11-7-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) The Malaysian government is set to initiate a formal request for information (RFI) exercise this month to gauge private sector interest in constructing the high-speed rail (HSR) connecting Kuala Lumpur and Singapore (KL-SG HSR).
In a statement released on Tuesday (July 11), MyHSR Corporation Sdn Bhd (MyHSR Corp), a wholly-owned company under the Minister of Finance (Incorporated), stated that the government aims to enhance intercity mobility to promote socio-economic development through reduced travel time, seamless and safe journeys, and improved accessibility for second and third-tier cities.
MyHSR Corp has been assigned the task of launching the RFI to seek concept proposals from industry players, both local and international, to assess their preparedness and capabilities, while gathering innovative business models and revenue-generation ideas for a privately funded structure.
“With this objective in mind, the government plans to implement the first HSR line in the southern corridor of Peninsular Malaysia,” said MyHSR Corp.
The current plan for the KL-SG HSR covers six states – Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Melaka, and Johor – before crossing the Tebrau Strait and reaching Jurong East in Singapore. By utilizing state-of-the-art rolling stocks, the 350km distance from Bandar Malaysia to Jurong East could be covered in just 90 minutes through non-stop service.
A transit service will also be available to serve future growth centers in Bandar Malaysia, Sepang-Putrajaya, Seremban, Ayer Keroh, Muar, Batu Pahat, and Iskandar Puteri. One of the unique features of the HSR is the co-located customs, immigration, and quarantine (CIQ) facilities at both ends of the line, ensuring seamless passenger movements between the two countries.
There will also be a co-located CIQ at Iskandar Puteri to facilitate travel for those using the dedicated shuttle service to Singapore or entering Malaysia via the shuttle service.
The memorandum of understanding for the project was initially signed with Singapore on July 16, 2016, during the tenure of Datuk Seri Najib Razak as prime minister. However, the project was subsequently canceled in 2021 under Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s leadership, resulting in Malaysia having to compensate Singapore with RM320 million.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke stated in March of this year that the government had received some proposals from the private sector to revive the project, but none of them were concrete or appealing enough at that time.
MyHSR Corp mentioned that this exercise will enable the government to evaluate the industry’s interest and ability to fully finance the project, while assessing their capabilities in developing this significant infrastructure undertaking. Areas to be examined include technical specifications, project costing, commercial and business models, as well as consortium and governance frameworks.
“The KL-SG HSR project will bring significant benefits to the people, particularly by enhancing and expanding economic dynamism from the Klang Valley to the southern corridor of the peninsula, and eventually to the rest of Malaysia. Apart from providing a safer, faster, more efficient, and sustainable travel option, the project will contribute to long-term growth and sustainability for the people and the nation,” said Datuk Seri Fauzi Abdul Rahman, the newly-appointed chairman of MyHSR Corp.
Datuk Mohd Nur Ismal Kamal, CEO of MyHSR Corp, urged those with relevant experience to submit high-quality proposals that would serve as vital references for the government’s decision on the best way forward.
“MyHSR Corp remains committed to supporting the government in identifying the most effective solution to revive the KL-SG HSR project. Globally, the development of HSR has proven to be a growth engine, stimulating catalytic development and growth with multiplier effects that benefit all segments of society,” added Mohd Nur.
