Twenty-seven data centre projects with an estimated investment value of RM225.97bil have been approved since the formation of the Data Centre Task Force (DCTF) in February last year, says the Digital Ministry.
Johor had the highest number of data centres approved at 16 followed by Selangor (10) and Negri Sembilan (one).
“Of the 27 centres, one is operational while 26 are still in the construction phase,” it said in a written parliamentary reply yesterday.
The ministry said 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 through Data Centre Project Implementation Reports, which must be submitted every six months,” it said.
The ministry said 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.
It added that 89.21% of the high-skilled positions are expected to be filled by Malaysians.
To strengthen skills and technology transfer, it 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 cooperation with training and educational institutions to build expertise and enhance the capabilities of local companies to participate in the industry’s value chain.
“The government will continue to monitor 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.
He also asked about the economic spillover to the rakyat, the involvement of SMEs as vendors or suppliers, as well as technology and knowledge transfer programmes.
