<P> Aware of this situation , Light formed friendly relations with the then Sultan of Kedah , Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin II , and promised British military protection . As part of his promises , Light assisted in the quelling of the Bugis revolt by recapturing a Bugis - held fort for the Sultan . The Sultan reciprocated by offering Penang Island to Light . Light subsequently wrote to his superiors regarding the offer , arguing that Penang Island could serve as a `` convenient magazine for trade '' and its strategic location would allow the British to check Dutch and French territorial gains in Southeast Asia . He also made the case that , with the other ports in the region , such as Aceh and Phuket , riddled with piracy and despotic governments , the British East India Company could seize the opportunity to establish a tranquil harbour on Penang Island conducive for free trade , noting that if `` Malay , Bugis and Chinese will come to reside here , it will become the Exchange of the East if not loaded with impositions and restrictions '' . </P>
<P> Aware of this situation , Light formed friendly relations with the then Sultan of Kedah , Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin II , and promised British military protection . As part of his promises , Light assisted in the quelling of the Bugis revolt by recapturing a Bugis - held fort for the Sultan . The Sultan reciprocated by offering Penang Island to Light . Light subsequently wrote to his superiors regarding the offer , arguing that Penang Island could serve as a `` convenient magazine for trade '' and its strategic location would allow the British to check Dutch and French territorial gains in Southeast Asia . He also made the case that , with the other ports in the region , such as Aceh and Phuket , riddled with piracy and despotic governments , the British East India Company could seize the opportunity to establish a tranquil harbour on Penang Island conducive for free trade , noting that if `` Malay , Bugis and Chinese will come to reside here , it will become the Exchange of the East if not loaded with impositions and restrictions '' . </P>
why the east india company was interested in penang / singapore
why the east india company was interested in penang / singapore
seize the opportunity to establish a tranquil harbour on Penang Island conducive for free trade
seize the opportunity to establish a tranquil harbour on Penang Island conducive for free trade