The much-anticipated Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) project is finally gathering steam, and this time, the private sector is in the driver’s seat. Transport Minister Anthony Loke has confirmed that the ministry is in the final stages of ironing out the key parameters for this massive undertaking before taking it to the Cabinet for approval.
“At present, the ministry, together with the relevant ministries and agencies, is finalising the key parameters for the proposed implementation of the HSR project on a private-led basis.
“These parameters will be presented to the cabinet for approval,” he said
After putting out a Request for Information (RFI), MyHSR Corporation Sdn Bhd (MyHSR Corp) has sifted through seven concept proposals submitted by both local and international players. Now, the government is gearing up for the next big step—the Request for Proposal (RFP) phase, where the real deal will start taking shape.
Loke shared this update in Parliament while responding to an inquiry from Muhammad Islahuddin Abas (PN-Mersing), who wanted to know what’s next, especially after Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB) pulled out of the Berjaya Rail Sdn Bhd-led consortium. MRCB officially called it quits on December 19, terminating their agreement with Berjaya just days after it was signed on December 15, 2023.
Despite this shake-up, Berjaya Rail isn’t slowing down. The consortium is still pushing forward, with key players like Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd, IJM Corporation Bhd, and technical heavyweights Deutsche Bahn, Hitachi Rail, and Hyundai Rotem still in the mix.
Founder and adviser Tan Sri Vincent Tan has even put out a call for more local companies to get on board, ensuring that Malaysia plays a major role in shaping the future of this landmark project.
This is a huge project that would connect Kuala Lumpur and Singapore through the 350 KM high-speed rail route and was aimed to be completed in the year 2026. It was also suppose to connect major railway stations including Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Negeri Sembilan and Johor.
This project would elevate the quality of public transportation in Malaysia and would make the lives of many Malaysians easier.
With big names, big ambitions, and big decisions on the horizon, the KL-SG HSR is inching closer to reality. Now, all eyes are on the Cabinet and the RFP phase to see who will get the green light to bring this game-changing rail project to life. Stay tuned—this ride is just getting started!
Source: NST
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