M'sia, S'pore to meet again on high-speed rail link

SINGAPORE: Malaysia has finalised its full report on the proposed high speed rail link between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

Mohd Nur Ismal Mohamed Kamal, CEO of the Malaysia Land Public Transport Commission, said the two sides will meet after the Aidil Fitri celebrations at the end of the month.

He said: "The base line alignment and all that is done. But of course, minor changes can still happen. We are just starting the process of engagement and discussion with the Singapore side, with the joint ministerial committee meeting up after Hari Raya."



Speaking exclusively to Channel NewsAsia, Mr Nur Ismal said details of the project, including the modality and funding, will be made public after discussions with Singapore officials.

Estimated to cost US$10 billion, the high-speed rail link is expected to be completed by 2020.

It is set to cut travel time between both cities to 90 minutes and has attracted keen interest from various international companies, including those from China, Japan, France and Spain.

Mr Nur Ismail said industries can expect competitive bidding once open tenders begin next year.

"There's enough room for everyone. The key thing is that both countries will benefit, the conglomerates benefit, the key development along the alignment. We're looking forward to the economic development side of it, the social aspect, the broader macroeconomic growth that will happen because of the link being there," he added.