Google announced that it is providing USD 160 million in funding for new shared water infrastructure in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, to support both local community needs and its future data center operations in the state. The announcement was made in coordination with the State Government of Negeri Sembilan and Syarikat Air Negeri Sembilan Sdn Bhd (SAINS).

Funding Anchored to Digital Infrastructure Development

The funding will support the construction of an off-river storage reservoir and water treatment plant, with Gamuda Berhad appointed to carry out the build. Once completed, Google will transfer ownership of the facilities to Menteri Besar Negeri Sembilan (Incorporated), or MBINS, the statutory body under the state government responsible for managing state assets.

Water Capacity and Flood Mitigation Design

When operational, the treatment plant will have the capacity to deliver 65 million liters of potable water daily. That output will serve Google's upcoming data center campus in Springhill Industrial Park, Port Dickson, while also expanding the state's water supply for public use.

The off-river storage reservoir, located along the Linggi River, is designed to capture excess river flow and rainfall, particularly during high-yield seasons, to help mitigate flood risks in surrounding flood-prone areas. Captured raw water is channeled through the treatment plant to be purified for domestic and commercial use.

During lower-yield periods, the plant can draw directly from the reservoir's reserves, maintaining a resilient water supply for the community without disrupting the river's natural flow.

Scope of Google's Commitment in the State

Google's broader development in Negeri Sembilan encompasses the planned data center campus, the new shared water infrastructure, and targeted education and workforce development programs.

The company stated it will pay for 100 percent of the power its data center campus uses, as well as the direct infrastructure costs required to connect it to the grid, while complying with all applicable local regulations. Google's commitment spans the construction phase and the multi-decade operational lifecycle of the campus.

The planned data center campus in Port Dickson is custom-designed from the ground up to be among the most energy-efficient in the world, according to the company.

Once operational, its advanced computing capabilities will power Google services, including Search, Maps, and Chrome, which are used daily by millions of individuals and organizations across Malaysia.

Clean Energy Education and Workforce Initiatives

Alongside the water infrastructure announcement, Google is expanding its collaboration with SOLS Foundation, launching new clean energy education and workforce development initiatives to train local youth for long-term careers in Malaysia's clean energy sector.

The company noted that its clean energy efforts in Malaysia take the form of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with consortiums led by Shizen Energy-Solarvest and TotalEnergies.

These agreements, according to Google, provide the bankability and upfront guarantee of future revenue that energy developers need to secure financing for the construction of new clean energy generation facilities, such as utility-scale solar farms, and to expand their local workforce to deliver and manage these sites. The PPAs are aimed at adding net-new clean power to Malaysia's National Grid.

Statements from Google and State Officials

Drew Byrnes, Director and Head of Global Infrastructure and Energy, Asia Pacific, at Google, said the decision to fund shared water infrastructure reflects the company's global ambition to replenish 120 percent of the freshwater volume it consumes.

He noted that Google's water risk assessment showed local water sources were not at high risk of scarcity or depletion, underscoring, in his words, the company's responsibility to grow its presence sustainably by pairing digital infrastructure development with water replenishment projects, power infrastructure enhancements, and programs designed to upskill local talent.

Byrnes said Google looks forward to continuing close collaboration with the state government and local partners from construction through to long-term operations.

Dato' Haji Najmuddin Sharif bin Sarimon, Chief Executive Officer of Invest Negeri Sembilan, described the planned data center campus as an important milestone in the state's journey toward becoming a competitive destination for high-value digital infrastructure investment.

He said the project demonstrates how private investment and public interests can be aligned from the outset to deliver sustainable, long-term benefits for the state and its people and welcomed Google's approach from the strategic selection of the development site to its commitments on water and power infrastructure and skilling opportunities.

Najmuddin added that for Negeri Sembilan, attracting investment is not simply about the size of the capital committed but also about the quality of investment, its long-term economic contribution, and its ability to create value for the state's people.

He said Google's presence strengthens Negeri Sembilan's position as an emerging destination for the digital economy, with the potential to attract complementary investments, expand business opportunities for local companies, and support the development of a more skilled workforce, building a broader digital ecosystem that contributes to the state's long-term competitiveness.

Stay Ahead of Malaysia's Data Center Boom with Real-Time Project Intelligence

Data center developers across Malaysia are racing to secure land, power, and connectivity before their competitors do. The difference between winning and watching often comes down to who has the earliest, most reliable project intelligence.

That's where the Global Project Tracking (GPT) platform by Blackridge Research comes in. It delivers comprehensive, continuously updated coverage of data center developments across the country, from hyperscale campuses to edge facilities emerging in Malaysian markets.

Whether you're targeting early-stage opportunities or tracking competitors' expansions, the platform keeps your pipeline informed at every stage of the project lifecycle:

• Upcoming Projects

• Tender Notices

• Contract Awards

• Projects Under Construction

• Completed Projects

See firsthand how the Global Project Tracking (GPT) platform by Blackridge Research can sharpen your Malaysian strategy. Book a free demo today.