There are 57 data centres currently operating in Malaysia, with a combined electricity supply of 6,237MW from TNB, while another 60 projects requiring 11,172MW are at various stages of approval and construction. (EPA Images pic)KUALA LUMPUR: The government has tightened conditions for data centres, with operators now required to pay the market electricity tariff rate and the full cost of their reserved power capacity, even if they use less.

Investment, trade and industry minister Johari Ghani said electricity tariffs for data centres had been separated from those imposed on other consumers to ensure that the sector no longer benefits from subsidies meant for households and other industries.

"Previously, if investors requested 200 megawatts (MW), we would provide it, but they might only use 100MW (and pay for that amount).