Sultan Abdullah sought military assistance from East India Company (EIC) and offered Penang Island to them if they were willing to protect Kedah from Siam.
Francis Light knowing the importance of the Penang Port and the usage of military bases, saw the offer as irresistible although the EIC wanted to protect the trade interests with Siam.
Francis Light named Penang as the "Prince of Wales Island" and their settlement as "Georgetown" after the British king, George III.
In 1791, Sultan Abdullah with the help of Riau, Siak and Selangor, was able to prepare a naval attack to retake Penang.
Francis Light asked for assistance from the British Military to attack the stronghold of Sultan Abdullah in Seberang Perai.