11-12-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar has expressed his intention to revive the high-speed rail (HSR) link project between Malaysia and Singapore. The ruler of Johor stated, “I will make it (come back) on,” indicating his determination to see the project through. The funding for the rail line could potentially be achieved through a private finance initiative, where the government pays the contractor to operate the line on a 30-year lease, allowing them to recoup costs before transferring ownership. Sultan Ibrahim shared his thoughts with The Straits Times/ANN, emphasizing the need for consistency in the project’s progress.
The project’s initial cost estimate was RM72 billion when it was first announced in 2013. However, due to various delays and uncertainties, the estimated cost has increased significantly. Malaysia and Singapore signed bilateral agreements for the project on December 13, 2016. The proposed 350km railway line aimed to reduce travel time between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore to just 90 minutes, with a target completion date set for 2026.
Unfortunately, the project was put on hold in September 2018, with both countries agreeing to shelve it until December 31, 2020. On January 1, 2022, Malaysia and Singapore jointly announced the termination of the project due to the lack of agreement on proposed changes by Malaysia and the expiration of the agreement. However, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated in August that discussions regarding the high-speed rail line project were still ongoing.
During the interview, Sultan Ibrahim also highlighted the close relationship between Johor and Singapore. He mentioned that decisions could be made “over a cup of tea” between the two neighboring regions. Sultan Ibrahim attributed this strong bond not only to the close ties between the governments but also to the personal relationship between the Johor royal house and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s family, which has spanned over 35 years.
Looking ahead, Sultan Ibrahim expressed his hopes for even closer ties between Johor and Singapore, particularly with the upcoming transition of leadership in Singapore, where Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is expected to take over. The Johor ruler eagerly anticipates opportunities to meet more frequently and host each other. He suggested exploring deeper collaborations in technology parks and data centers, as well as exchanging officers for training purposes to address areas of improvement.
Sultan Ibrahim believes that fostering stronger cooperation between Johor and Singapore is the way forward, highlighting the importance of mutual support and shared expertise. With his determination to revive the high-speed rail project and his vision for enhanced collaboration, Sultan Ibrahim aims to strengthen the ties between Malaysia and Singapore for the benefit of both nations.
