The rapid increase in data centers in Malaysia came under the microscope on Saturday, with the artificial intelligence-driven build-out drawing its first public protest in the Southeast Asian country.
More than 50 people gathered in front of a data center construction site close to a residential area in the southern state of Johor, demanding an end to dust pollution and compensation for any negative impact that the project might have on their health. The protesters also expressed concern the facility will impact their water supply.
Those gathered say they represent nearly 1,000 residents strewn across four housing estates in the Gelang Patah district. Located less than a kilometer from the closest homes, the project is being developed for China’s Zdata Technologies. The developers didn’t meet the protesters, who dispersed after 90 minutes under the watch of dozens of police personnel.
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