Google rancang labur RM61 bilion di Malaysia

Google plans to invest USD15 billion (RM61.1 billion) in Malaysia over two years starting in 2027, focusing on digital infrastructure development, expansion of data center campuses, and green energy and water initiatives. The investment is expected to contribute an average of USD1.1 billion (RM4.48 billion) annually to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) during the construction phase from 2027 to 2028.

Alphabet's president and CFO, Ruth Porat, announced the plan at Malaysia Together for AI in Malaysia University. The investment aligns with Malaysia's development, providing essential computing capacity for innovation benefits across the country and increasing local energy and water supplies as operations expand. Locally, Google is proud to collaborate with local manufacturers to enhance skills and employability.

With a 15-year presence in Malaysia since 2011, Google plans to build a 370,000-strong data center campus in industrial zones, with new campuses planned in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan. Construction is expected to support over 37,000 local jobs annually, generating USD378 million (RM1.54 billion) in annual wages. Once operational, it is projected to support over 9,000 local jobs yearly, with average wages 45% higher than the national median.

Google aims to drive the country towards green energy through investments that will add more than 1 gigawatt of green energy capacity to the national grid. The company will partner with Tenaga Nasional Berhad to develop new green energy facilities under the Corporate Clean Energy Feed-in Scheme. To support economic growth, Google will fund four new programs to increase digital skills for approximately 800,000 Malaysians by 2031, advancing AI levels, helping local businesses reach more customers via digital platforms, upgrading public service staff with AI skills and productivity tools, and preparing job applicants for data center roles.

Google is also collaborating with over 80 local supply chain entities across sectors including construction, civil engineering, power systems, insulation, logistics, law, catering, and waste management. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim highlighted that this massive investment will strengthen Malaysia's position as a key digital power in Southeast Asia, spur economic growth, and create high-skilled job opportunities.

It will also benefit the nation by strengthening industries, developing human capital, ensuring responsible energy and resource management, and addressing social inequalities in AI benefits. Anwar emphasized that Google's commitment to training 800,000 Malaysians in digital and technology skills supports the government's human capital development agenda, including data center skills training for polytechnic and vocational students, AI education in schools, and programs targeting rural communities, low-income groups, Orang Asli, public servants, and small businesses.

The company is also constructing a cross-river water reservoir and modern water treatment facility capable of providing 65 million liters of potable water daily, which will not only increase clean water supply to the community but also help reduce flood risks during the rainy season and ensure water storage during droughts.