JOHOR BAHRU, MBSB Bhd (MBSB) has entered into a strategic collaboration with DayOne Data Centers to accelerate Johor’s digital infrastructure development and support the state’s economic transformation under the Maju Johor 2030 agenda.
The partnership is backed by a RM1.2 billion Islamic financing facility from MBSB Bank, which is acting as the mandated lead arranger in a syndicated club deal for DayOne-owned projects under WG Data Hub Sdn Bhd.
MBSB Group chief executive officer Rafe Haneef said the facility forms part of a broader RM15 billion syndicated financing package, split evenly between US dollar financing (RM7.5 billion) and local Islamic financing (RM7.5 billion). He highlighted that the financing was structured under the principles of sustainable financing.
“DayOne has achieved the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification from the United States, underscoring its position as a world-class sustainable data centre operator. As part of China’s GDS Holdings group, DayOne brings over two decades of experience and operates more than 90 data centres across the region, including facilities in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia,” Rafe said at a press conference after the signing ceremony at DayOne’s Nusajaya data centre. Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi was also present at the event.
Rafe noted that this initiative represents a first step towards establishing Johor as a regional data centre hub, with future plans to expand into the artificial intelligence (AI) sector.
Meanwhile, Johor State Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee chairman Lee Ting Han said the collaboration illustrates how strategic industry partnerships can contribute directly to digital transformation, sustainable development, and the creation of high-value jobs for Johoreans. He emphasised that the financing reflects strong confidence among domestic banks in Johor’s rapidly expanding data centre industry.
“Just three years ago, Johor had virtually no data centres. Today, there are 13 in operation and another 15 under construction. This growth is driving positive economic impact, creating opportunities for contractors, engineers, surveyors, accountants, lawyers, and other professionals,” he said.
“More importantly, we are now seeing the active involvement of local banks and Malaysian companies, a sign that the sector is both sustainable and competitive,” he added.
Lee also highlighted that Johor recorded RM56 billion in approved investments in the first half of this year, underlining the state’s position as one of Malaysia’s leading investment destinations.
