PETALING JAYA: The government is examining data centre growth and its impact on electricity and water supplies, alongside wider environmental and social concerns.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the government was aware of the substantial energy and water requirements needed to support data centre operations.
“This is one of our main areas of focus. We have established a task force known as the Data Centre Task Force (DCTF), co-chaired by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Digital.
“Through this task force, the government is examining in greater detail the application and approval processes for data centre development.
“Based on the data collected, we can identify the number of data centres currently operating in the country, those in the development pipeline, as well as new investments being undertaken,” he told reporters after attending the EmpowerHER Digital 2026 programme today.
Also present were Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) chief executive officer Datuk Azman Ismail and Bandar Utama assemblyman Jamaliah Jamaluddin.
Gobind said the task force also brought together relevant stakeholders, including Tenaga Nasional Bhd, water authorities and state governments.
“The task force also assesses the electricity and water supply requirements needed to support the future growth of the data centre industry.
“I believe this is very important. We are working to ensure that the country makes the necessary preparations and exercises close oversight to ensure every approved data centre development is supported by sufficient electricity and water supplies.
“However, we need to look ahead and ensure that electricity and water supplies remain secure, both in the short and long term, without any disruption.
“I take note of the views raised by Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, the Queen of Malaysia, on the impact of data centre development, and will bring the matter back to the DCTF for discussion.”
Yesterday, Raja Zarith Sofiah called on the authorities, private sector and public to assess the impact of data centre development on the environment and community well-being.
The Queen said such assessments must take into account high electricity and water consumption, the misuse of land and the effects on residents.
Gobind said the EmpowerHER Digital 2026 programme aimed to empower women by raising awareness of how digital platforms could help grow their businesses and simplify dealings with the government.
The initiative was part of efforts by DNB and the ministry to bring digital opportunities to the wider community, he said.