AirTrunk to invest MYR12 billion in Johor data centres
AirTrunk will invest MYR12 billion in two new data centre campuses in Johor Bahru, lifting its planned Malaysian footprint to more than 700MW across four sites.
The new campuses, JHB3 and JHB4, will be built in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, adding more than 280MW of IT load. They will sit near AirTrunk's existing JHB1 and JHB2 facilities, which together account for more than 420MW and are almost fully contracted.
The investment brings AirTrunk's total committed spending in Malaysia to about MYR27 billion, or USD6.8 billion. It is also considering further expansion in the country beyond JHB3 and JHB4.
Johor has emerged as a key destination for data centre investment in Southeast Asia, supported by its proximity to Singapore and rising demand for cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure across the region. AirTrunk described the latest move as one of the largest hyperscale data centre investments announced in Malaysia.
The two new campuses are designed for high-density cloud and AI workloads. They will use cooling systems based on 100% recycled water and are intended to operate with lower power usage than conventional data centres.
The expansion follows the earlier development of JHB2, which has already secured strong commitments from existing global cloud and AI customers. With JHB3 and JHB4, AirTrunk's total operating and planned capacity across six markets will exceed 3.3GW across 22 campuses.
Economic impact
The Johor developments are expected to create more than 3,000 jobs during construction. AirTrunk also expects local supplier engagement across its four-campus Johor platform to reach MYR5 billion, after already awarding MYR423 million to local suppliers.
The project is significant not only for AirTrunk's regional growth, but also for Malaysia's efforts to attract large-scale digital infrastructure investment. The country has sought to strengthen its position as a regional base for AI and digital services through cooperation between government and private investors.
Robin Khuda, Founder & CEO, AirTrunk, said: "JHB3 and JHB4 represents the next phase of our expansion in Malaysia, building on the strong momentum of our existing Johor platform. Malaysia has set a clear ambition to lead in AI, and we're investing in that vision for the long term, both within Johor and across the country in time. Our confidence comes from the strong partnership we have with the Malaysian Government and local stakeholders, who have supported us every step of the way. As we scale, the way we grow will matter as much as the trajectory. With that investment comes a responsibility to support communities, manage resources wisely, and embed that in how we plan, build and operate every day."
The Malaysian government welcomed the investment as part of a broader push to attract digital and AI-related projects. Policymakers are also seeking to balance that growth with pressure to improve energy efficiency, water management and the use of cleaner energy sources.
YAB Datuk Amar Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, Malaysia, said: "Malaysia is committed to strengthening its position as a leading digital and AI hub in the region. Our ambition is to be at the forefront of the digital and AI economy, supported by strong infrastructure, a robust ecosystem and responsible development in digital infrastructure. Investments like AirTrunk's Johor expansion reflect growing confidence in Malaysia and play an important role in advancing innovation, talent development and long-term economic benefit for both the community and the environment. We welcome AirTrunk's data centre investment that align with our vision of efficiency, sustainability and the use of clean energy."
Wider ties
The announcement also reflects growing commercial ties between Australia and Malaysia in digital infrastructure. AirTrunk was acquired in 2024 by Blackstone and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, alongside Khuda, in a deal that valued the company at more than AUD24 billion.
Australia's diplomatic mission in Malaysia pointed to the Johor investment as an example of closer economic cooperation between the two countries.
Her Excellency Danielle Heinecke, Australia's High Commissioner to Malaysia, said: "AirTrunk's investment is a good example of how Australia and Malaysia are working more closely together in building digital infrastructure. It supports Malaysia's growth in the digital economy while also strengthening the connection between our two countries."
Alongside the construction programme, AirTrunk is supporting local education, water and disaster resilience initiatives in Malaysia through partnerships with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, ICDL, Gravity Water, Water Watch Penang and MERCY Malaysia.
JHB3 and JHB4 are expected to generate more than 3,000 jobs during construction, alongside ongoing employment for local talent once the campuses are operational.