Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – Malaysia’s data centre sector is projected to grow at a 22% CAGR from 2023 to 2029 due to cost competitiveness, skilled workforce, and a robust digital ecosystem, according to a report by ARC Group, a global investment bank.
Data centres in Malaysia are reassessing their operation costs after a spike in power tariffs. The new tariff introduced last December will take effect today, July 1, increasing operational costs for data centres and charges on network capacity.
Samuel Tan, founder and CEO of Olive Tree Property Consultants, revealed that Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme policies aim to prevent such effects. However, the overall effect would still increase data centre operational costs.
From July 1, 2025 to December 31, 2026, the new tariff aims to boost electricity costs by 10-14% before surcharges for major consumers such as data centres.
Gary Goh, founder and director of data centre advisory firm Sprint DC Consulting, revealed that unprepared investors have been left to wait and see in the meantime, adding that a 100-megawatt facility could expect an additional cost of 15 million USD to 20 million USD per year without the fuel surcharge.
Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) – Malaysia’s national power corporation, revealed that the government will announce a monthly fuel surcharge based on changes in fuel prices and foreign exchange rates. This could trigger more fluctuations in electricity prices, which is expected to affect SMEs within the sector.
Samuel Tan, CEO of Olive Tree Property Consultants, said several data centres rushed to sign Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with TNB before the effective date.
Malaysia has kept energy and land prices low compared to competitors like Singapore to lure investors. However, the new tariffs risk driving away investors to neighbouring countries such as Vietnam and Thailand, according to Mahadhir Aziz, president of the Data Centre Association of Malaysia. He appealed for the government to re-evaluate the issue from a regional perspective.
Malaysia’s Energy Commission argued that the approved new tariff structure will provide a more equitable and progressive electricity tariff for 23.6 million users in Malaysia./.
Indonesia, Malaysia boost cooperation in developing tech talent
Indonesia and Malaysia have the same role and goals in pushing for science and technology development within a collaborative framework and exchange information so as to manifest self-sufficiency at both national and regional levels.
