For illltusration purpose only. AirTrunk is reportedly seeking a US$2.3 billion loan to finance its 200-megawatt JHB2 data centre project in Johor. — AFP file pic (New users only) It's tax relief season! Get up to RM300 when you save with Versa! Plus, enjoy an additional FREE RM10 when you sign up using code VERSAMM10 with a min. cash-in of RM100 today. T&Cs apply. By Malay Mail Thursday, 14 May 2026 1:40 PM MYT KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 — Australian data centre company AirTrunk, which is owned by US-based Blackstone, is reportedly seeking a US$2.3 billion (about RM9.04b) loan to finance a major data centre project in Johor.Citing people familiar with the matter, Bloomberg reported that the funds would be used for AirTrunk’s 200-megawatt JHB2 facility in Johor.The report said around a dozen lenders, including Singapore’s DBS and UOB, France’s Credit Agricole, as well as the Netherlands’ ING Bank, are arranging the three-year loan, which is being offered to a wider group of lenders.Blackstone and AirTrunk declined to comment, according to the report.The financing comes as data centre operators across South-east Asia raise more debt to expand capacity amid rising demand linked to artificial intelligence.Bloomberg reported that Moody’s Ratings expects at least US$3 trillion to be invested in the sector over the next five years, with much of the funding likely to come through debt.However, the report noted that some investors have raised concerns over whether such investments can generate sustainable returns.Recent regional deals include an US$880 million Thailand data centre facility by Digital Edge and B Grimm Power, while Bridge Data Centres has been in talks for up to US$6 billion for expansion there and DayOne Data Centers has sought to raise its Malaysia loan to as much as US$7 billion.