GEORGE TOWN: Are you happy living in Penang? Do you feel safe walking in the streets here?
These and more are what the state wants to know in the Penang Satisfaction Survey 2026, and you might even get a RM20 thank-you gift in your e-wallet for joining the survey.
Penang residents can share their view on issues ranging from the cost of living, public safety to governance and environmental concerns.
The survey by Penang Institute, the state's research and think-tank body, aims to gather feedback on residents’ satisfaction with daily life.
The findings are expected to help with future planning and policy decisions.
This is the first time the Penang Satisfaction Survey is being conducted, and it is modelled after the Penang Happiness Index carried out in 2020.
The first 1,000 respondents will get a RM20 thank-you gift, to be credited into their Touch 'n Go e-wallet about a month later.
Covering four key areas — economic wellbeing, liveability and social wellbeing, freedom and governance, as well as environmental development — the survey asks participants to rate various aspects of life in Penang.
Questions on economic wellbeing ask respondents to reflect on their financial situation, including whether they feel secure about their income and savings, as well as their perception of the cost of living in Penang.
Participants are asked whether they would prefer to continue living in Penang or move elsewhere.
The liveability and social wellbeing section touch on daily life rhythms, asking residents how satisfied they are with matters such as housing conditions, safety in their neighbourhoods and the cleanliness of public spaces.
Respondents must supply their perceptions of transport, digital connectivity and healthcare.
The survey will help gauge public sentiment on governance and civic life.
One question asks respondents whether they feel free to speak their minds in Penang. This is followed by a question on their views about politics in Malaysia.
There are many form fields for respondents to elaborate and enter personal comments.
Environmental concerns feature prominently, with participants being asked to rate satisfaction with efforts to address issues such as traffic congestion, river and air pollution, marine and coastal erosion, waste management, hill preservation, reclamation and the availability of green spaces.
Almost all questions use an even-numbered Likert scale, requiring respondents to indicate whether they lean towards satisfaction or dissatisfaction rather than selecting a neutral midpoint.
The survey takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete.
Those who have lived in Penang for more than two years are eligible to take part, even if they are not originally from the state.
The survey currently has no fixed closing date, as organisers are working towards a target number of responses.
You can choose to do the survey in English, Malay or Chinese.
Take the survey at bit.ly/PNG-satisfaction or contact survey@penanginstitute.org.
