The high speed rail project is expected to commence operations in 2026.
Dr Ali Hamsa, Chief Secretary to the Malaysian government, has called on the civil service to work hard to ensure a timely implementation of the high speed rail (HSR) project between Malaysia and Singapore, reported Bernama.
“It is very important that the project is implemented successfully and be operational by 2026,” he said.
Malaysia and Singapore signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the HSR project on 19 July.
The two countries are now in talks to finalise the agreement by December 2016, said Ali, who was recently in Singapore to attend the 39th Public Service Games and 8th Joint Seminar for Public Service Leaders of Malaysia and Singapore.
He was asked to respond to comments made by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who previously described the HSR as a long-term, massive investment, and as such good execution is crucial.
In July, PM Lee was in Malaysia to witness the signing of the MoU for the HSR project with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak.
“PM Najib and I agreed to build the HSR between KL and Singapore three years ago. Since then our officials have worked hard and long, through several Ramadans and Rayas, to reach agreement on key issues,” he said.
“We need to work closely together on many joint decisions and implementation issues. PM Najib and I will give full attention to this, because we want this major project to be done right.”
With speeds of more than 300 km per hour, the 350 km HSR will reduce travel time between Malaysia and Singapore to just 90 minutes.
In Singapore, the HSR terminus will be located in Jurong East.
Malaysia will have seven stations – Iskandar Puteri, Batu Pahat, Muar, Ayer Keroh, Seremban, Putrajaya and Bandar Malaysia.
The first train is slated to commence operations in 2026.
Romesh Navaratnarajah, Senior Editor at PropertyGuru, edited this story. To contact him about this or other stories, email romesh@propertyguru.com.sg
