“Data centres do not require large numbers of workers. Mohamad Fazli said there are currently server cooling technologies that do not require water at all, but for data centres that do require water, some have been asked to use reclaimed water, treated from sewage treatment plants to reclaimed water treatment plants, in addition to the use of treated water. Another alternative is for data centres to collaborate with Johor Special Water (JSW) to supply alternative water that can be used by their cooling towers without affecting existing treated water sources. Mohd Fadhil explained that among the most critical impacts is data centres’ continuous dependence on water and energy, as these facilities require water for cooling and electricity supply 24 hours a day. Johor is expected to have 48 fully operational data centres by 2030, with 42 data centre construction projects having been approved as of the second quarter of last year.

Source: The Edge Markets January 17, 2026 04:49 UTC