Data centre disclosures to become a legal requirement
The government wants details on electricity consumption and GPU imports, while the Digital Ministry reviews laws covering re-exports of US-sanctioned chips.
Malaysia will put mandatory reporting for data centres into law, covering power consumption and imported graphics processing unit (GPU) chip numbers, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said on Nov 12.
Speaking in Kuala Lumpur at the launch of Miti’s MySaham mobile app, Johari said the government needs to identify the operators and hyperscalers involved, along with each facility’s location. Of 117 approved projects, 55 have started operating, he said, adding that oversight must extend beyond the approval stage.
On power supply, Johari urged operators to establish their actual requirements, as suppliers have to set aside the capacity stipulated in their agreements. Operators would still be charged for reserved capacity they do not use, he said. The aim is to curb reservations for electricity that may not be needed until one to three years later.
Separately, the Digital Ministry is examining whether existing legislation allows action against the re-export of GPU chips covered by United States of America sanctions, Johari said. He said some parties had leased space at Malaysian data centres, brought in GPU chips and subsequently re-exported them.
Johari said chips arriving in Malaysia should be intended for domestic use. If US authorities seek verification, the government can provide details of the data centre using the chips concerned, he added.
