Penang Islamic Council Building

Islamic Council Building (4 April 2010)


The Penang Islamic Council Building (GPS: 5.41857, 100.34383), or Majlis Jabatan Agama Islam Pulau Pinang, is a double storey Neoclassical-style building along Beach Street in George Town, Penang. It was originally part of the Government Offices complex during the British Administration. The building was constructed in 1907, and is richly ornamented. This is the pinnacle of colonial architecture in the Straits Settlements during Edwardian times.

Islamic Council Building is on the Map of Lebuh Pantai, George Town, Penang

The building was originally part of a U-shaped ensemble that faced the section of Light Street. (This section of Light Street was later renamed King Edward Place, and now called Pesara King Edward.) Most of the British administrative offices are housed in this building and its adjacent sections.

Islamic Council Building, as seen from Union Street (4 April 2010)


The construction of this government complex after the reclamation of the George Town shoreline around 1883-1889, which extended the shore outwards to form Weld Quay. It was a time when Penang experience a boom in trading, allowing this tip of the island to become the centre of administration.

This section of town suffered heavy bombardment during the Second World War and destroyed much of the structure. Many of the Government Office buildings were damaged beyond repair. What was left standing is this building, and today houses the State Islamic Council.

Bangunan Majlis Agama Islam Pulau Pinang (25 January 2013)

Getting there

The nearest bus stop is in front of Standard Chartered Bank Building. It is served by Rapid Penang bus CAT.

Nearby Sights

List of Historic Buildings in Penang and Historic Buildings in Malaysia