RM225.97b data centre investments to create 4,053 jobs

Malaysia's 27 data centre projects, approved under the Data Centre Task Force, are projected to create 4,053 jobs, according to Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo. The investments for these projects amount to an estimated RM225.97 billion. Out of the 3,523 jobs, 89.21 percent are expected to be filled by Malaysians. The positions available span electrical and mechanical engineering, networking, cybersecurity, and data centre operations and maintenance.

The projects under the DCTF must adhere to a minimum 30 percent local content rule, which is tracked by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority through semi-annual project implementation reports. As of July, 84 data centre projects across the country had been approved, including the 27 under the DCTF, with 16 located in Johor, 10 in Selangor, and one in Negri Sembilan.

One project had already commenced operations, while the remaining 26 are currently under construction. TalentCorp Malaysia is working on a Data Centre Facility Management Programme to enhance Malaysians' skills in data centre operations and maintenance. The government intends to keep an eye on these projects to ensure the investments yield tangible economic benefits, focusing on quality employment, local business participation, skills development, and technology transfer.