The investment arm of Malaysian textiles firm Jakel is investing in data centers through local operator PiDC.

The Star and EdgeMalaysia reported that Jakel Group is venturing into the data center business by partnering PiDC Holdings Bhd via a 40 percent investment in Pi Data Centre Sdn Bhd (PiDC). Terms of the investment weren’t disclosed.

Not to be confused with Indian provider Pi Datacenters, Pi Data Center (PiDC) is a new Malaysian operator co-founded by Ong Chin Seong. The company is developing a Tier III-quality facility in Cyberjaya, the state of Selangor. PiDC is a subsidiary of the larger group, PiDC Holdings, based in Malaysia.

The reports suggest the data center will offer 51MW on a 7.3-acre site: Phase 1 is set to begin construction in 3Q 2024, with an anticipated completion date in the fourth quarter of 2025.

The company secured RM 253.5m ($53m) in financing from Bank Pembangunan earlier this year.

A “large portion” of phase 1 capacity is already committed, according to Jakel.

Jakel managing director, Datuk Seri Mohamed Faroz Mohamed, said: “This investment underscores our dedication to exploring new opportunities and expanding our expertise in dynamic markets. Additionally, the project aligns with broader national agendas, such as MyDIGITAL. It will contribute to the development of robust digital infrastructure and facilitate the growth of the digital workforce, enhancing Malaysia's capabilities in digital innovation.”

Jakel was founded in the early 1980s as a textile wholesale supplier. The portfolio of its Jakel Capital investment arm spans property development and real estate, engineering, agriculture, aquaculture, renewable energy, and more.

The move into data centers is part of the company’s efforts to diversify its portfolio away from existing business in textiles, property, plantations, healthcare, and military equipment.