PUTRAJAYA: The revival of the proposed Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) project is only possible if there is major participation from the private sector, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
According to the Prime Minister, this was because the government has more pressing priorities presently, such as addressing poverty, flood mitigation, education, basic infrastructure and healthcare, among others, thus putting all national mega projects on hold.
“That will be our priority for the next two years. So, mega projects have to be deferred because of our commitment to settle some outstanding issues. We are also still waiting for some promising and positive contribution from the private sector to proceed.
“There have been proposals. But, it will only happen if we have full participation of the private sector, with very minimal government involvement,” said Anwar, who was hosting Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at the 11th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat.
Wong, who spoke earlier at the press conference, said it was unfortunate that the original HSR project could not proceed.
“But, we are open to listening to new proposals from the Malaysian side, starting from a clean slate.
“From our point of view, greater connectivity between the two countries is always a plus,” he said.
The HSR project was formally agreed between Malaysia and Singapore in February 2013, and was originally scheduled for completion by 2026.
The 350km rail line was designed to link Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Negri Sembilan, Melaka and Johor, before terminating at Singapore’s Jurong East.
Following the change in the Federal Government in May 2018, the project was put on hold in September that year over concerns about the cost.
The HSR project was formally terminated in 2021 after both countries failed to agree on changes proposed by Malaysia.
As a result, in March 2021, Malaysia paid RM320.27mil to Singapore as compensation for the project’s cancellation.
On July 20 last year, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said negotiations with Singapore on the revived HSR project can only start after the Cabinet makes a decision on its feasibility, which some estimate putting the cost at RM100bil, by the end of 2024.
In its original iteration, the HSR project aims to slash non-stop travel time between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore to just 90 minutes, making it extremely competitive over flying.
The same alignment will also allow quick travel within Malaysia, as the distance between Iskandar Puteri and Kuala Lumpur could be bridged within 120 minutes by a limited-stop service.
Alternatively, it can also allow Seremban residents to reach Kuala Lumpur in not more than 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, Wong said Singapore supports Malaysia’s chairmanship of Asean this year, as it is even more important now for the 11-member regional grouping to be more integrated and united.
“The greater competition we face now is between us in Asean and outside this region. Everyone is trying to anchor major projects now, where the big economies are talking about re-shoring, on-shoring, near-shoring – they want big projects to be near to them.
“So, Asean has to come together to look at ways on enhancing our value proposition and be competitive together,” he said.
Wong said Malaysia and Singapore can form an important foundation for a stronger Asean, and that is why the announcement of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone is a crucial building block to a more integrated Asean.
“We hope that with Malaysia’s stewardship, we can make good progress,” he added.
Commenting on Asean, Anwar said he agreed with Wong that emphasis should be placed on the Asean grouping this year.
“The main focus is on the importance of strengthening our fundamentals as a region and strategic position to address new players and the new uncertain geopolitical demands,” he added.
Malaysia assumed the Asean chairmanship on Jan 1 and unveiled the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability” as a reflection of the country’s aspirations to foster a unified and prosperous Asean.
