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Not yet start already cost $270mil. Imagine how much Malaysia will, have to pay if it started operating.
Chitchat It's Official! Jiuhu Has Terminated HSR Project! Need To Pay PAP Compensation!
- Thread starter JohnTan
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KL-Singapore HSR cancellation hampers N. Sembilan’s economic growth, says MB | Malay Mail
Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Aminuddin Harun speaks to Bernama in Seremban June 13, 2018. — Bernama pic
Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Aminuddin Harun speaks to Bernama in Seremban June 13, 2018. — Bernama pic
SEREMBAN, Jan 5 — The cancellation of Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) project will slightly hamper Negri Sembilan’s economic growth, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said.
He said if the project could be resumed with one of its stations in Labu, it would be able to accelerate the development of the Malaysian Vision Valley 2.0 (MVV 2.0) as planned by the state government.
“We feel the HSR would actually speed up linkages in the southern area but when it is cancelled, this will slow down some investments in Negri Sembilan,” he told reporters after officiating the state-level Greening Malaysian Programme: 100 Million Trees Planting Campaign 2021-2025 here today.
Aminuddin said the MVV 2.0 project, for which a total of 153,411 hectares of land in Nilai, Seremban and Port Dickson will be developed, is expected to attract RM294 billion investments in a span of 30 years.
However, he said the state government would look at other appropriate development needs in the area in an effort to further boost the state’s economic growth.
Meanwhile, Rantau assemblyman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, in his Facebook post, said the government needs to be transparent with the cancellation and give a proper explanation.
“The implication from the HSR cancellation means that all urban development planning and growth of various economic sectors will have a negative impact, including integrated transportation hubs such as Bandar Malaysia, as well as other urban development along the HSR route.
“If the project is continued without Singapore, it is no longer strategic,” Mohamad, who is also Umno Deputy President and former Negri Sembilan mentri besar, said.
In a joint statement on January 1, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and his Singaporean counterpart, Lee Hsien Loong, announced the termination of the HSR project following the expiration of the project agreement on December 31, 2020, after both countries failed to reach an agreement on changes proposed by Malaysia.
The leaders said both countries would honour their respective obligations and proceed with the necessary actions following the termination of the agreement.
On December 13, 2016, Malaysia and Singapore signed a bilateral agreement for the HSR project implementation that is slated for completion in 2026 and will shorten the travel period between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore to 90 minutes. — Bernama
Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Aminuddin Harun speaks to Bernama in Seremban June 13, 2018. — Bernama pic
Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Aminuddin Harun speaks to Bernama in Seremban June 13, 2018. — Bernama pic
SEREMBAN, Jan 5 — The cancellation of Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) project will slightly hamper Negri Sembilan’s economic growth, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said.
He said if the project could be resumed with one of its stations in Labu, it would be able to accelerate the development of the Malaysian Vision Valley 2.0 (MVV 2.0) as planned by the state government.
“We feel the HSR would actually speed up linkages in the southern area but when it is cancelled, this will slow down some investments in Negri Sembilan,” he told reporters after officiating the state-level Greening Malaysian Programme: 100 Million Trees Planting Campaign 2021-2025 here today.
Aminuddin said the MVV 2.0 project, for which a total of 153,411 hectares of land in Nilai, Seremban and Port Dickson will be developed, is expected to attract RM294 billion investments in a span of 30 years.
However, he said the state government would look at other appropriate development needs in the area in an effort to further boost the state’s economic growth.
Meanwhile, Rantau assemblyman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, in his Facebook post, said the government needs to be transparent with the cancellation and give a proper explanation.
“The implication from the HSR cancellation means that all urban development planning and growth of various economic sectors will have a negative impact, including integrated transportation hubs such as Bandar Malaysia, as well as other urban development along the HSR route.
“If the project is continued without Singapore, it is no longer strategic,” Mohamad, who is also Umno Deputy President and former Negri Sembilan mentri besar, said.
In a joint statement on January 1, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and his Singaporean counterpart, Lee Hsien Loong, announced the termination of the HSR project following the expiration of the project agreement on December 31, 2020, after both countries failed to reach an agreement on changes proposed by Malaysia.
The leaders said both countries would honour their respective obligations and proceed with the necessary actions following the termination of the agreement.
On December 13, 2016, Malaysia and Singapore signed a bilateral agreement for the HSR project implementation that is slated for completion in 2026 and will shorten the travel period between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore to 90 minutes. — Bernama
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Malaysia expects compensation for HSR project's termination to be below S$270 million: Mustapa Mohamed
The concept design for Muar station along the KL-Singapore HSR. (Photo: MyHSR)
05 Jan 2021 01:13PM
(Updated: 05 Jan 2021 01:20PM)
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KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia holds the view that the amount of compensation needed to be paid to Singapore for the termination of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail (HSR) project is much lower than S$270 million, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Economy) Mustapa Mohamed on Monday (Jan 4).
Mr Mustapa was speaking in reference to remarks by Singapore's Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung, who had said in Parliament that Singapore had spent more than S$270 million on the project, including the costs for consultancy services and manpower.
“The transport minister also said the compensation would not include land costs and we are made to understand that the Singapore government has acquired several pieces of land to implement the project,” Mr Mustapa said in an airing of the Malaysian programme Agenda AWANI.
“Therefore, we are confident that the compensation cost will be much lower than S$270 million. Anyway, the matter has not been finalised and will be discussed soon," he added.
