KUALA LUMPUR: Only data centres that can provide additional benefits to Malaysia in terms of artificial intelligence (AI) or advanced technologies are allowed to set up bases in Malaysia, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Acknowledging concerns over the demand for massive volumes of water needed to complement these centres, the Prime Minister said data centres that are unable to provide the said benefits will not be allowed to set up in Malaysia.
“In the last one-and-a-half to two years, we have limited the number of data centres entering Malaysia, especially those unrelated to artificial intelligence.
“For those that provide additional benefits through advanced technologies or AI however, approvals can be given.
“We have stopped all applications that are unrelated, and are looking to utilise our cheaper water and energy rates,” he said during Prime Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Feb 24).
On whether the mass entry of data centres into Malaysia in recent years would cause an overload to the national grid, Anwar said projections from the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry indicate that it is able to accommodate for the next two years.
On top of this, he said Malaysia is taking efforts through the Asean Energy Grid, among others, for the long-term measures.
“However, I take heed of the matter and am giving it serious attention,” he said.
He was responding to Datuk Che Zulkifly Jusoh (PN-Besut) who raised concerns over high-energy demands associated with data centres and whether it could cause an overload to the national electricity grid.
