‘No more low-tier data centre approvals in Johor’

He said the Johor Data Centre Development Coordination and Development Committee, established in 2024, acted as the key platform bringing together 20 strategic agencies at state and federal levels including utility companies, Land and Mines Office and Invest Johor.

Prior to this, Puteri Wangsa assemblyman Amira Aisya Abdul Aziz had voiced deep concern during a debate session at the state assembly, noting that the demand for water from data centres was significantly higher compared to other industries.

“There are 42 data centre projects approved as of the second quarter this year and I am certain this is not the end for the data centre industry in the state, as it plays an important role in Johor’s economic growth.

“However, the nation’s water reserves are increasingly limited, especially with rapid urban development, expanding industries and the impact of climate change,” she said.

Amira Aisya said complaints regarding water supply disruptions were rising every year.

“The complaints I have received in my area have increased since 2022 and this not only affects residential areas but also industrial zones.

“Even though the state government has introduced alternative water sources for data centres, the question remains – is Johor’s water supply sufficient to sustain daily living needs and other industries?” she asked.

Amira Aisya cited international examples of similar situations in other countries.

“In Georgia in the US, residents suffered due to frequent water supply disruptions in residential areas after a data centre began operations, despite assurances that water supply would not be affected.

“This was only one data centre, imagine if there were 42. What would happen then?

“In Uruguay, citizens protested over concerns that data centres could disrupt water supplies to their farms,” she said.

On a separate matter, she touched on the issue of students dropping out of school due to family financial difficulties, and urged the government to come up with long-term solutions.

“I am aware of the RM2.8mil allocation for back-to-school aid, which is a good initiative.

“But a continuous strategy must be considered.”

Amira Aisya cited as an example, the school transport assistance implemented in Negri Sembilan, known as MySchoolBus@Wilayah.

“These initiatives are crucial to ensure no student drops out simply due to transport issues.”

She said more sustainable approaches needed to be considered to resolve the problem of student dropouts in Johor.

On another matter, Mohd Jafni said the state government did not support the proposed Urban Renewal Act (URA).

He said the Act overlapped with state jurisdiction on land matters, urban planning and development approvals.

“Several sensitive issues such as ownership thresholds, resident rights, relocation, compensation and local development control must remain under the purview of local councils and state agencies familiar with local contexts.

“Until there is alignment in legal structure, authority and safeguards for residents, Johor maintains its position of not supporting the implementation of the URA in the state,” he said.

He added that the state remained committed to rejuvenating ageing housing areas through existing mechanisms under local authorities.