Bukit Mertajam

Bukit Mertajam, abbreviated as BM, is a suburb within the city of Seberang Perai. It lies at the foot of Mertajam Hill at the heart of Seberang Perai, 10.9km southwest of Butterworth.

Following the acquisition of Province Wellesley (now Seberang Perai) by the British East India Company in 1800, BM was established as an agricultural settlement. Chinese settlers joined the Malay and Siamese farmers already at the town, and set up spice and sugarcane plantations. BM soon grew into a logistical hub as well, serving as a transit point for agricultural produce to be shipped out of the Port of Penang in the island city of George Town. In 1899, the railway line between Perai and BM was completed, allowing for other commodities such as rubber and tin to be shipped to George Town as well. BM's infrastructure was improved and in 1953, it became one of the two largest urban centres within Province Wellesley, alongside Butterworth.

In the 1970s, industrial estates were established close to BM, transforming its economy significantly. To this day, BM remains a logistical hub, with the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTMB) rail station serving as the heart of the suburb. BM is also well-known for its St. Anne's Church, which hosts the annual St. Anne's Feast that attracts thousands of Catholics from all over Southeast Asia. In terms of health care, BM is home to the Bukit Mertajam Hospital (HBM) and the privately-owned KPJ Penang Specialist Hospital.