PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia hopes to speed up the revival of the terminated High Speed Railway (HSR) project with Singapore at the earliest date, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said.
He said currently Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong is in discussions with his Singaporean counterpart S. Iswaran on the matter.
During a question-answer session with several representatives of the foreign media and Bernama here, Monday, the prime minister said that if the project is revived, it would involve some changes including to the terms and conditions.
"It is an ongoing discussion. If possible we want it to be speeded up because Malaysia also has plans to establish HSR between Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok.
"If can, we want to link Bangkok-KL and KL-Singapore," he said.
He envisaged that the rail line could go up to China as China and Thailand were also in the process of building high speed train line.
Asked if reviving the project is a priority of his administration, Ismail Sabri said: "Not to say priority, since the planning is already there, right from the start, right from BN (Barisan Nasional)'s time, planning is completed, only stopped for a while".
As the cost of raw materials have been going up, Malaysia may consider reducing the size of the stations to keep in check the overall cost of the project.
On last Nov 29, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was reported saying the republic is open to any new proposal from Malaysia on the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore HSR project, though both countries earlier had agreed to terminate the project.
Malaysia and Singapore have inked bilateral agreements for the HSR project on 13 Dec 2016. The 350 kilometer railway line was to be completed in 2026, reducing the travel time between both destinations to 90 minutes.
However, the project was put on the back burner in September 2018 with both sides agreeing to shelf the bilateral project worth RM110 bilion until 31 Dec 2020.
On 1 Jan 2021, Malaysia and Singapore jointly announced the termination of the HSR project as there was no agreement reached on the changes proposed by Malaysia and the fact that the agreement had expired on Dec 31, 2020.
On March 2021, Malaysia announced it had paid SG$102.8 million to Singapore for the cost incurred by the republic for the development of HSR and the delays involved.
On another matter, the prime minister said the government is looking into the need for a third link between Johor and Singapore in the efforts to reduce the congestion at the Johor Causeway and the second Link (Linkedua).
"It is still at the planning stages, we will see if there is a need for it," he said.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Tue Aug 23 2022
Ismail Sabri envisaged that the rail line could go up to China as China and Thailand were also in the process of building high speed train line. - www.myhsr.com.my
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.