The northern and southern ends of the channel join the Strait of Malacca, one of the world's busiest maritime routes.

The largely forested island was once the site of a leper asylum, which was then converted into a maximum security prison before its eventual closure in 1993.

[9] Meanwhile, Butterworth's port facilities handled more than 1.2 million TEU of cargo in 2013, making it one of the busiest harbours in the country.

[12] However, Lim Choo Hooi, chairman of Penang Forward Sports Club, refuted the claim, saying that neither the wave tides nor the monsoon season posed a problem for training sessions.

He also said that the tragedy site was protected from tsunamis and strong waves and had been used for training for three years, making it one of the safest stretches of public shoreline.

This significant investment aims to deliver a substantial 2,000 megawatts (MW) of power from the national grid to the island.

The project encompasses an 8.5-kilometer-long monopole transmission line, while six of the 31 towers will boast a unique betel nut design, making them a visually striking landmark alongside the iconic Penang Bridge.

Unlike the two bridges, the ferry service operates out of a terminal within the heart of George Town, offering a direct link into the city centre for those entering from the mainland.