 Nibong Tebal had been in existence since the early 19th century as an agricultural village.Sugar harvesting formed the mainstay of Nibong Tebal's economy during its early years; the industry was dominated by the Europeans due to their technological superiority.By the mid-19th century, Penang Sugar Estates Limited, which was based in Nibong Tebal, became the largest producer of sugar within "Province Wellesley" (now Seberang Perai).