition stalls boost the local products. However, as at mid-2017, the construction project at AIDZ Penaga is yet to start.

Amenities and Facilities

There is one Chinese primary school in Penaga, Aik Keow Primary School. Several places of worship in the area are Masjid Penaga, Masjid Jamek Nurussaadah and Penaga Tua Pek Kong Temple. Medan Selera PERDA Lahar Endin and Pasar Awam Penaga are two local markets in Penaga. There is a row of simple shacks across a small marketplace in Penaga that serve truly fresh seafood dishes for very reasonable prices.

Accessibility and Transportation

By car, exit the North-South Highway at Exit 166 (Bertam Interchange) and head west to reach Penaga. There is also a network of Rapid Penang bus service in all areas. The Rapid Penang bus number 603 will take you to Jalan Penaga, a lovely spot to stop and enjoy a fisherman’s village ambience while walking on towards Kuala Muda.