KUALA LUMPUR: The Data Centre Task Force (DCTF) has received more than 40 applications to establish or expand DC operations in Malaysia this year, reflecting continued investment interest in the country’s digital infrastructure industry.
Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said each proposal is considered not only in terms of its investment value, but also its requirements for energy, water and connectivity, as well as its potential contribution to Malaysia’s long-term economic and digital aspirations.
“As the scale and pace of investment increase, our priorities must evolve alongside the industry.
“The next phase is about what that capacity delivers: artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, home-grown innovation, skilled talent and higher-value jobs,” he said in his keynote address at the Data Centre Nexus 2026 here yesterday.
The address was delivered on his behalf by Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Sim Tze Tzin.
Johari said the government has strengthened the role of the DCTF – co-chaired by the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) and the Digital Ministry – as an important platform to facilitate a more coordinated approach towards the industry.
He said Malaysia is setting clear standards for power and water usage efficiency, and going a step further than others in the region for carbon usage efficiency.
“Through the task force, the Energy Commission and the National Water Services Commission are also developing the relevant frameworks and guidelines to support the sustainable development of the DC industry.
“As the industry continues to grow, we want to see new capacity supported by operators that are committed to renewable energy, greater efficiency and responsible resource management, while adopting more sustainable solutions across their operations,” he said.
Johari said Malaysia approved RM218.5bil in total investments across various economic sectors in the first half of 2026, almost 12% higher than the corresponding period last year.
He said the services sector accounted for the largest share at RM149.6bil, or 68.5% of the total, while the information and communications sub-sector, which includes DCs, recorded RM103.3bil in approved investments.
DC and cloud-computing projects alone accounted for RM95.8bil, or close to 44% of all approved investments during the period, while DC-related investment approvals have reached RM385.7bil since 2021, he added. — Bernama
