AirTrunk is injecting MYR12 billion into Malaysia, focusing on two new hyperscale data centre campuses in Johor Bahru, designated JHB3 and JHB4. This move is set to add a combined 280MW of IT load to its existing Malaysian infrastructure, which already totals over 420MW across its JHB1 and JHB2 sites. These existing facilities are reportedly nearing full capacity.
The company states these new campuses are geared towards supporting high-density cloud and AI workloads. This significant investment brings AirTrunk's total planned and operational capacity across its global network to over 3.3 gigawatts, spread across 22 campuses in six countries, including Australia, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and India.
"AirTrunk’s investment reflects closer cooperation between Australia and Malaysia in digital infrastructure." - Danielle Heinecke, Australia’s High Commissioner to Malaysia.
Beyond the digital infrastructure expansion, AirTrunk highlighted a commitment to community initiatives. This includes support for flood resilience programs in Johor through a partnership with MERCY Malaysia, alongside broader national disaster response efforts. The development is also expected to create over 3,000 construction jobs, with further employment opportunities for local talent once the campuses are operational. AirTrunk also mentioned collaborations with local suppliers and contractors.
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The expansion aligns with Malaysia's aspirations to bolster its digital economy and become a regional digital and AI hub. Officials, including Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, have indicated the investment supports national plans for digital infrastructure development.
Additional community and educational initiatives cited by the company include STEM scholarships with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, clean drinking water projects with Gravity Water and Water Watch Penang, and continued flood resilience efforts. The company also stated the new facilities will utilize advanced cooling systems incorporating 100% recycled water, aiming to minimize local resource impact.
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The Australian firm's existing Johor campuses, JHB1 and JHB2, are nearing full contractual capacity, driving the need for expansion. The total value of AirTrunk's investment in Malaysia now approaches US$6.8 billion, factoring in previous developments.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim welcomed the additional investment, framing it as a testament to investor confidence in Malaysia's position as a strategic partner for global technology companies. Discussions also reportedly covered increasing the participation of Malaysian companies within the data centre value chain.
