 In 2008, the newly-elected Penang state government, announced that they would revive the commemorations of George Town's city status from 1 January 2009.In 2015, the Malaysian federal government elevated the Penang Island Municipal Council into the present-day Penang Island City Council.In effect, the jurisdiction of the city of George Town was expanded to cover an area of , encompassing the entirety of Penang Island as well as five of the surrounding islets.