Johor has approved 42 data centre projects worth RM164.45 billion, cementing its position as Malaysia’s top destination for the industry and pledging to meet its massive water demands through alternative sources. – Bernama pic
Johor secures RM164b in data centre investments, moves to alternative water sources
By Jassmine Shadiqe
JOHOR BARU: Johor has approved 42 data centre projects worth RM164.45 billion, cementing its position as Malaysia’s top destination for the industry and pledging to meet its massive water demands through alternative sources.
Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the projects, expected to create more than 6,000 jobs, form the backbone of Johor’s digital economy and are critical to the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone and the Johor Digital Plan.
More than 50 applications have been received to date, with seven new proposals seeking up to 76 million litres of water daily now under review.
“To ensure long-term sustainability, we are prioritising renewable energy use and optimising water resources,” he said at a ceremony to recognise the use of alternative water in Johor’s data centre industry, here today.
(Majlis Pengiktirafan Penggunaan Air Alternatif bagi Industri Pusat Data Negeri Johor)
The state, through Johor Special Water Sdn Bhd (JSW) and in partnership with Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd (IWK), will supply raw water, reclaimed water and desalinated water to data centres.
JSW has already received requests totalling 136 million litres a day in alternative water supply, Onn Hafiz added.
Key agreements signed today include treated effluent supply deals between JSW, IWK, Bridge Data Centres (BDC) and Computility Technology Malaysia, as well as a raw water supply pact with DayOne Data Centres.
BDC has begun producing reclaimed water at its Ulu Tiram facility, while Computility’s system in Iskandar Puteri is set for completion by year-end.
Johor will also be the first state to deploy Tier 4 data centre technology with advanced cooling and wastewater recycling systems, reducing dependence on potable water and positioning the state as a competitive, green digital hub.
