By Sharen Kaur
Published in NST on May 18, 2015
SINGAPORE: MALAYSIA and Singapore will build a bridge to link Nusajaya in Johor and Jurong East for the high-speed rail (HSR) connection instead of an undersea tunnel as it will cost five times less.
Malaysian High Commissioner to Singapore, Datuk Husni Zai Yaacob, said based on current estimates, the HSR line between the two points would be 15km.
A 15km rail line from Nusajaya to Jurong East will cost RM1.2 billion to RM1.5 billion while an undersea tunnel of the same length will cost about RM6.5 billion.
Husni said Malaysia and Singapore were on target to ink the bilateral agreement for the HSR link by the end of this year, which would lead to the opening of tenders.
"Basically, it will be the start of the implementation process. Because the HSR link involves two countries, it is very complex. Between now and the end of this year, there will be a lot of discussions.
"We hope to resolve many issues pertaining to the development. The key issues include the alignment.
Once we have sorted that out, we will iron out the location of the customs, immigration and quarantine facilities, and the tenders.
"We will also discuss funding options, technical aspects of the HSR and the company that will operate the service," he said after opening Eco World Development Group Bhd's first international sales gallery, here, last week.
Husni said the HSR link would be a game changer for Malaysia and Singapore as it would provide seamless connectivity. He also said the link was important to improve both countries' economy and strengthen bilateral ties.
"Everybody, including the Singaporeans, are looking forward to it. Singapore is committed to this development. The Singapore government has announced the terminus in Jurong East and that is a clear signal that it wants the HSR to be implemented as soon as possible.
"Since the retreat more than a week ago between both countries' leaders, there has been positive coverage in the Malaysian and Singapore press." Husni said the HSR link would provide a transit service that would take two hours and an express service at 90 minutes.
"The express service will operate between Bandar Malaysia and Jurong East while the transit service will stop in Putrajaya, Seremban, Ayer Keroh, Muar, Batu Pahat and Nusajaya, meeting demand from all segments of the market." Malaysia has confirmed that its terminus will be in Bandar Malaysia, about 4km from the Kuala Lumpur financial district.
Published in NST on May 18, 2015
SINGAPORE: MALAYSIA and Singapore will build a bridge to link Nusajaya in Johor and Jurong East for the high-speed rail (HSR) connection instead of an undersea tunnel as it will cost five times less.
Malaysian High Commissioner to Singapore, Datuk Husni Zai Yaacob, said based on current estimates, the HSR line between the two points would be 15km.
A 15km rail line from Nusajaya to Jurong East will cost RM1.2 billion to RM1.5 billion while an undersea tunnel of the same length will cost about RM6.5 billion.
Husni said Malaysia and Singapore were on target to ink the bilateral agreement for the HSR link by the end of this year, which would lead to the opening of tenders.
"Basically, it will be the start of the implementation process. Because the HSR link involves two countries, it is very complex. Between now and the end of this year, there will be a lot of discussions.
"We hope to resolve many issues pertaining to the development. The key issues include the alignment.
Once we have sorted that out, we will iron out the location of the customs, immigration and quarantine facilities, and the tenders.
"We will also discuss funding options, technical aspects of the HSR and the company that will operate the service," he said after opening Eco World Development Group Bhd's first international sales gallery, here, last week.
Husni said the HSR link would be a game changer for Malaysia and Singapore as it would provide seamless connectivity. He also said the link was important to improve both countries' economy and strengthen bilateral ties.
"Everybody, including the Singaporeans, are looking forward to it. Singapore is committed to this development. The Singapore government has announced the terminus in Jurong East and that is a clear signal that it wants the HSR to be implemented as soon as possible.
"Since the retreat more than a week ago between both countries' leaders, there has been positive coverage in the Malaysian and Singapore press." Husni said the HSR link would provide a transit service that would take two hours and an express service at 90 minutes.
"The express service will operate between Bandar Malaysia and Jurong East while the transit service will stop in Putrajaya, Seremban, Ayer Keroh, Muar, Batu Pahat and Nusajaya, meeting demand from all segments of the market." Malaysia has confirmed that its terminus will be in Bandar Malaysia, about 4km from the Kuala Lumpur financial district.
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