SHAH ALAM, July 29 — The state government will review every objection to the proposed commercial data centre development in Kota Damansara in accordance with the prescribed procedures before making any decision.
Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari said they are responsible for providing fact-based explanations and finding a solution that achieves a 'win-win' outcome for all parties.
"These objections form part of the hearing process in the planning of the data centre development. Some data centres also need to be built close to the necessary service infrastructure.
"However, approval for a data centre is not decided solely by the local authority, as there is a task force at the federal level. Meanwhile, at the state level, we assess the suitability of the site, including whether there is sufficient water and electricity supply," he said.
Amirudin added that the state government will carefully examine the basis of every objection submitted before making any consideration.
"We want to understand the basis of these concerns. If they are based solely on sentiment without supporting facts, they would naturally be difficult to take into consideration.
"However, if there are clear grounds, we can consider them, including identifying another, more suitable location. The area behind the proposed site is also an industrial zone and is home to factories, including a chemical plant, whose risks are far greater than those posed by a data centre.
"That is why we must address every concern with data and facts, rather than sentiment alone. The state government's responsibility is to provide information, explanations, and to seek a fair solution for all parties," he said.
On July 17, Sungai Buloh MP Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan said the proposed data centre would be brought before the Cabinet following concerns raised by residents.
The matter will be discussed with a view to establishing more comprehensive guidelines and mechanisms for the placement of data centres, particularly those located near residential areas.
He also submitted an official letter of objection to Petaling Jaya Mayor Dato' Mohamad Zahri Samingon on July 15 to formally state his opposition to the proposed development.
At the time of writing, Ramanan had yet to receive any official response from Petaling Jaya City Council.
