Dust concerns near Gelang Patah data centre site prompt enforcement review

PETALING JAYA: (Feb 16): Residents living near the data centre development at Nusajaya 2 Industrial Park, Gelang Patah, Johor, raised concerns over dust pollution and construction hours at a townhall session convened on Feb 12 by Kota Iskandar assemblyman Datuk Pandak Ahmad.

The affected neighbourhoods include Taman Nusantara Prima, Taman Nusa Bayu and Bayu Angkasa Apartments, with about 50 residents in attendance. Representatives from the Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP), the Department of Environment (DOE), master developer Tropicana Firstwide Sdn Bhd and ZDATA Technologies were also present.

According to the assemblyman’s statement, residents cited dust pollution arising from ongoing earthworks and alleged that construction activities had continued beyond permitted hours, with work reportedly taking place until 10pm.

Mitigation measures to be strengthened

Tropicana Firstwide, which is undertaking earthworks at the site, said it had been conducting spraying using several water bowsers and installing netting along hillside slopes to reduce dust.

Pandak observed that existing hoarding and netting were insufficient and advised the developer to increase coverage, particularly along stretches facing residential zones. The developer agreed to enhance mitigation measures, including the installation of 10,000 sq m of green netting to cover exposed soil areas.

It also committed to carrying out hydro-seeding—a hydraulic planting method used to establish vegetation quickly over large areas—to reduce soil erosion and retain moisture.

On enforcement, the assemblyman said he had requested MBIP’s cooperation to monitor construction hours more closely and to take action where necessary.

Residents seek further support

Residents also urged the master developer to consider corporate social responsibility (CSR) measures, including assistance with laundry and medical expenses arising from dust exposure, as well as electricity and water bills which they said had increased due to increased cleaning.

Currently, one complimentary car wash facility has been provided, though residents described this as insufficient. The developer indicated that the proposals raised would be considered, with further updates to be announced at a subsequent townhall.

The assemblyman added that engagement sessions with residents would be held more frequently to address ongoing community concerns.

ZDATA clarifies construction scope

In a separate statement dated Feb 11, ZDATA Technologies said current works at its site were limited in scope and were not expected to generate significant dust.

The company said it has developed 18 acres to date, comprising Phase 1 and Phase 2. Phase 1 was completed on Feb 4, 2026, while under Phase 2, the main building and infrastructure have been completed, with remaining works limited to premix layering and internal fit-out. These activities, it said, generate minimal dust.

ZDATA also noted that adjacent developments on neighbouring plots are unrelated to its project.

On water supply concerns, the company stated that the data centre is designed to utilise alternative water sources and is built using 100% reclaimed water supported by a purpose-built treatment plant, adding that operations would not impact domestic water supply.

Future phases of development will commence upon handover of additional land from the master developer. ZDATA said environmental mitigation measures, including regular water spraying across the construction footprint and internal roads, will continue throughout construction.

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