 Tin produced from within the Kinta Valley and southern Siam were transported to George Town for smelting, before being exported via the Port of Penang to European and American industries.The Port of Penang subsequently became a major tin-exporting harbour within British Malaya, directly challenging the Port of Singapore.The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 and the advent of steamships further cemented the Port of Penang's importance as a major entrepôt within British Malaya.