SEBERANG PERAI: The launch of Kota Warisan Perai marks a major turning point for mainland Penang, as five traditional villages have been selected to form the heart of the region’s newest economic and ecological growth corridor.

By integrating these settlements into a formal tourism framework, the initiative, officiated by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, aims to offer a community-led alternative to the bustling George Town Unesco World Heritage Site.

The five key villages, namely Kampung Labuh Banting, Kampung Kota, Kampung Pengkalan Machang, Kampung Terus and Kampung Air Hitam Dalam, share the Perai River as a historical lifeline. They are now being integrated into a formal framework intended to stimulate local economic activity through eco-tourism and community-based hospitality.

The launch of Kota Warisan Perai marks a strategic shift in the development narrative of mainland Penang, repositioning the Perai River as the economic, ecological and social backbone of the region. 

Introduced in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026 and officiated by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, the Kota Warisan Perai initiative is designed to offer meaningful experiences for both domestic and international visitors, presenting an alternative to Penang’s established tourism destination at the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site. 

The community-led initiative is supported by the Seberang Perai Small Towns Grants Programme under the Levelling Up Seberang Perai (LUSP) Programme. It is implemented by Think City with support from the Ministry of Finance Malaysia, the Penang state government, the Seberang Perai City Council and partner NL Travel & Tours. 

“Seberang Perai plays an important role in Penang’s tourism landscape, with its natural environment, history and communities forming part of the state’s identity. Initiatives such as Kota Warisan Perai help advance a more balanced and inclusive approach to tourism while delivering tangible benefits to local communities,” said Chow. 

Think City managing director Hamdan Abdul Majeed said Kota Warisan Perai represents an initial step in exploring how the Perai River can function as an economic, ecological and social backbone for Seberang Perai. It offers an early glimpse into Think City’s approach to developing Eco Precincts in the next phase of LUSP, beginning with strong community participation. 

The project focuses on five key villages and these settlements share the Perai River as a historical lifeline. They are now being integrated into a formal framework intended to stimulate local economic activity through eco-tourism and community-based hospitality.

“Through this project, we are not only highlighting the stories and heritage of the village but also creating new opportunities for local residents to become community-based tourism operators,” said NL Group of Companies chairman Datuk Dr Muhamad Farid Saad. “At the same time, this initiative aims to strengthen and further develop Muslim-friendly tourism in the Seberang Perai area.”

This development is expected to generate direct economic benefits for residents, turning traditional assets into viable hospitality operations such as village stays, community farming and heritage storytelling.

Stay ahead of the crowd and enjoy fresh insights on real estate, property development and lifestyle trends when you subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.