PENANG holds the distinction of hosting the highest number of diplomatic representatives, including consuls-general and honorary consuls, in Malaysia outside of the federal capital, Kuala Lumpur.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai revealed that four consuls-general are currently based in Penang, representing China, Indonesia, Japan, and Thailand.
“In addition, there are 23 honorary consuls in Penang representing the following countries, namely Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Nepal, Pakistan, Poland, Russia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Tunisia, Chile, Sweden, and Kazakhstan,” he said.
Wong (PH–Paya Terubong) was responding to an oral question from Connie Tan Hooi Peng (PH–Seri Delima) during the Penang Legislative Assembly session today.
Tan had requested a list of consulate-general and honorary consulate offices in Penang, as well as updates on the state government’s and local councils’ initiatives to maintain and strengthen sister city and friendship city relationships.
In response, Wong said the state government has been actively working to develop and enhance these international ties, including by collaborating with airlines to establish and maintain direct flights between Penang and its sister or friendship cities.
“As a result of these efforts, the inaugural flight from our sister city, Xiamen in China, was launched in September 2023, followed by the first flight from our friendship city, Chengdu, in April 2025,” he said.
He added that flight frequency between Penang and its sister city Medan, Indonesia, has also reached an impressive 45 flights per week as of March 2025.
“Diplomatic ties have been further strengthened through official visits and exchanges between the cities.
“Among them was a delegation from the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) to Adelaide, Australia, led by mayor Datuk A. Rajendran in conjunction with the 50th anniversary celebration of the George Town–Adelaide sister city relationship. The visit was later reciprocated by the Mayor of Adelaide.
“Additionally, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow also led an official delegation to Xiamen, China, where he participated in conferences and held meetings with government and business leaders to further deepen bilateral relations,” he explained.
Story by Riadz Akmal