 A Taoist temple had been built in the area in 1866.Nibong Tebal also became a stronghold of the Ghee Hin Kongsi, one of the active Chinese secret societies in Penang at the time.In 1900, the nascent railway line between Perai and Bukit Mertajam was extended to Nibong Tebal, and by 1902, the railroad was joined to Perak's new railway line as well.