The Malaysian government is counting on attracting data center investment to transform the country into a digital powerhouse. But is this a viable path that can enable broad economic development?
I can tell you from an Irish context the short answer is No. They have spread like a rash over the landscape (loads around Dublin). They employ very few, suck the grid like a vampire and sprawl across valuable agricultural land. Meta has a 259 acre site near Dublin and pays into a community fund of 🥁 200,000 euros. Yep, the company that earns billions tosses a minuscule amount to the local community. So No, Datacentres Are Not Good.
I can tell you from an Irish context the short answer is No. They have spread like a rash over the landscape (loads around Dublin). They employ very few, suck the grid like a vampire and sprawl across valuable agricultural land. Meta has a 259 acre site near Dublin and pays into a community fund of 🥁 200,000 euros. Yep, the company that earns billions tosses a minuscule amount to the local community. So No, Datacentres Are Not Good.