{
  "id": 19742812,
  "title": "Hajiji says Sabah welcomes tech investors, but warns big projects must protect water and power supplies",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/hajiji-says-sabah-welcomes-tech-investors-but-warns-big-projects-must-19742812",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-13T01:19:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/11/13/hajiji-says-sabah-welcomes-tech-investors-but-warns-big-projects-must-protect-water-and-power-supplies/243038"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KOTA KINABALU, Nov 13 — The government of Sabah is open to investments in the technology sector, including artificial intelligence (AI) data centres, but every proposal must undergo thorough evaluation to ensure it does not undermine the state's basic infrastructure needs. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor emphasized that while the government welcomes strategic partnerships, large-scale projects must meet stringent requirements related to energy, water, and other essential resources. Speaking at a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony for Sabah's first AI Data Centre, Hajiji stressed that the project's success depends on careful planning, comprehensive evaluation, and delivering meaningful outcomes for Sabah. He clarified that an MoU does not equate to state government approval and that all proposals must still meet all stipulated conditions and requirements. The evaluation process for data centre developments should consider technical and financial viability, electricity and water supply needs, cooling technology, environmental protection, land use, and connectivity. Developers must collaborate with authorities and utility providers to ensure their projects do not compromise essential services. Hajiji highlighted that data centre development could generate opportunities for local companies in various sectors, encouraging involvement from local contractors, universities, and technical institutions. He also noted that AI and cloud computing advancements offer opportunities for Sabah to strengthen its participation in the digital economy, but these efforts must complement addressing existing infrastructure challenges. Hajiji suggested that other states' experiences, especially in utility management and environmental protection, could guide Sabah in managing such projects.",
  "summary": "KOTA KINABALU, Nov 13 — The Sabah government is open to credible investments in the technology sector, including t...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}