SHAH ALAM, April 29 -- New data centre developments in Selangor are encouraged to use recycled water or treat raw water to suitable standards for cooling system needs.

State Investment, Trade and Mobility Committee chairman Ng Sze Han said the initiative is among proposals by the state government to ensure sustainable water resource management, while avoiding disruption to treated water supplies for consumers.

"Water demand from data centres is indeed very high. However, we must distinguish between water required for data centres and drinking water. Data centres do not necessarily require treated, potable-quality water," he said in the Selangor state legislative assembly on Wednesday.

"Therefore, for new data centres, in addition to em...