Malaysia Data Centre Observatory

Independent analysis of Malaysia’s data centre ecosystem

The Malaysia Data Centre Observatory (MDCO) is an independent platform that studies the evolution of Malaysia’s data centre ecosystem through structured, evidence-based analysis.

It does not advocate for any stakeholder position. Instead, it focuses on improving transparency by clarifying objectives, constraints, and system interactions across the sector.

What MDCO Does

MDCO applies a structured observatory methodology to understand complex infrastructure systems. It breaks down public-interest issues into atomic objectives, examines how they interact, and traces how they evolve over time.

• Explain — Establish clear foundational understanding of key concepts and systems
• Analyse — Examine stakeholder objectives, constraints, and trade-offs
• Research — Develop evidence-based insights using available data and studies
• Dialogue — Engage in structured clarification with stakeholders (future phase)

Explore the Observatory

Explain

Foundational explanations of Malaysia’s data centre ecosystem, including infrastructure, policy, and technical concepts.

Analyse

Structured analysis of stakeholder objectives, system dynamics, and trade-offs within the data centre ecosystem.

Dialogue

Structured engagement with stakeholders to clarify technical, planning and policy issues through evidence-based dialogue.

About MDCO

Methodology, principles, and the observatory framework behind MDCO.

Latest Publications

• D01.02 Dialogue with Data Centre Developers and Operators – Low Frequency Noise During Data Centre Planning Approval
  Dialogue Reference: D01.02 — Data Centre Developers and Operators Dialogue Purpose This dialogue documents MDCO’s formal engagement with Data Centre Developers and Operators to seek clarification and views regarding current planning and design considerations for low frequency noise (LFN) associated with data centre developments. MDCO’s Current Understanding Additional Findings from Dialogue Responses No additional information…
• E07.02 — Understanding Electricity Tariffs in Malaysia
  From Getting Connected to Paying for Electricity In →E07.01 — Applying for Electricity Supply to a Data Centre in Malaysia, we followed the process through which a major data centre moves from an electricity-demand requirement to an approved and energised connection. We examined how the proposed load is assessed, how TNB determines an appropriate supply…
• E07.01 Applying for Electricity Supply to a Data Centre in Malaysia
  From Electricity System to Electricity Connection In →E07 The Electricity System Supplying Malaysia’s Data Centres, we followed electricity backwards from a data centre to the wider electricity system. We examined how electricity moves from generation through high-voltage transmission networks, substations and lower-voltage distribution networks before reaching consumers. We also explained why very large electricity users may…

Methodology

MDCO follows a continuous knowledge cycle:

Explain → Analyse → Research → Dialogue → Iterate

Rather than publishing static opinions, MDCO develops evolving analytical models that improve over time as new evidence and stakeholder clarification emerge.

Observatory Principle

MDCO does not advocate for specific policies or stakeholder positions.

Its purpose is to reduce informational asymmetry by making the structure of complex systems clearer, allowing all stakeholders to make better-informed decisions according to their own objectives and responsibilities.