Singapore-Kuala Lumpur high-speed rail project regeneration variables Malaysian government decides to build a separate high-speed rail
According to the Malaysian online media “Free Malaysia Today” on the 25th, the Malaysian government has decided to build a separate high-speed rail. The new plan will not involve Singapore.
The high-speed railway will only connect Malaysia’s Johor New Hill and Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore will no longer be one of the terminals.
In response, the Ministry of Transport of Singapore reiterated that the Singapore-Kuala Lumpur high-speed rail project is beneficial to both countries, and will do its best to complete consultations with the Malaysian government before the end of this year.
If the contract expires and Malaysia decides not to continue to implement the Singlong High-Speed Rail Program, Malaysia will have to compensate Singapore for the costs incurred in fulfilling its obligations under the agreement as agreed.
The Ministry of Transport of Singapore pointed out that the bilateral agreement on the Singapore High-Speed Rail signed by Singapore and Malaysia in December 2016 is a legally binding international agreement and is still in force today.
After the Malaysian regime changed in 2018, the then Greek League government and the Singapore government agreed to put the high-speed rail plan on hold for two years. Malaysia asked for an extension again in May this year, and Singapore agreed to extend the deadline for the last time, extending the project by seven months to December 31.
Construction of the Xinlong high-speed railway is expected to start in 2020 and be completed by 2031. After opening, it only takes 1 hour and 30 minutes to travel between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore by high-speed rail.
