GEORGE TOWN: The Chinese are back as the majority, overtaking the Malays as the largest community in Penang with them accounting for 42.9% of the state’s population last year, 2.2% more than the Malays.

According to the latest report by the Department of Statistics, the number of Chinese in Penang stood at 670,400, compared to 639,136 Malays last year.

In 2009, the Malay population was at 654,300, just ahead of 651,600 Chinese or at a 0.1% difference.

The report, titled Population Distribution and Basic Demographic Characteristics 2010, is based on a nationwide census conducted last year.

It stated that the Indian community had also seen an increase to 155,600 from 153,100 in 2009.

However, the Malay community has decreased from 654,300 in 2009 to 636,136 last year.

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