KL-Singapore high speed rail project revival soon?

 

By Sharen Kaur - July 11, 2023, NST Business

KUALA LUMPUR: MyHSR Corporation Sdn Bhd is requesting concept proposals from local and international firms and consortia for the development and operation of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail (KL-SG HSR) project via a public-private partnership model.

The Request For Information (RFI) marks the Malaysian government's initiative to reactivate the KL-SG HSR project via new funding mechanisms and implementation models in efforts to further improve the rail transport infrastructure and to invigorate the national economy, said MyHSR Corp chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Nur Ismal Mohamed Kamal.

Mohd Nur Ismal encouraged companies and consortia with the relevant experience to participate in the RFI exercise, adding that he looks forward to receiving strong interest and high-quality proposals that would serve as an important reference for the government's decision on the best way forward for the project.

"MyHSR Corp remains committed to supporting the government in identifying the most effective solution to revive the KL-SG HSR project. Globally, developments in HSR have proven to be growth engines, bringing about catalytic development and growth as well as multiplier effects that benefit all walks of life," he said in a statement.

MyHSR Corp had earlier engaged with selected private companies during the initial information gathering stage to understand the level of interest, capabilities, and resource requirements needed to make this project sustainable.

The company's newly appointed chairman Datuk Sri Fauzi Abdul Rahman said the RFI will allow the Malaysian government to assess the industry's interest and ability to fully fund the project while evaluating their capabilities in developing this major infrastructure project by looking into areas such as technical specifications, project costing, commercial and business models, as well as consortium and governance frameworks.

"The KL-SG HSR project will bring tremendous benefits to the people, particularly in enhancing and expanding economic dynamism from the Klang Valley to the Southern Corridor of the peninsula, and eventually to the rest of Malaysia. In addition to providing a new travel option that is safer, faster, more efficient, and sustainable, the project will help us contribute to the agenda of Malaysia MADANI, generating long-term growth and sustainability for the people and the nation," he said.