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Universal Land Area Converter
Instantly convert between Metric (Hectares, SqM), Imperial (Acres, SqFt), and Local Penang/Kedah units (Relong, Orlong).
Methodology & Data Sources
Data Sources & Conversion Standards
Unit Definitions: Conversion factors for “Relong” and “Orlong” are based on historical standards maintained by the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia (JUPEM).
1 Kedah Relong = 30,976 square feet.
1 Penang Orlong = 57,600 square feet.
Metric/Imperial: Standard international conversion rates are applied 1 Acre= 43,560 sqft and 1 Hectare= 10,000 m2.
Disclaimer
This tool provides mathematical conversions only. Land titles in Malaysia may express area in varying decimal precisions depending on the era of issuance. Always refer to the final “Geran” (Title Deed) for the legally binding land area.
Background of Kedah Relong and Penang Island Relong (Orlong)
The difference between the “Kedah Relong” and “Penang Relong” comes from two different historical standards of measurement used in the region during the 19th century. While they share similar terminology, their underlying base units (the Jemba vs. Jumba) differ significantly, resulting in different land areas.
The Kedah Relong (Standard):
Origin: Based on the traditional Malay measurement system used in the Kedah Sultanate. It survived the transition to British rule in the mainland territories and remains the standard “Relong” used in Northern Malaysia today.
Key Unit: It uses a Jemba of 8 feet.
Size: A square of 176 ft x 176 ft.
Area: 30,976 sq ft (approx. 0.711 acres).
The Penang Relong (Historical “Orlong”):
Origin: This unit, often spelled “Orlong” in early British East India Company records, was a variation used specifically on Penang Island (Prince of Wales Island) during the early colonial period. It was based on a larger base unit.
Key Unit: It uses a Jumba of 12 feet.
Size: A square of 240 ft x 240 ft.
Area: 57,600 sq ft (approx. 1.322 acres).
Note: This unit is largely obsolete in modern transactions but appears in old colonial land grants (Geran Lama) on the island.
The districts of SPU, SPT and SPS use the Kedah relong.
Reasoning: Historically, Seberang Perai (Province Wellesley) was part of the Kedah Sultanate before being ceded to the British in 1800. Unlike Penang Island, which developed its own distinct “Orlong” standard early on, the mainland territory retained the traditional Kedah measurement system for agricultural land.
Current Practice: When “Relong” is mentioned in modern real estate listings or land deals in Seberang Perai (Mainland Penang), it invariably refers to the 30,976 sq ft (0.71 acre) unit.
General Disclaimer: The tools and calculators provided on PenangIndustrial.com are designed for preliminary estimation and strategic planning purposes only. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy based on current Malaysian standards and guidelines, these results do not constitute official technical or financial advice. Users are strongly advised to consult with qualified professionals (Surveyors, Engineers, Accountants, Valuers or Solicitors) before making final investment or operational decisions. PenangIndustrial.com assumes no liability for errors, omissions, or decisions made based on these estimates.
