JLand Group (JLG), the real estate and infrastructure arm of Johor Corporation, has recently entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MSA Resources Sdn Bhd (MSAR), a leading provider of telecommunications infrastructure. The objective of this collaboration is to establish a direct connection between Sedenak Tech Park (STeP) and the Digital Superhighway Network.
Under this partnership, the scope of cooperation includes the provision of Data Centre Interconnect (DCI) connectivity within and beyond STeP. Initially, the network will be able to connect with data centers in Singapore, utilizing dual access through both the Causeway and the Tuas Second Link.
The implementation of fiber connectivity, expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2023, will extend from Johor to the Northern and Southern borders of Peninsular Malaysia.
The primary objective of this joint effort is to strengthen STeP’s position as a prominent regional data center hub in Southeast Asia.
The Digital Superhighway Network aligns with the National Digital Network plan (JENDELA) and boasts impressive data transmission speeds of up to 800Gbps and beyond.
With a total network capacity of 33.6Tbs per fiber pair, this network will enable cities and rural areas across Peninsular Malaysia to access 4,400 Points of Interconnect (POI), ensuring widespread high broadband coverage. The project’s initial phase involves the installation of fibers from Bukit Kayu Hitam to Johor Bahru.
In the data center industry, dark fiber is widely recognized for its numerous advantages, including improved cost-effectiveness, flexibility, scalability, and security. Dark fiber networks offer reduced latency, facilitating direct and faster data transmission to its intended destination.
Furthermore, they provide an additional layer of physical redundancy to existing systems, effectively mitigating the risk of data loss.
Malaysia is among the hubs for data centers in Southeast Asia due to its strategic location, political stability, and growing digital economy. Malaysia has a well-established telecommunications infrastructure with several undersea cables that provide high-speed internet connectivity to other countries in the region.
It was also reported that Johor is set to attract RM17 billion (US$3.8b) in new data center investments in 2024 from players that include YTL Group, Yondr Group, AirTrunk, MN Holdings, GDS Holdings, and Equinix.
