On 12th February 2026, I convened a townhall session to hear the concerns of residents living near the data centre site in Gelang Patah. The affected areas include Taman Nusantara Prima, Taman Nusa Bayu, and Bayu Angkasa Apartments.
Also present were Akmal Melan, Councillor for Zone 8 of the Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP), officers from MBIP and the Department of Environment (DOE), representatives of the master developer Tropicana Firstwide Sdn Bhd, and representatives from ZDATA Technologies. Approximately 50 residents attended the session, including Abdul Rahman Halim, Village Head of Kampung Pulai Gelang Patah, and Ramli Paiman, Chairman of the Residents’ Action Committee on the Data Centre.
The main issues raised were dust pollution during construction works, and complaints that contractors continued construction activities beyond the permitted hours. Tropicana Firstwide is still carrying out earthworks, while Phase Two of the ZDATA data centre building is nearly complete, with remaining works generating little dust as they involve only pre-mix layering and internal fit-out installation. To mitigate dust pollution, Tropicana Firstwide explained that they are conducting water spraying using several water bowsers and installing netting on the hillside slopes.
From my observation, the hoarding and netting were insufficient. I advised Tropicana Firstwide to increase hoarding and netting, especially in areas facing residential zones. My suggestion was well received by Tropicana Firstwide. Tropicana Firstwide also committed to covering exposed soil areas with green netting. Their representative informed that 10,000 square metres of netting is being delivered to the site. They also pledged to carry out hydro-seeding, a hydraulic planting method that is fast, cost-effective, and efficient in establishing vegetation, particularly over large areas to retain moisture.
Regarding complaints about contractors continuing construction activities beyond the permitted hours, specifically until 10 p.m. and disturbing the residents’ peace at night, I requested MBIP’s cooperation to monitor this issue and take appropriate enforcement action.
The residents have also urged Tropicana Firstwide to fulfill its corporate social responsibility (CSR) by covering laundry costs as well as medical bills arising from air pollution. They further requested that electricity and water costs be borne by the Tropicana Firstwide, as the frequent need to clean their homes has caused utility bills to rise significantly. At present, Tropicana Firstwide has provided one free car wash facility, but this is insufficient and needs to be expanded. These proposals will be considered by Tropicana Firstwide, and the decision will be announced at the next townhall session in the near future.
In line with the direction of Dato’ Haji Mohd Jafni bin Md Shukor, Chairman of the Johor State Housing and Local Government Committee, I will hold townhall sessions with residents more frequently to find solutions to the challenges faced by the community.
Thank you.
