For years, disputes between Kedah and Penang have largely centred on water. The Kedah state government repeatedly argued that Penang benefited from raw water originating from Sungai Muda while paying little in return.

The issue would periodically generate headlines, political exchanges, and calls for compensation before fading from public attention.

But when the issue resurfaced online in late 2025, Facebook discussions were no longer centred on water. Instead, users found themselves revisiting centuries-old questions.

Did Penang historically belong to Kedah? Did Francis Light legally acquire the island in 1786? Or was Penang taken from Kedah through colonial manipulation?

Analysis by Malaysiakini and data journalism platform Newsgraphy found that historical ownership, sovereignty, and identity became some of the dominant themes shaping online discussion.

At the centre of that shift was an unlikely piece of content...