Port Dickson:Negeri Sembilan Google is investing US$160 million (RM651 million) in new shared water infrastructure in Negeri Sembilan to support both local community needs and its upcoming data centre operations at Springhill Industrial Park in Port Dickson.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the project will include the construction of an off-river storage reservoir and a water treatment plant capable of producing 65 million litres of potable water daily. The project will be carried out by Gamuda Bhd in partnership with the Negeri Sembilan state government and Syarikat Air Negeri Sembilan Sdn Bhd (SAINS).

Upon completion, the facilities will be owned by Menteri Besar Negeri Sembilan (Incorporated) (MBINS), tasked with managing state assets. Located along the Linggi River, the reservoir is designed to capture excess river flow and rainfall to mitigate flood risks in flood-prone areas. The stored water will be purified and supplied for domestic and commercial use.

Google's development in Negeri Sembilan also includes a data centre campus and aims to feature some of the most energy-efficient facilities globally. Google will cover all electricity costs for the data centre and comply with local regulations during its construction and operational lifecycle.

Drew Byrnes, Google's Director and Head of Global Infrastructure and Energy for Asia Pacific, stated that the funding reflects Google's ambition to replenish 120 percent of freshwater consumed. Despite local water sources not being at high risk, the company is committed to sustainable growth through water replenishment and skills development.

Invest Negeri Sembilan CEO Datuk Najmuddin Sharif Sarimon highlighted that the data centre represents a significant milestone for the state, enhancing its digital infrastructure, attracting investments, expanding business opportunities, and developing a skilled workforce.