Singapore says it is open to reviving the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) project, adding that greater connectivity between the two nations is “always a plus”.
Malaysia, however, said the project will only go ahead if it is fully funded by the private sector, opening the door to private investors who are eager to inject money into the much-anticipated development.
“It was unfortunate we couldn’t proceed with it originally, but we are open to listening to new proposals from the Malaysian side, starting on a clean slate. That’s our position. From our point of view, greater connectivity between our two countries is always a plus. So that’s where we are,” said Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, with his Malaysian counterpart Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim standing alongside him at the Malaysia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat joint press conference this afternoon.
Anwar was quick to assert that Malaysia’s position on HSR is to invite the participation of the private sector because the “government has its limitations”.
“We have put the issue of poverty eradication, flood mitigation, basic infrastructure, education, and public health as our main priority, at least for the next one or two years. So the mega projects have got to be deferred primarily because of this commitment to settle some of these outstanding issues,” Anwar said.
“We are still waiting for some promising and positive contributions from the private sector to proceed when necessary. There have been proposals; the (Malaysian) Transport Ministry is looking at them, but we have decided it will only happen if we have full participation of the private sector with very minimal government involvement.”
The 350km line is projected to cost some RM100 billion. On Jan 1, 2021, Malaysia and Singapore announced the termination of the project, as the two countries failed to reach an agreement on changes proposed by Malaysia before the project agreement expired on Dec 31, 2020.
Wong had earlier stressed that transport connectivity “is important”. “We have the (Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System) RTS link, which will commence services by the end of 2026. When completed, it will be able to carry 20,000 passengers every hour. That’s more than the current KTM shuttle, in an entire day.”
“It is going to be important, and we are continually assessing how else to strengthen the connectivity further. We are working hard to redevelop the Woodlands checkpoint, which will, when done, tackle congestion at the checkpoint,” Wong added.
Banking on Johor-Singapore’s strength
On the subject of another much-anticipated project, the Singapore-Johor Economic Zone (SEZ), both leaders said the ultimate goal was to leverage on each other’s strengths.
“The Singapore-Johor SEZ is an important project that will build on the complementary strengths of Singapore and Johor so that we can both be more competitive, enhance our value proposition, and jointly attract more investments to our shores. By doing so, it will create good jobs and opportunities for our people,” said Wong.
“When negotiating the agreement, both sides actively engaged stakeholders to ensure the SEZ has the conditions to help our businesses grow together for the long term. We are confident about the SEZ, and we look forward to taking it further.”
Anwar hailed the SEZ as a very unique project, adding, “Rarely do you see two countries promoting each other, attracting investments with clear policies to do so.”
Later, Anwar went on to stress the need for Malaysia and Singapore to work together.
“We should complement one another and take adequate steps to consolidate the strengths between both countries and among others in Asean,” said Anwar.
“We have to strengthen ourselves as a regional force to withstand the pressure from others. It is how we deal with these issues … we do our best for now to strengthen our fundamentals and collaborate with all. Singapore has its strengths, and so do we, so why can’t we assist one another? This is the new attitude, instead of talking of rivalry and unnecessary conflicts,” he added.
