From kampung roots to university town: the unique growth of Permatang Pauh / Fadhlina Mahat … [et al.]

Before the establishment of UiTM in Permatang Pauh, the town was known for its strong local community and traditional Malay kampung (village) atmosphere. Permatang Pauh is situated in the Seberang Perai region of Penang, an area historically characterized by agricultural activities and village lifestyles, with many residents engaged in rice farming and small-scale businesses. The town's name, "Permatang Pauh," itself reflects its rural roots, with "permatang" referring to ridges or raised areas in rice fields, hinting at the area's agricultural past.
As urbanization gradually increased, Permatang Pauh maintained much of its traditional heritage, including its iconic rumah kampung architecture and communal village life. This strong community-oriented culture provided a foundation for harmonious development when UiTM's Permatang Pauh campus was established in 1996.