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Independent Singapore
7 hours ago
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Johor pioneers wastewater recycling for Tier 4 data centres in nation's first
JOHOR BAHRU: Johor has taken a national lead by becoming the first Malaysian state to use wastewater recycling in Tier 4 data centre operations, blending cutting-edge technology with sustainable water management. Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the achievement cements Johor's position as the country's top data centre hub while driving both economic growth and environmental responsibility. According to The Star , he noted that more than 50 data centre construction applications have been received to date, with 42 already approved by the second quarter of 2025. These projects represent RM164.45 billion (S$50 billion) in total investments and are expected to create over 6,000 jobs for Malaysians, especially Johoreans. Balancing growth with sustainability Speaking at the Alternative Water Usage Recognition Ceremony on Aug 11, Onn Hafiz noted that the state is reviewing seven new data centre applications, which together could require up to 76 million litres of water daily. With such significant demand, he stressed the need for growth to go hand in hand with careful resource management. He explained that the Johor Data Centre Development Coordination Committee, co-chaired by three state executive councillors, was set up to oversee projects through a transparent review process. The focus, he said, is on ensuring that facilities adopt renewable energy sources and alternative water solutions, reducing pressure on Johor's potable water supply. Johor Special Water (JSW), a subsidiary of Permodalan Darul Ta'zim Sdn Bhd, has exclusive rights under a 2011 agreement with national sewerage company Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) to develop wastewater reclamation projects for industrial use. Treated wastewater is being channelled into data centre cooling systems alongside raw water and desalinated water. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof commended the move, calling it 'a step forward in ensuring environmental sustainability and resource security' and encouraging other states to follow Johor's lead. Turning sewage into a digital asset As of Jun 30, JSW had received requests from operators for 136 million litres of alternative water supply per day. This week, three agreements were formalised to expand the use of reclaimed water in data centre operations. The first agreement between IWK and JSW will see treated effluent from sewage plants sent to reclaimed water production facilities. The second, involving JSW, Bridge Data Centres and Computility Technology, covers the use of reclaimed water for cooling systems, with one facility already in operation in Ulu Tiram and another scheduled to open in Iskandar Puteri by December. The third agreement, between JSW and DayOne Data Centres, will supply raw water from the Tebrau River to a new data centre in Kempas Tech Park, expected to start operating in November. Onn Hafiz said these initiatives will reduce reliance on treated water for industrial purposes and reinforce Johor's reputation as a leader in green industry practices. Why it matters for Singaporeans For Singapore, Johor's wastewater recycling drive is more than just a sustainability milestone across the border. The state plays a crucial role in the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), where data centres are a fast-growing sector. A sustainable and dependable water supply means these facilities — many of which serve regional clients, including Singapore-based firms — can grow without placing additional strain on shared water resources. For Singaporean investors and tech companies, it's also a signal that Johor is serious about building a resilient, future-ready digital infrastructure that can meet global demand while protecting the environment both countries share. Read also: Singapore and Johor partner to train talent for special economic zone, unveil Ascott Coronation Square
Malay Mail
a day ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Nearly 100,000 Malaysians became Singaporeans over past decade, Parliament told
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 11 — A total of 97,318 Malaysians have reportedly renounced their citizenship to become citizens of Singapore between 2015 and June 2025, the Home Ministry told Parliament today. According to The Star, the ministry said in a written reply to Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN–Kota Bharu) that there were 7,394 renunciations in 2015, 8,654 in 2016, and 7,583 in 2017. The number rose to 7,665 in 2018 before jumping to 13,362 in 2019. It dropped to 5,591 in 2020, but climbed to 7,956 in 2021 and 5,623 in 2022. The figure surged again to 11,500 in 2023 and reached its highest level in 2024 with 16,930. This year, as of June 30, 6,060 Malaysians have made the change. Malaysia has long battled a significant brain drain, with an estimated 1.86 million Malaysians relocating abroad over the past five decades prompting the establishment of TalentCorp to encourage skilled returnees.
Independent Singapore
5 days ago
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Despite US tariff hike, Johor-Singapore economic zone remains strong magnet for high-value investments
JOHOR BAHRU: Even as the United States imposes a revised 19% tariff rate on Malaysian goods, Johor remains confident that the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) will continue attracting high-value foreign direct investment, particularly in sectors strategically aligned with Singapore's own economic strengths. According to Lee Ting Han, chairman of Johor's Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee, the updated tariff regime puts Malaysia on par with its regional peers. 'Generally, the 19% revised tariff rate is not that bad for our country, as most neighbouring countries have similar tariff rates, with some even higher than ours. The JS-SEZ is still in a good position to get more investors, especially foreign direct investments,' he told The Star . While some industries, including furniture and rubber, may face short-term challenges due to increased costs in the US market, Johor's state leadership is focused on sectors that remain unaffected by the new tariffs. Singapore-Johor synergy in high-growth sectors Lee emphasised that semiconductors, electrical and electronic goods, and data centres, all exempt from the US tariff hike, continue to grow rapidly in Johor. These sectors are not only resilient but also well-aligned with Singapore's advanced technology ecosystem, creating a natural synergy across the Causeway. 'The other good news for the JS-SEZ is that Singapore has a much lower US tariff rate for its sectors, such as pharmaceutical products. We are looking at how we can complement each other and drive the JS-SEZ as the region's engine of growth,' said Lee, as reported by The Star . This cross-border complementarity is especially important for Singaporean investors looking to expand regionally, tap into lower operating costs, and gain access to Malaysia's growing high-tech manufacturing base without compromising on supply chain efficiency. Experts suggest smart policy cushioning To strengthen investor confidence amid global trade uncertainty, experts are calling for targeted tax incentives. According to Associate Professor Dr L. Nanthakumar from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia's Faculty of Management, the government should act swiftly to mitigate potential downsides. 'What the government can do is to help investors within the JS-SEZ by introducing tax incentives to help them cushion the impact of the new tariff rate. A tax incentive can help lower our production cost to the American market while maintaining its quality and make it more affordable to consumers there,' he told The Star . 'This will help ensure that our products are still in demand.' For Singaporean companies, particularly in tech, data infrastructure, logistics, and high-value manufacturing, this is a signal that Malaysia is actively working to keep the JS-SEZ attractive, not just in terms of location and cost, but in policy responsiveness and regional integration. A resilient platform for cross-border growth While the US tariff development introduces new complexity for some export-facing industries, it has not dampened Johor's forward-looking outlook. This sustained federal and state collaboration, and a shared vision with Singapore, the JS-SEZ continues to be seen as a key pillar of economic transformation on both sides of the border. The zone's attractiveness to investors is influenced by both its proximity to Singapore and its infrastructure, government support, and strategic sectoral focus. Singaporean firms with regional ambitions may find this a timely opportunity to improve their influence in Johor while navigating an evolving trade landscape. For now, as The Star reports, Johor is keeping its eye on the long game, with the JS-SEZ positioned to weather global shifts and deliver returns through resilience, collaboration, and economic foresight. Read also: Johor rep calls for regulated cross-border ride-hailing framework amid LTA crackdown
