High Speed Rail Talks To Resume After 31 Dec, Malaysia Requested 7-Month Extension
Talks on the High Speed Rail (HSR) project will resume after 31 Dec, announced Singapore and Malaysia on 31 May.
This follows a further 7-month delay extension suggested by Malaysia.
The High-Speed Rail (HSR) aims to connect Singapore to Kuala Lumpur in 90 minutes when it’s complete. Currently, the fastest way is by air (3 hours including travel to airport and check-in), followed by driving at 4-5 hours.
Extension on suspension for Malaysia to propose HSR changes
Bernama reports that Malaysian Senior Minister Azmin Ali will lead talks on the HSR once the 7-month extension on suspension is complete.
The extension is partly due to Malaysia’s need to propose changes to the HSR.
Another reason is that the new cabinet took over only in March this year, after Muhyiddin Yassin replaced former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.
HSR talks had been fractured since Mahathir became Prime Minister for the 2nd time in 2018, leading to delays.
Singapore optimistic on HSR talks resume
Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan stated on Facebook that the current extension will be “final”.
He shared his hopes that the HSR will benefit both Singaporeans and Malaysians, and accepted Malaysia’s proposal on a delay extension as a result.
He also shared that the extension will allow not only Malaysia, but also Singapore to examine any proposed changes.
Emphasising the need for joint commitment in the HSR, as well as mutual trust, Mr Khaw remains optimistic on the HSR’s completion and benefits.
HSR should ease travel to Malaysia and vice-versa
Currently, the proposed terminal for the HSR on the Singapore side is set to be at Jurong East.
Initially when Dr Mahathir stopped talks in 2018, hopes of the HSR plummeted, although there was some optimism in place.
Now, we have a final date set on when talks can resume, and if there aren’t any changes to administration, hopefully they’ll be more smooth-sailing than previously.
Before 2018, the HSR was set to be completed by 2026. We’ll probably have to wait till past 2030 at the current stage, if all goes well from 2021.
Featured image adapted from LTA.
