By Sharen Kaur
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's proposed high-speed rail (HSR) project connecting Kuala Lumpur and Singapore remains remains under consideration, even as two major projects, the Gemas–Johor Bahru electrified double tracking and the Johor Bahru–Singapore rapid transit system, edge closer to completion.
Industry experts maintain that the Kuala Lumpur–Singapore HSR is not only viable but also strategically vital, as it aligns with economic imperatives, environmental goals, regional integration plans, and innovative financing approaches.
Speaking at the HSR Asia Pacific 2025 conference here today, Arup's managing director for APAC and conference chairman, TC Chew, said the Kuala Lumpur–Singapore HSR stands as a transformative opportunity for both nations and the wider Asean region.
"The HSR is not just about connectivity - it is about creating journeys that matter. A 90-minute trip between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore means people can travel to meet family, conduct business, or enjoy leisure without sacrificing time. This has a powerful multiplier effect on the economy," Chew said in his welcome address.
He noted that the strong turnout of international industry players at the conference underscores growing global interest in being part of Malaysia's railway growth story.
While the project holds tremendous promise, Chew acknowledged that finalising the rail alignment within Malaysia could pose challenges, particularly regarding land acquisition, environmental concerns, and funding.
Nevertheless, addressing these issues effectively will be crucial to realising the project's full potential, he said.
Long billed as a "game-changer," the Kuala Lumpur–Singapore HSR, which was initially proposed two decades ago by YTL Group, is expected to significantly boost cross-border connectivity, strengthen economic ties, and foster people-to-people exchanges. By slashing travel time from the current four to five hours by road to just 90 minutes, the line promises to reshape regional mobility patterns.
The proposed line will include stations in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Seremban, Ayer Keroh, Muar, Batu Pahat, Iskandar Puteri, and possibly Forest City, before terminating in Jurong East, Singapore. With trains designed to operate at speeds of up to 320 km/h, the line will span 350 km - 335 km in Malaysia and 15 km in Singapore - on dedicated tracks built specifically for high-speed travel.
The project resulted in a legally binding agreement signed in December 2016, with the aim of having the line operational by 2026.
However, it was put on the back burner following several delays at Malaysia's request, eventually leading to the lapse of the agreement in December 2020. Following the termination, Malaysia compensated Singapore more than S$102 million.
Momentum returned in 2023 when both governments agreed to revive the mega project, although construction is unlikely to commence for at least another two years despite the positive signals from both sides.
Wan Agyl Wan Hassan, founder and chief executive officer of MY Mobility Vision Sdn Bhd, previously cautioned that delaying HSR development could leave Malaysia at a regional disadvantage.
He argued that the project, once operational, would serve as a catalyst for multi-sectoral growth by slashing travel time between Kuala Lumpur, Johor, and Singapore to just 90 minutes.
This efficiency, he said, would drive productivity, foster economic clusters, attract investment, and encourage greater talent mobility along the corridor.
Economists have also noted that the long-term success of the HSR will hinge on the financial strength and commitment of private sector partners.
In July 2023, MyHSR Corp Sdn Bhd issued a request for information to get concept proposals for the revived line. By the close of submissions on January 15, 2024, seven local and international consortiums - comprising 31 firms - had participated.
Three consortiums are understood to have been shortlisted: YTL Construction Sdn Bhd-SIPP Rail Sdn Bhd, Berjaya Rail Sdn Bhd-Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd-IJM Construction Sdn Bhd, and a Chinese consortium led by state-owned China Railway Construction.
Source: https://www.nst.com.my/business/economy/2025/09/1280154/kl%E2%80%93singapore-hsr-remains-play-amid-johor-rail-progress-bttv
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