.jpg)
Southern Malaysia plays a growing role in Southeast Asia’s data center boom. (Photo: Hsu Tsu-lin)
As demand for AI-powered infrastructure surges across Southeast Asia, Malaysia is fast becoming a critical hub for data centers. But with the sector’s soaring electricity and water consumption, the country now faces a pressing question: how to strike a balance between economic growth and sustainability?
At the “Data Centres toward Net Zero” conference, held on Sept. 23 to 24 and co-organized by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MEDC), government officials and industry leaders gathered to explore solutions. RECCESSARY was the only Taiwanese media invited as a partner, offering exclusive coverage and insights from the ground.
Malaysia to unveil sustainable data center framework focused on efficiency and green energy
Limited energy and water resources in Singapore have naturally curbed the expansion of data centers, promoting demand to spill over into southern Malaysia. Johor, Kuala Lumpur and Penang have since emerged as prime locations for data center development.
Akmal Nasrullah bin Mohd Nasir, deputy minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), noted that data centers are vital engines of Malaysia’s digital economy. However, he warned that without proper planning and oversight, their rapid expansion could place significant pressure on the country’s energy and water resources.
The much-anticipated Sustainable Data Centre Framework is set to be released in October. According to Akmal Nasrullah, the new framework will offer clear guidelines for investors, covering energy efficiency standards, green energy procurement, and sustainable resource management. The goal is to ensure Malaysia can attract investment in its digital economy without compromising its sustainability goals.
