KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 — Google will bear the full costs of its Malaysian data centres’ electricity consumption, including infrastructure required to connect them to the National Grid, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said this is in addition to Google’s plan to add more 1GW of clean energy to the grid, demonstrating how foreign direct investment (FDI) should support Malaysia’s long-term economic and environmental interests.
“On energy, Google is not competing with our household(s) for energy.
“Google will pay fully for the electricity consumed by its data centre campuses and the direct infrastructure costs required to connect them to the grid,” he said at the Mantap Malaysia Bersama AI event at Universiti Malaya here today.
Google first announced a US$2 billion investment to establish its first Malaysian data centre and Google Cloud region in Selangor’s Elmina Business Park in May 2024. Construction began in October 2024 and it started operating on October 19 this year.
Anwar also said foreign direct investment (FDI) must strengthen domestic industries, develop human capital and ensure responsible management of natural resources, in line with the Malaysia Madani framework and New Industrial Master Plan 2030.
He welcomed Google’s partnerships with more than 80 Malaysian entities in civil engineering, power systems, network infrastructure and logistics.
“These partnership(s) prove that when foreign capital meets homegrown capability, our local firms do not just participate; they sharpen their edge and prepare to compete globally,” he said.
On human capital development, Anwar welcomed Google’s commitment to upskill 800,000 Malaysians between 2027 and 2031, stressing that the benefits of AI must reach all segments of society.
He explained the initiatives would reach communities through schools, polytechnics, rural areas, urban poor households and Orang Asli communities, while stressing the importance of teaching children to use AI critically rather than become overly dependent on the technology.
On water security, he highlighted Google’s plan to develop an off-river storage reservoir and water treatment plant, set to supply 65 million litres of treated water daily.
“The facilities are also expected to mitigate flood risks during the monsoon season, strengthen water reserves during dry periods and improve access to clean drinking water, and ownership will be transferred to the state government upon completion.
“Your investment honours your mission, respects our resources, and believes in our people,” Anwar said, thanking Google for its confidence in Malaysia.
