Seberang Prai, Butterworth and Batu Kawan Development, Penang
Seberang Prai is a narrow hinterland on the Malaysia Peninsula opposite Penang Island, which, together with the island, forms the Malaysian state of Penang. It borders Kedah to the north and east, and Perak to the south. Its principal town is Butterworth
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As of 2010, Seberang Perai had a population of 815,767, making it the second most populous local government area in Malaysia.
Originally a part of Kedah, the hinterland was ceded to the British East India Company towards the end of the 18th century. Named after a British officer, Province Wellesley was acquired to provide more agricultural land and as a defensive bulwark against any cross-strait invasion from the mainland.
Seberang Prai has witnessed substantial economic development in the decades after Malaya's independence.
Massive industrial estates have been established within Seberang Prai, while the relocation of the Port of Penang's core operations to Butterworth in 1974 has also boosted the town's economy.
Improvements in connectivity and transportation were facilitated by several major projects, such as the constructions of the North–South Expressway, the Penang Bridge and the Second Penang Bridge.
Today, Seberang Prai forms part of Greater Penang.