Data centre investments surge to RM385 bln, Works Minister urges focus on homegrown expertise

Nanta (right) visiting the exhibition area when attending the Future Ready Green Data Centres: Sustainable and High Productivity Engineering Symposium in Kuala Lumpur on Sept 24, 2026.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Sept 24: Malaysia’s rapidly expanding data centre industry must translate into stronger local capabilities and broader economic benefits for Malaysians.

Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi said Malaysia has attracted RM385.7 billion in data-centre-related investments between 2021 and the first half of 2026, with approximately 4.6 gigawatts (GW) of capacity currently planned or under construction.

“But our success cannot be measured by investment figures alone.

“As global capital builds capacity in Malaysia, Malaysian capability must grow with it,” he said in a post shared on his social media today after officiating the Future Ready Green Data Centres: Sustainable and High Productivity Engineering Symposium in Kuala Lumpur today.

Nanta added that this includes creating greater opportunities for local engineers, contractors, manufacturers, technology providers, professional firms and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to participate in the fast-growing industry.

At the same time, he emphasised the importance of ensuring that supporting infrastructure remains safe, resilient, productive and sustainable as the sector expands.

“The Ministry of Works would continue supporting the adoption of modern construction methods and advanced technologies to enhance industry productivity and long-term asset performance,” he said.

These include digitalisation, Building Information Modelling (BIM), artificial intelligence (AI) and lower-carbon construction solutions.

The minister also welcomed innovations aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the construction sector, noting that sustainable development would be critical as Malaysia strengthens its position as a regional digital infrastructure hub.

During the symposium, Nanta witnessed the showcase and launch of ECOCem Prime, describing it as an example of the practical lower-carbon innovations needed across the construction value chain.

Nanta said Malaysia has already established significant digital infrastructure capacity and now faces the challenge of ensuring that the industry’s growth generates lasting economic value for the country.

“Our next task is to build lasting capability around it — and ensure this growth creates real value for Malaysians,” he added. — DayakDaily