Post-independence alt=Komtar Tower, with the podium visible below and surrounded by low-rise buildings.|left|thumb|Completed in 1985, Komtar was for a brief period the tallest skyscraper in Southeast Asia. During the early years of Malaya's independence, George Town retained its free port status, which had been guaranteed by the British. The George Town City Council enjoyed full financial autonomy and by 1965, it was the wealthiest local government in Malaysia, with an annual revenue almost double that of the Penang state government. This financial strength allowed the Labour-led city government to implement progressive policies, and to take control of George Town's infrastructure and public transportation. These included the maintenance of its own public bus service, as well as the construction of public housing schemes and the Ayer Itam Dam.
post-independence alt=komtar tower with the podium visible below and surrounded by low-rise buildings|left|thumb|completed in 1985 komtar was for a brief period the tallest skyscraper in southeast asia during the early years of malaya's independence george town retained its free port status which had been guaranteed by the british the george town city council enjoyed full financial autonomy and by 1965 it was the wealthiest local government in malaysia with an annual revenue almost double that of the penang state government this financial strength allowed the labour-led city government to implement progressive policies and to take control of george town's infrastructure and public transportation these included the maintenance of its own public bus service as well as the construction of public housing schemes and the ayer itam dam