JOHOR BAHRU (Aug 20): Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has refuted claims that Johor lacks sufficient electricity and water supply to support data centre investments in the state, slamming them as "slander and falsehoods" aimed at undermining investor confidence.
Speaking at the launch of the MBW Innexus Industrial City, Onn Hafiz said these are efforts by "irresponsible parties" to alarm both residents and investors with talk that Johor’s infrastructure is unable to keep pace with its industrial expansion.
"If water was not sufficient, we would have had to reject the many applications we have received. But that is not the case," the MB stressed.
In terms of water supply, he highlighted that the state had recently launched its first large-scale water reclamation plant for data centres, while long-term collaborations with Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) and other agencies will guarantee at least 2,000 million litres of water supply daily until 2030.
"These initiatives prove Johor’s readiness to meet current and future demand. Investors can be confident that electricity and water supply will be more than adequate," he asserted.
To further support incoming investors, Johor has also established a dedicated data centre task force, chaired by three state executive councillors, to fast-track approvals and address resource needs.
The MB urged critics to stop spreading doubts and instead support efforts that will benefit both the state and the nation. He concluded with a pointed remark: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. And if you want to go fast and far, go with Johor."