MALAYSIA’S 27 approved data centre projects are projected to generate 4,053 jobs, including 3,523 high-skilled positions, as the government seeks to ensure the RM225.97 billion investment pipeline delivers tangible benefits to local workers and businesses.
The Digital Ministry said 89.21% of the high-skilled jobs were expected to be filled by Malaysians, with the projects also intended to support local small and medium enterprises (SMEs), talent development and technology transfer.
Of the 27 projects approved since the Data Centre Task Force (DCTF) was established in February last year, 16 are in Johor, 10 in Selangor and one in Negri Sembilan.
The ministry said one data centre was operational, while the remaining 26 were still under construction.
It added that projects approved under the task force were required to have at least 30% local domestic content, with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) monitoring compliance through implementation reports submitted every six months.
“The development of data centres can potentially stimulate the growth of the domestic digital ecosystem and related supply chains,” the ministry said in a written parliamentary reply on Thursday.
To strengthen local expertise and technology transfer, TalentCorp Malaysia is developing a Data Centre Facilities Management Programme to train Malaysians in data centre operations and maintenance.
Operators are also encouraged to work more closely with training and educational institutions to develop industry skills and enable local companies to participate in the data centre supply chain.
“The government will continue monitoring the implementation of data centre projects to ensure approved investments will provide economic benefits felt by the rakyat, specifically through the creation of high-quality jobs, involvement of small and medium enterprises (SME), talent development and technology transfer,” the ministry said.
The ministry was responding to Datuk Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi (PN-Kuala Langat), who asked how many data centres had been approved under the task force, their distribution by state and the expected economic spillover for Malaysians, including jobs, SME participation and technology and knowledge transfer. - October 15, 2026