D01.02.07 MDCO Dialogue Instrument with Google on Planning Considerations for Low Frequency Noise

ByMalaysia Data Centre Observatory

Dialogue Series: D01 — Low Frequency Noise During Data Centre Planning Approval
Dialogue Reference: D01.02 — Data Centre Developers and Operators
Record: D01.02.07 — Google
Date Issued: 18 August 2026
Status: Awaiting Response

Reference Research:
→A09.01 — Why Low-Frequency Noise Becomes a Community Conflict
→A09.02 Estimating Low-Frequency Noise from a Typical Data Centre
→A09.03 Low Frequency Noise Effects: What Research Shows
→A09.04 Data Centre Low Frequency Noise in Planning Approval by Local Councils
→A09.07 Community Concerns on Data Centre Development in Malaysia and Lessons Learned
→D01.01 Low Frequency Noise During Data Centre Planning Approval

Dialogue Purpose

This Dialogue Record documents MDCO’s formal engagement with the dialogue partner to seek clarification and views on current planning considerations for low frequency noise (LFN) associated with data centre developments.

MDCO’s Current Understanding:

  1. Publicly available legislation and guidance reviewed by MDCO did not identify any specific published requirement addressing LFN assessment for data centre developments during the planning approval process.
  2. Conventional environmental noise assessment generally relies on overall A-weighted sound levels (dBA), while international acoustic practices indicate that frequency-based analysis may provide additional information where significant low-frequency sources exist.
  3. Based on publicly available information and international industry practices, MDCO understands that potential acoustic considerations may be evaluated alongside site selection, engineering design, equipment selection, environmental assessment and regulatory requirements during the planning stage.
  4. MDCO understands that predicting operational acoustic conditions during the planning stage involves uncertainties, including equipment selection, evolving client requirements and final operational configurations. Nevertheless, planning-stage assessment may provide useful information for identifying potential issues before construction begins.
  5. The rapid growth of data centre developments and advances in acoustic research may require continued consideration of how planning practices and technical guidance address potential LFN-related issues.
  6. Based on publicly available information reviewed by MDCO, MDCO has not identified a clearly established or consistently documented industry assessment framework specifying the requirements, timing, methodology and criteria for considering or assessing low-frequency noise during the various stages of data centre development.

Additional Findings from Dialogue Responses

No additional information was available from the dialogue process as of the publication date.

Dialogue Instrument Submitted

Original letter:

Ref. No.:          MDI-2026-02-07-GGL
Date:               18 August 2026
By Email:         @google.com

Mr Gaurav Bhaskar
Senior Director, Global Communications and Public Affairs, APAC
Google Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.
8 Marina Boulevard, #05-02
Marina Bay Financial Centre
Singapore 018981

Dear Mr Gaurav Bhaskar,

RE: INVITATION FOR DEVELOPER DIALOGUE ON LOW-FREQUENCY NOISE CONSIDERATIONS DURING DATA CENTRE PLANNING AND DESIGN

With reference to the above matter, the Malaysia Data Centre Observatory (MDCO) would like to invite Google to share its views on matters concerning low-frequency noise in data centre development. This initiative is undertaken in line with MDCO’s core principle of promoting equal access to information for all stakeholders, through efforts to obtain, document and disseminate relevant perspectives and information in a balanced and transparent manner, in support of the sustainable, harmonious and responsible development of Malaysia’s data centre industry.

Google’s experience is particularly relevant given its development of its first data centre and cloud region in Malaysia at Elmina Business Park, within the wider City of Elmina township and in proximity to established and developing residential communities. Google has stated that community and local environmental conditions form part of its data centre planning and development considerations, including the availability of natural resources and local sentiment. In a recent interview with The Star, Ken Siah, Principal, Global Infrastructure, Asia Pacific, Google, similarly highlighted that local community and resource considerations can influence Google’s infrastructure and technology decisions, including its approach to power supply and cooling. Against this background, MDCO believes Google’s participation in this Dialogue would provide an opportunity to explore how such considerations may also extend to potential acoustic and community impacts during data centre planning and design. The purpose of this Dialogue is not to assess or comment on any individual Google project, but to better understand how potential LFN and other acoustic considerations may be evaluated during planning and design, the practical challenges involved, and the extent to which such considerations may be incorporated before facilities commence operation.

MDCO takes note of recent community issues and concerns associated with data centre development in Selangor and Johor (Attachment 1). Internationally, the operational impacts of data centres on surrounding communities, including potential disturbance associated with Low-Frequency Noise (LFN), have also emerged as an issue receiving increasing attention. In this context, understanding how environmental and community considerations are addressed during the planning and development of data centre infrastructure is increasingly relevant as Malaysia’s data centre capacity continues to expand.

Taking into account the continued development of data centres and the increasing number of facilities expected to become operational in the coming years, MDCO is undertaking a detailed study of the acoustic environment, particularly Low-Frequency Noise (LFN). International studies and case experience indicate that LFN associated with data centre operations has emerged as a source of community concern and, in some cases, contributed to legal disputes (Attachment 2). MDCO has also examined how low-frequency sound and vibration generated by data centre mechanical equipment may propagate over significant distances and potentially affect surrounding communities (Attachments 3 and 4).

