18-12-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) Malaysia’s Transport Minister Anthony Loke has revealed that the government will reach a preliminary stance on the resurrection of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) project within the coming weeks, though emphasising that any decision will merely mark the beginning of a broader diplomatic process.
The landmark transportation initiative, which promises to slash journey times between the two capital cities to a mere 90 minutes, awaits a crucial policy paper that will chart the course for future bilateral discussions.
“Whilst Cabinet approval represents a significant milestone, it should not be interpreted as the final determination,” Loke told the New Straits Times in an exclusive interview. “The cross-border nature of this venture necessitates thorough engagement with our Singaporean counterparts.”
The ambitious HSR scheme, initially conceived in 2013, was designed to establish a 350-kilometre rail corridor connecting major urban centres across Malaysia’s southern peninsula, including Putrajaya, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, and Johor, before terminating in Singapore.
The project’s trajectory took a sharp turn following Malaysia’s 2018 general election, when mounting concerns over fiscal implications prompted a comprehensive review. The subsequent suspension in September 2018 ultimately led to the project’s termination in 2021, with Malaysia settling a compensation package of S$102.8 million to Singapore for costs incurred.
Nevertheless, fresh momentum has emerged under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s administration, which has signalled openness to reviving the project, contingent upon more favourable financial terms. This sentiment has found reciprocal interest from Singapore, with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong indicating willingness to examine new proposals.
The potential revival of the HSR project represents a critical juncture in Malaysia-Singapore relations, with both nations weighing the economic benefits against financial prudence in an evolving regional landscape.
