Johor bahru: Data centre companies planning to develop facilities in Johor have been urged to invest in securing their own water sources to support their operations, including exploring the potential of groundwater, to reduce pressure on the public water supply system.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Director of the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Campus Sustainability Centre, Prof Dr Mohd Fadhil Md Din, highlighted the risks of long-term reliance by data centres on public water sources, which might increase pressure on domestic supplies and other industries, especially when water-intensive facilities are developed in clusters. He emphasized that data centres, being capital-intensive with low labour dependency, have the financial capability to invest in their own utility infrastructure without imposing the burden on the government or public.
Prof Dr Mohd Fadhil stated that exploring alternative sources, such as groundwater, should be conducted in a controlled, science-based manner, adhering to hydrogeological studies and continuous monitoring to avoid adverse environmental impacts. He explained that this approach aligns with the polluter pays and beneficiary pays principles, asserting that those benefiting economically from development should bear the costs of additional impacts on natural resources. Reducing reliance on the public water system could also enhance the state's resilience against risks such as drought and extreme weather.
He clarified that this proposal aims to ensure balanced, responsible, and sustainable data centre development in Johor rather than hinder investment. The State Public Works, Transport, Infrastructure and Communications Committee chairman, Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh, previously noted the establishment of a Special Technical Committee for data centre development applications to holistically assess project feasibility, particularly regarding water and electricity supply, utility issues, and development zone suitability.
Mohamad Fazli mentioned that some server cooling technologies do not require water, and data centres needing water have been encouraged to use reclaimed water or collaborate with Johor Special Water (JSW) for alternative water supplies. Prof Dr Mohd Fadhil warned of potential long-term pressure on Johor's water supply, energy, and environment if data centre developments proceed without clear controls on the state's actual capacity. He stressed the importance of comprehensive assessments for data centre development approvals, considering factors such as water supply, energy systems, and environmental impacts.
He noted that the main risk over the next 10 to 20 years would stem not from a single data centre but from the cumulative impact of multiple centres operating simultaneously, exerting significant pressure on the state's utility systems. Prof Dr Mohd Fadhil proposed that the state government establish development capacity and long-term impact assessments as early approval conditions for data centre clusters, considering projections and potential risks.
Johor is anticipated to have 48 fully operational data centres by 2030, with 42 data centre construction projects approved as of the second quarter of last year.