Tanjong Malim Land Plots Poised for AI Data Centres with Solar Energy Support

Tanjong Malim: Malaysia’s Emerging Hub for AI-Driven Digital Infrastructure with Renewable Energy

As the digital economy rapidly expands, the demand for large-scale data processing, especially for artificial intelligence (AI) applications, continues to rise. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), AI workloads consume significantly more energy than traditional computing methods, with estimates suggesting that by 2030, global data centres could require as much as 1,500 terawatt-hours of electricity annually, comparable to the entire current energy consumption of India.

This projected surge underscores the critical need for scalable, energy-efficient infrastructure to support AI development. Within this context, Tanjong Malim in Malaysia has gained recognition as a strategic location capable of meeting these demands through a combination of geographical advantages and established infrastructure.

Located approximately 70 kilometres north of Kuala Lumpur, Tanjong Malim comprises five contiguous, freehold land plots totalling about 376 acres. Sitting roughly 70 meters above sea level, this elevated terrain provides natural flood mitigation and optimal conditions for solar energy generation. Such factors are essential as the integration of renewable energy sources becomes a focal point for sustainable data centre development worldwide.

The region’s accessibility is enhanced by its proximity to major highways and the KTM Komuter rail line, facilitating logistics and workforce mobility. Additionally, Tanjong Malim is near existing 500kV high-voltage transmission lines operated by Tenaga Nasional, offering critical grid connectivity options to support large power loads.

Unlike more established Malaysian technology hubs such as Johor Bahru and Cyberjaya, which face increasing land costs, water scarcity, and regulatory challenges tied to sustainability requirements, Tanjong Malim provides a more cost-effective and infrastructure-ready alternative. The land is already zoned for mixed-use developments, allowing for integrated projects combining solar farms, data centres, and industrial facilities.

Annual rainfall averages around 2,500 millimetres in the area, supplemented by proximity to the Sungai Bernam river, ensuring sufficient water availability for data centre cooling systems—a crucial component for maintaining operational efficiency in energy-intensive environments.

The site’s surroundings also include established industrial and academic institutions like Proton City and Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), contributing to a skilled labour pool that can support the region’s growth as a technology cluster.

Tanjong Malim’s integration within the broader Automotive High-Tech Valley (AHTV) initiative, led by DRB-HICOM and Geely, is noteworthy. With significant investments exceeding RM40 billion and plans to attract thousands of skilled workers by 2027, AHTV complements the digital infrastructure goals by fostering a high-tech ecosystem focused on electric and autonomous vehicles, areas that depend heavily on AI technologies.

While not officially designated as a government development zone, the site benefits from regional infrastructure plans aligned with Malaysia’s national ambitions for a digital economy and sustainable energy transition, including commitments under the Net Zero 2050 framework.

Given the projected growth in AI-driven workloads and the increasing prioritization of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards in infrastructure development, locations like Tanjong Malim are expected to gain prominence as future-ready hubs combining digital innovation with renewable energy.

For those seeking detailed insights and technical analysis on Tanjong Malim’s potential as a renewable energy and AI infrastructure hub, resources and reports are available at https://sgsamak.com, a platform dedicated to advancing Malaysia’s clean energy and digital infrastructure sectors.