Try GOLD - Free
Malaysia says HSR decision still pending as existing projects are a priority
The Straits Times
|November 21, 2024
Study conducted, but Cabinet yet to discuss reviving KL-S'pore rail plans, says minister
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.
This story is from the November 21, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Straits Times
The Straits Times
'Like an Fl pit crew': How NUH medical staff work to save trauma patients
When a road accident victim arrives at the National University Hospital (NUH) emergency department, there can be up to 20 medical and nursing staff working furiously to save him.
4 mins
May 03, 2026
The Straits Times
I was a chicken rice lover. Going pescatarian was surprisingly liberating
Many think happiness comes from having more choices and variety. The writer found it in having less.
4 mins
May 03, 2026
The Straits Times
'Singapore is a real priority for New Zealand':
PM Luxon pledges continued food supply
6 mins
May 03, 2026
The Straits Times
WP put on the defensive by internal and external pressures
The formal reprimand that the Workers’ Party issued to its leader on the evening of April 30 caps off a string of challenges for the party within a year of the 2025 General Election.
4 mins
May 03, 2026
The Straits Times
TABLE FOR ONE, PLEASE
In the 1942 painting Nighthawks, three guests sit in a diner late at night.
10 mins
May 03, 2026
The Straits Times
Fl eyes massive TV growth to rival NFL
Formula One’s next big push in the United States has to be growing the television ratings significantly, McLaren boss Zak Brown said on May 1.
2 mins
May 03, 2026
The Straits Times
Germany urges stronger European defence after US reduces troops
Europeans must bear more responsibility for own safety: German Defence Minister
3 mins
May 03, 2026
The Straits Times
US appeals court temporarily halts mail delivery of abortion pill
on May 1 temporarily halted mail delivery of mifepristone, the medication used in the majority of abortions in the US, although a company distributing the drug said it would appeal the ruling in the Supreme Court.
2 mins
May 03, 2026
The Straits Times
PAP juggles energy crisis and other key priorities
One year on from GE2025, the PAP is grappling with the biggest energy shock in decades.
6 mins
May 03, 2026
The Straits Times
Can America's dangerous drift to political violence be stopped?
The right blames the 'radical left', while some see Trump's rhetoric as an issue
8 mins
May 03, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size