READ: From conception to termination: Timeline of KL-Singapore HSR project over 8 years
In a Facebook post earlier on Monday, Mr Mustapa said that the compensation is "not punitive in nature" and is an amount Malaysia will reimburse for specific costs of the project that Singapore has already spent money on. He also said that the compensation amount would not be disclosed.
"We are waiting for the cost details from Singapore and once received, it will be scrutinised before we confirm them. The types of claims made have already been agreed upon," said Mr Mustapa.
"However, the amount of compensation cannot be disclosed because under the bilateral agreement, both countries are bound by a confidentiality clause.
"Yet, my team and I will discuss with Singapore to share information on the amount of compensation after it is finalised. Therefore, any figures on compensation mentioned by any party are merely speculation."
Nonetheless, during the live broadcast in the evening, he gave assurance that the government would announce the compensation amount as soon as it had been finalised.
READ: Malaysia will honour KL-Singapore HSR obligations following project's cancellation, says minister
On Jan 1, Malaysia and Singapore jointly announced the cancellation of the 350km rail line project after failing to reach an agreement on proposed changes by the Dec 31, 2020, deadline.
The bilateral agreement for the project’s development, signed with Singapore on Dec 13, 2016, was based on the aspiration for a closer economic integration between the two countries.
The construction of the HSR, proposed in 2010 as one of the Economic Transformation Programme’s initiatives, was deferred until May 2020 after Malaysia’s 14th general election, following a review of several of the government’s investment commitments.
The two governments later postponed the project for a second time to Dec 31, 2020.
REMOVAL OF ASSETS COMPANY A “FUNDAMENTAL DEPARTURE” FROM AGREEMENT
Mr Mustapa said the Malaysian government would be able to save 30 per cent if it did not use the services of the assets company, AssetCo.
It was announced previously that AssetCo was to be responsible for designing, building, financing and maintaining all rolling stock, as well as designing, building, financing, operating and maintaining all rail assets such as track work, power, signalling and telecommunications for the HSR project.
“The Malaysian government had given a 30-year guarantee to AssetCo amounting to RM60 billion (S$19.7 billion), or about RM2 billion annually,” he said.
The concept design for Muar station along the KL-Singapore HSR. (Photo: MyHSR)
05 Jan 2021 01:13PM
(Updated: 05 Jan 2021 01:20PM)
Bookmark
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia holds the view that the amount of compensation needed to be paid to Singapore for the termination of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail (HSR) project is much lower than S$270 million, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Economy) Mustapa Mohamed on Monday (Jan 4).
Mr Mustapa was speaking in reference to remarks by Singapore's Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung, who had said in Parliament that Singapore had spent more than S$270 million on the project, including the costs for consultancy services and manpower.
“The transport minister also said the compensation would not include land costs and we are made to understand that the Singapore government has acquired several pieces of land to implement the project,” Mr Mustapa said in an airing of the Malaysian programme Agenda AWANI.
“Therefore, we are confident that the compensation cost will be much lower than S$270 million. Anyway, the matter has not been finalised and will be discussed soon," he added.
READ: From conception to termination: Timeline of KL-Singapore HSR project over 8 years
In a Facebook post earlier on Monday, Mr Mustapa said that the compensation is "not punitive in nature" and is an amount Malaysia will reimburse for specific costs of the project that Singapore has already spent money on. He also said that the compensation amount would not be disclosed.
"We are waiting for the cost details from Singapore and once received, it will be scrutinised before we confirm them. The types of claims made have already been agreed upon," said Mr Mustapa.
"However, the amount of compensation cannot be disclosed because under the bilateral agreement, both countries are bound by a confidentiality clause.
"Yet, my team and I will discuss with Singapore to share information on the amount of compensation after it is finalised. Therefore, any figures on compensation mentioned by any party are merely speculation."
Nonetheless, during the live broadcast in the evening, he gave assurance that the government would announce the compensation amount as soon as it had been finalised.
READ: Malaysia will honour KL-Singapore HSR obligations following project's cancellation, says minister
On Jan 1, Malaysia and Singapore jointly announced the cancellation of the 350km rail line project after failing to reach an agreement on proposed changes by the Dec 31, 2020, deadline.
The bilateral agreement for the project’s development, signed with Singapore on Dec 13, 2016, was based on the aspiration for a closer economic integration between the two countries.
The construction of the HSR, proposed in 2010 as one of the Economic Transformation Programme’s initiatives, was deferred until May 2020 after Malaysia’s 14th general election, following a review of several of the government’s investment commitments.
The two governments later postponed the project for a second time to Dec 31, 2020.
REMOVAL OF ASSETS COMPANY A “FUNDAMENTAL DEPARTURE” FROM AGREEMENT
Mr Mustapa said the Malaysian government would be able to save 30 per cent if it did not use the services of the assets company, AssetCo.
It was announced previously that AssetCo was to be responsible for designing, building, financing and maintaining all rolling stock, as well as designing, building, financing, operating and maintaining all rail assets such as track work, power, signalling and telecommunications for the HSR project.
“The Malaysian government had given a 30-year guarantee to AssetCo amounting to RM60 billion (S$19.7 billion), or about RM2 billion annually,” he said.
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PAP terminated the HSR project because they would not agree to m&d bumi cronyism. No contracts to friends and party members!! