KUALA LUMPUR: JLand Group (JLG), Johor Corporation's real estate and infrastructure arm, has roped in MSA Resources Sdn Bhd to deploy Sedenak Tech Park's (STeP) direct connection to the Digital Superhighway Network.
JLG and MSA Resources, a telecommunications infrastructure provider, today signed a memorandum of understanding on the deployment.
The scope of partnership includes Data Centre Interconnect (DCI) connectivity within and beyond STeP.
Presently available for connection with Singapore data centres, the network uses dual access via the Causeway and the Tuas Second Link.
The fibre connectivity, which is projected to be ready by the fourth quarter of 2023, will extend from Johor to the northern and southern borders of Peninsular Malaysia.
"This installation of the local line is set to provide value-added, carrier-neutral routes as well as enhanced data transmission nationwide, covering major hyperscale data centres," JLG said.
"Through this collaboration, both parties aim to strengthen STeP's position as the regional data centre hub in Southeast Asia," it added.
MSA Redources' objective as part of the MoU is to enable STeP's connectivity with neighbouring countries and beyond via upcoming subsea cable systems which will reach terrestrial networks in Johor.
Leveraging on its geographical position, Johor holds strategic advantage in linking east and west bound traffic across both coasts.
"We are fully optimising and integrating JLG's real estate offerings across the data centre value chain by harnessing the opportunities found in dark fibre," said JCorp director of real estate and infrastructure Datuk Akmal Ahmad.
"Our partnership with MSAR broadens STeP's current capabilities by complementing border-to-border linkages, resulting in increased speed and network optionality for operators."
He added that the deployment is set to benefit areas surrounding STeP, within the larger area of Ibrahim Technopolis, which spans across 7,290 acres.
MSA Resources managing director Saiful Husni said it will invest RM66 million to cater for STeP connectivity requirements.
"All major data centre hubs in Peninsular Malaysia will be fully connected to our network by the end of 2023," he added.