Website Name Here » Page Name Here

The strategic significance of Pulau Pinang led to intense interest by British on acquiring the island. The interest was motivated by its strategic location in terms of military, economic and political concerns. The island is vital for firstly, stationing British naval forces in protecting their East Indies interest, secondly, transit trading point between China and India and finally, to curtail the resurrection of Dutch power. The cessation of Pulau Pinang takes place in a backdrop of constant Siamese threat to Kedah. Sultan Abdullah Mukarram Syah appealed to the British for protection from the Siamese threat. The British appointed Sir Francis Light to negotiate the protection conditions. In return for protection, The British obtained an exclusive lease of Pulau Pinang for her British East India Company. Lead by sir Francis Light, the British established a settlement on Pulau Pinang on 11 August 1786.