Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim disclosed on Saturday, October 24, 2026, that a major global investor plans to invest US$50 billion, or about RM204.3 billion, in Malaysia’s artificial intelligence, new technology and data centre sectors. Speaking at the Sentuhan Kasih Madani programme and the launch of the National Cost of Living Action Plan 2030 in Melaka, he said the investor held a video conference with him on the previous Tuesday and chose Kuching, Sarawak, and Peninsular Malaysia for one of the largest investments in the region.
Anwar did not name the investor or give a timeline, and no formal corporate announcement was cited in reports, so the details remain unverified. He tied investor confidence to political stability, steady leadership and a conducive business environment, and said Malaysia must keep strengthening its capabilities in emerging technologies, particularly AI, digitalisation and semiconductors, to sustain growth. The comments came as campaigning for the Melaka state election gathers pace.
The announcement fits a broader push. Budget 2027 improves Global Services Hub tax incentives from January 1, 2027, and extends deductions for ICT and machinery investments. Sarawak’s state government has said its investment policy will focus on four priority clusters, including clean energy, which is relevant to power-hungry data centres. Johor has already become a regional hub for data centre development, and the sector has raised debate about electricity and water demand.
Economists say that large pledges are valuable but need delivery. Data centres bring construction and operating investment, yet they create relatively few permanent jobs and need reliable power, land and grid capacity. Environmental groups have called for transparent water and energy planning, especially as haze and weather extremes put pressure on infrastructure.
What to watch: the identity of the investor, the structure of any agreement with the Sarawak and federal governments, power supply plans, and whether the pledge is confirmed by the companies involved. Treat the headline figure as an intention, not a signed deal.
Sources: The Star, Malay Mail, Bernama, The Edge (October 21–24, 2026). Compiled October 27, 2026.
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