Malaysia says HSR decision still pending as existing projects are a priority

Study conducted, but Cabinet yet to discuss reviving KL-S'pore rail plans, says minister

- Lu Wei Hoong and Zunaira Saieed

Malaysia's Cabinet has yet to discuss reviving the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) project, as the government focuses on completing existing transport links that will support economic development and sustained growth, said Finance Minister II Amir Hamzah Azizan.

"HSR is something that we will always consider, and a study has been conducted. However, at the moment, the Cabinet has not discussed it to that level. We are waiting for the Cabinet's decision," Datuk Seri Amir told The Straits Times in an interview ahead of the 11th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders' Retreat scheduled for the end of 2024.

On July 20, Malaysia's Transport Minister Anthony Loke said that negotiations with Singapore on the HSR project could be initiated only after the Cabinet makes a policy decision on the feasibility of the RM100 billion (S$30 billion) project by the end of the fourth quarter.

But Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's administration has yet to discuss the matter at the highest level.

The HSR project was terminated in 2021 after both countries failed to agree on changes proposed by Malaysia.

Datuk Seri Anwar's administration, which took office in November 2022, has expressed openness to reviving the 350km project, provided it is fully funded by the private sector without involving government funds or guarantees.