Malaysia to require data centres to report electricity use and GPU imports
Johari Abdul Ghani said 55 of 117 approved projects were operating, while the Digital Ministry is reviewing laws covering the re-export of sanctioned chips.
Malaysia will put disclosure requirements for data centres into law, requiring information on electricity consumption and imported graphics processing unit (GPU) chips, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said on November 12.
Speaking in Kuala Lumpur at the launch of Miti’s MySaham mobile app, Johari said authorities needed to identify each facility’s operators and hyperscalers and establish where it was located. With 55 out of 117 approved projects already operating, he said oversight needed to extend beyond the approval stage.
Johari also urged operators to assess their electricity needs accurately, saying suppliers must set aside the capacity specified in supply agreements. As an example, he said a facility reserving 100 megawatts (MW) but consuming 50 MW would still be charged for the unused 50 MW. The aim, he said, was to curb reservations for capacity that might not be needed for another one to three years.
Separately, the Digital Ministry is examining whether existing legislation allows action against the re-export of GPU chips covered by US sanctions, Johari said. He said some parties had rented Malaysian data centre space, brought in chips and subsequently shipped them abroad.
Johari said Malaysia wanted chips arriving in the country to be used domestically. If US authorities sought verification, the government could identify the data centre using the chips concerned, he added.
