In addition, the local government, in a joint effort with Rapid Penang, runs a free shuttle bus service within the heart of George Town.

However, he soon recognised its futility without support from the Alliance-controlled federal government, which had to impose a nationwide state of emergency following post-election sectarian violence in Kuala Lumpur.

[3] By then, Gerakan became a member of the newly-formed Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, ensuring Penang's integration into national development policies.

[3] While the new management board was perceived to be subordinate to the Penang state government, differences soon emerged over the proposed redevelopment of the city centre.

This redevelopment entailed the construction of a new complex (what is now Komtar), designed to integrate state and local government services, and improve traffic dispersal in the area.

[3] The decades that followed the formation of the Penang Island Municipal Council saw a prolonged debate on George Town's city status, which had been granted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1957.

[12] In 2015, George Town's jurisdiction was expanded by the federal government to encompass the entirety of Penang Island and the surrounding islets.

[23] Following the 2023 state election that saw the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) forming an unprecedented political alliance with PH, the former is allocated one councillor post as well.

Penang-based non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are allocated the remaining councillor post to allow for the participation in policy-making by civil societies.