KUALA LUMPUR: The requirement to disclose data centre operations information, including electricity usage and the number of graphics processing unit (GPU) chips imported, will be embedded in law to enable the government to monitor data centre operations, said Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
He said the government needs to know who the operators and hyperscalers are for each data centre, as well as the location of each data centre.
Johari said 55 of the 117 approved data centre projects have begun operations, and monitoring must continue after approval is granted.
He said this during his speech at the launch ceremony of MITI’s MySaham mobile app here today.
Regarding electricity supply, Johari said data centre operators must determine the actual capacity needed because suppliers must allocate the capacity agreed upon in the supply agreement.
"For example, if a data centre books a capacity of 100 megawatts (MW) but only uses 50 MW, the remaining 50 MW that are not being used will still be billed,” the minister added.
Johari said the measure aims to reduce electrical capacity reservations that might only be used one to three years later.
He also said the Digital Ministry is reviewing existing laws to determine if they can be used to take action against the re-export of GPU chips subject to sanctions by the United States of America.
"When the US imposes a restriction, as a country, we want to make sure that whatever chips arrive here are meant for our own use,” he said.
Johari said that there had been parties who rented space in local data centres and imported GPU chips, then later re-exported them.
"If they (the US authorities) require confirmation, they can always check with the government for us to confirm,” he said.
The minister said the government can provide information about the data centre using the chips in question.
Meanwhile, Johari said MySaham MITI was introduced to facilitate Bumiputera investors to obtain information and manage matters related to the Saham Khas Bumiputera (SKB) category of shares.
"We want to expand access to opportunities for participating in the ownership of the country’s corporate equity through this application,” he said.
"This launch is part of MITI’s efforts to strengthen the delivery of services digitally,” he said.
Johari added that MITI’s focus is to facilitate user transactions, enhance information management efficiency, and ensure a more orderly application process. - Bernama