Based on MDCO’s current understanding from this research, existing provisions under the Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act 172) provide scope for Local Authorities acting as Local Planning Authorities to consider relevant environmental and planning matters (Attachment 5). MDCO has therefore commenced dialogues with Mayors and Presidents of Local Authorities in Johor and Selangor (Attachment 6), as well as with data centre developers, elected representatives and other stakeholders. Based on publicly available information and preliminary findings from these dialogues, MDCO has not yet identified clear evidence that LFN is specifically considered as a distinct matter during the planning-approval process for data centre developments.

In this regard, MDCO would greatly appreciate Google’s views on the questions set out below.

Question 1: Low-Frequency Noise Consideration During Planning and Design

MDCO Current Understanding: Based on publicly available information and international industry practices, MDCO understands that potential acoustic considerations are often evaluated alongside site selection, engineering design, equipment selection, environmental assessment and regulatory requirements during the planning stage. Early consideration may provide greater opportunity to evaluate potential acoustic impacts and incorporate appropriate design measures while projects remain sufficiently flexible.

Question: How is potential low-frequency noise currently considered during the planning and design of new data centres?

MDCO would appreciate perspectives on matters including:

  • whether acoustic considerations are incorporated during early site evaluation;
  • how potential impacts on surrounding environments are considered;
  • how acoustic considerations interact with other planning and engineering requirements;
  • the extent to which low-frequency noise influences design decisions during project development.

Question 2: Engagement of Acoustic Specialists During Project Development

MDCO Current Understanding: MDCO understands that data centre planning commonly involves collaboration among architects, engineers, environmental consultants and specialist advisers. The timing of acoustic specialist engagement may influence the range of planning and design options available.

Question: At what stage of project development are acoustic specialists typically engaged?

MDCO would appreciate perspectives on matters including:

  • when acoustic specialists are typically appointed;
  • how acoustic specialists coordinate with architects, mechanical and electrical engineers, environmental consultants and project teams;
  • how specialist advice contributes to planning and design decisions;
  • whether acoustic assessment continues to evolve throughout the design process.

Question 3: Assessment of Potential Low-Frequency Noise Before Construction

MDCO Current Understanding: MDCO understands that predicting operational acoustic conditions during the planning stage involves uncertainties, including equipment selection, evolving client requirements and final operational configurations. Nevertheless, planning-stage assessment may provide useful information for identifying potential issues before construction begins.

Question: What information relating to low-frequency noise can realistically be assessed before construction begins?

MDCO would appreciate perspectives on matters including:

  • the types of information generally available during planning;
  • limitations associated with predictive acoustic modelling;
  • uncertainties arising from equipment specifications and operational requirements;
  • how planning-stage assessments assist subsequent design decisions.

Question 4: Communicating Potential Noise Impacts During Planning Submission

MDCO Current Understanding: MDCO understands that planning submissions seek to communicate technical information to planning authorities while also assisting broader stakeholder understanding. Communicating potential environmental impacts in a clear and proportionate manner may contribute to more informed planning discussions.

Question: How should planning submissions communicate potential operational noise impacts to planning authorities and nearby communities?

MDCO would appreciate perspectives on matters including:

  • the level of technical information typically included within planning submissions;
  • how technical acoustic information can be effectively communicated to planning authorities;
  • approaches for explaining potential operational impacts to nearby communities;
  • balancing technical completeness with accessibility for non-specialist audiences.

Question 5: Practical Challenges in Assessing Low-Frequency Noise During Planning

MDCO Current Understanding: MDCO understands that developers must balance multiple technical, environmental, commercial and regulatory considerations throughout project planning. Practical constraints may influence the information available and the degree of assessment that can reasonably be undertaken before construction.

Question: What practical challenges do developers encounter when assessing low-frequency noise during project planning?

MDCO would appreciate perspectives on matters including:

  • availability of project information during early planning;
  • evolving equipment specifications;
  • changing client requirements;
  • coordination across multiple design disciplines;
  • differences between international practices and local regulatory frameworks;
  • practical considerations that may influence planning-stage assessment.

MDCO recognises that Google operates through regional management teams and specialised functions. We would appreciate this invitation being circulated, where appropriate, to Mr Ken Siah and other relevant personnel responsible for Malaysia and regional data centre development, including planning, engineering, environmental, sustainability, ESG, stakeholder engagement, public affairs, or community relations functions.

MDCO would greatly appreciate any written comments or responses that Google may wish to provide regarding the questions outlined above, and in particular would welcome Mr Ken Siah’s perspectives given his role in Google’s infrastructure activities in Asia Pacific. As part of MDCO’s commitment to transparency, this MDCO Dialogue Instrument (MDI) and any responses received may be published and referenced as part of the MDCO Dialogue series and related research publications. To enable Google’s perspectives to be considered in the current publication, we would greatly appreciate any written response within 14 days from the date of this letter. Responses received after this period will nevertheless be welcomed and may be considered for future MDCO publications or updates, with appropriate attribution and factual verification where necessary.

We appreciate your consideration of this invitation and look forward to the opportunity to engage with Google.

Thank you.

Yours faithfully,

(IR. DR. KOH SIONG LEE)
Director of Research
Malaysia Data Centre Observatory (MDCO)

Feedback and Responses Received

None as of the publication date.

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