Google Allocates RM651 Mln For Shared Water Infrastructure In Negeri Sembilan

SEREMBAN, Nov 2 (Bernama) -- Google is allocating US$160 million (RM651 million) to fund new shared water infrastructure in Negeri Sembilan to support local community needs and its upcoming data centre operations at Springhill Industrial Park in Port Dickson.

The United States multinational technology corporation said in a statement today that the project would involve the construction of an off-river storage reservoir and a water treatment plant capable of producing 65 million litres of potable water daily, once operational.

The project will be carried out by Gamuda Bhd in partnership with the Negeri Sembilan state government and Syarikat Air Negeri Sembilan Sdn Bhd (SAINS).

“Upon completion, the facilities will be owned by Menteri Besar Negeri Sembilan (Incorporated) (MBINS), a statutory body under the state government responsible for managing state assets,” according to the statement.

Located along the Linggi River, the off-river storage reservoir is designed to capture excess river flow and rainfall, particularly during periods of high water yield, to help mitigate flood risks in surrounding flood-prone areas.

The stored raw water will then be channelled to the treatment plant for purification before being supplied for domestic and commercial use.

During periods of lower water yield, the plant can draw directly from the reservoir's reserves to maintain a reliable water supply for the community without disrupting the river's natural flow.

Google said its digital infrastructure development in Negeri Sembilan will feature a planned data centre campus, shared water infrastructure and targeted education and workforce development programmes.

The company would also bear the full cost of electricity consumed by its data centre campus, as well as the direct infrastructure costs required to connect the facility to the power grid, while complying with all applicable local regulations.

Its commitment to Negeri Sembilan would cover both the construction phase and the campus's multi-decade operational lifecycle.

The planned data centre campus in Port Dickson is custom-designed to be among the most energy-efficient in the world. Once operational, its advanced computing capabilities will power Google services, including Search, Maps and Chrome, which are used daily by millions of individuals and organisations across Malaysia.

Meanwhile, Google Director and Head of Global Infrastructure and Energy for Asia Pacific Drew Byrnes said the funding for shared water infrastructure reflected the company's global ambition to replenish 120 per cent of the freshwater volume it consumed.

He said although Google's water risk assessment showed that local water sources were not at high risk of scarcity or depletion, the company remained committed to growing sustainably through water replenishment, power infrastructure enhancements and skills development.

“We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with the state government and local partners from construction through to long-term operations to deliver lasting value for the local workforce and community,” he said.

Invest Negeri Sembilan chief executive officer Datuk Najmuddin Sharif Sarimon said the planned data centre marked a significant milestone in the state's efforts to become a competitive destination for high-value digital infrastructure investment.

“We value Google’s responsible and forward-looking approach, from the strategic selection of its development site to its commitments toward water infrastructure, power infrastructure upgrades and the creation of new skilling and employment opportunities,” he said.

Najmuddin also said that the project would also strengthen Negeri Sembilan's emerging digital economy, attract complementary investments, expand business opportunities for local companies and develop a skilled workforce, while broadening the state's digital ecosystem.

-- BERNAMA