KUALA LUMPUR: Some 27 data centre projects have been approved since the formation of the Data Centre Task Force (DCTF) in February last year, says the Digital Ministry.
It said the estimated investment value was RM225.97bil.
Johor had the highest number of data centres approved under the task force at 16 followed by Selangor (10) and Negri Sembilan (one).
“Of the 27 centres, one is operational while 26 are still at the construction phase,” it said in a written parliamentary reply on Thursday (Oct 15).
The ministry added that the development of data centres can potentially stimulate the growth of the domestic digital ecosystem and related supply chains.
“Projects approved under the DCTF are also subject to having at least 30% of local domestic content.
“The implementation and compliance with this requirement are monitored by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) through Data Centre Project Implementation Reports, which must be submitted every six months,” said the ministry.
The ministry added that the data centre projects are forecasted to create 4,053 job opportunities, including 3,523 high-skilled roles in the fields of mechanical and engineering, networks, cybersecurity as well as the operations and maintenance of data centres.
89.21% of the high-skilled positions are expected to be filled by Malaysians, according to the ministry.
To strengthen skills and technology transfer, the ministry said TalentCorp Malaysia is developing a Data Centre Facilities Management Programme to train local participants in skills related to data centre operations and maintenance.
“Data centre operators are also encouraged to expand cooperations with training and educational institutions to build expertise and enhance the capabilities of local companies to participate in the industry’s value chain,” it said.
“The government will continue monitoring the implementation of data centre projects to ensure approved investments will provide economic benefits felt by the rakyat, specifically through the creation of high-quality jobs, involvement of small and medium enterprises (SME), talent development and technology transfer,” the ministry added.
It was responding to a question by Datuk Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi (PN-Kuala Langat) who asked about the number of data centres approved by the DCTF and its breakdown by state.
He also asked about the economic spillover to the rakyat, particularly through the creation of high-quality jobs, the involvement of SMEs as vendors or suppliers, as well as technology and knowledge transfer programmes.
