Johor leads 27 data centre projects approved under Malaysia's RM225.97 bil task force

Johor accounts for 16 of the 27 data centre projects approved under Malaysia's Data Centre Task Force up to July 2026, with a combined investment value of RM225.97 billion. The projects are expected to create 4,053 jobs, mostly high-skilled positions filled by Malaysians.

PETALING JAYA (Oct 15): Johor accounted for 16 of the 27 data centre projects approved under Malaysia's Data Centre Task Force (DCTF) up to July 2026, with an estimated combined investment value of RM225.97 billion, according to the Digital Ministry.

Selangor accounted for 10 projects and Negeri Sembilan one, The Edge Malaysia reported, citing Bernama. In a written parliamentary reply, the ministry said one of the 27 projects had begun operations, while the remaining 26 were under construction.

The ministry was responding to Datuk Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi (PN-Kuala Langat), who sought a breakdown of data centre approvals under the DCTF by state and details of their economic spillover benefits for local communities. Projects approved under the task force are subject to a minimum local content requirement of 30 per cent, the ministry said.

The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) monitors implementation and compliance through project implementation reports that must be submitted every six months. The projects are expected to create 4,053 jobs, including 3,523 high-skilled positions in electrical and mechanical engineering, networking, cybersecurity, and data centre operations and maintenance.

Malaysians are expected to fill 89.21 per cent of the high-skilled positions, according to the ministry. To strengthen technology and skills transfer, Talent Corporation Malaysia is developing a data centre facilities management programme to train local participants in operations and maintenance.