PETALING JAYA (July 6) — Data centre operator DayOne Data Centers is set to strengthen its presence in Malaysia through a coordinated acquisition of industrial land in Kapar, Klang, involving three adjoining freehold parcels with a combined transaction value of RM687.89 million.
The proposed acquisitions, disclosed through separate Bursa Malaysia filings, involve land sales by three listed companies—Maybulk Bhd, Eonmetall Group Bhd and Leader Steel Holdings Bhd. Once completed, the transactions will consolidate approximately 157 acres of industrial land into a single large-scale site suitable for future data centre development.
Three Industrial Land Deals Form a Unified Development
The proposed acquisitions include a 58.03-acre parcel from Maybulk Bhd for RM278.05 million, a 66.03-acre site from Eonmetall Group Bhd for RM273.28 million and a 33-acre parcel from Leader Steel Holdings Bhd for RM136.56 million.
The agreed prices closely reflect independent property valuations, which assessed the land based on its highest and best use for information technology infrastructure and data centre developments rather than conventional industrial purposes.
The acquisitions are being carried out through WG Malaysia VIII Sdn Bhd, which serves as the acquisition vehicle for the land consolidation exercise.
Expansion into the Klang Valley
Headquartered in Singapore, DayOne has established data centre operations across several major Asian markets, including Singapore, Johor, Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong and Japan.
The Kapar acquisition represents the company's expansion into the Klang Valley, complementing its existing developments in Johor. The company has also secured substantial financing support in Malaysia, including funding for projects linked to the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).
Industry data indicates that the consolidated Kapar site has the potential to support a hyperscale data centre campus, reflecting growing demand for cloud computing services, artificial intelligence infrastructure and digital connectivity.
Asset Monetisation Benefits Local Companies
The proposed land disposals provide significant financial benefits to the three Malaysian vendors.
Eonmetall is expected to record the largest estimated net gain from the transactions and plans to channel the proceeds towards debt repayment, working capital and future investments.
Maybulk intends to reduce borrowings while allocating part of the proceeds to a proposed special dividend for shareholders.
Leader Steel also expects to strengthen its financial position through debt reduction and plans to distribute a special dividend following the completion of the disposal.
Shareholder Approval Remains a Key Requirement
As the transactions involve companies with common major shareholders and directors, they are classified as related-party transactions under Bursa Malaysia's Main Market Listing Requirements.
The proposals will be tabled for approval by non-interested shareholders at Extraordinary General Meetings scheduled for 20 July 2026.
Independent advisers appointed for the respective transactions have concluded that the disposals are fair, reasonable and not detrimental to minority shareholders. Subject to shareholder approval and the fulfilment of all remaining conditions, the acquisitions are expected to be completed in the second half of 2026.
Growing Demand for Data Centre Infrastructure
The coordinated acquisition highlights Malaysia's increasing attractiveness as a destination for data centre investment. As demand for cloud services, artificial intelligence applications and digital infrastructure continues to rise, developers and technology companies are seeking large, strategically located industrial sites with sufficient power capacity and connectivity. This trend is also creating opportunities for landowners to unlock significant value from industrial assets while supporting the country's digital economy.
Key Takeaways
This article taught me that hyperscale data centre developments often require the consolidation of multiple adjoining land parcels to create large development sites capable of supporting future digital infrastructure. I also learned that industrial land with suitable characteristics is becoming increasingly valuable due to strong demand from technology companies. The article shows how listed companies can benefit by monetising land assets, reducing debt, improving their balance sheets and rewarding shareholders through special dividends. Most importantly, I learned that major land transactions involving related parties must undergo independent evaluation and shareholder approval to ensure transparency, fairness and good corporate governance while supporting Malaysia's growth as a regional data centre hub.
Yao Mu Realty, based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, specializes in industrial real estate for factories and land, delivering professional and efficient solutions.
Posted by Yao Mu Realty Sdn Bhd on 6 Jul 26
Malaysia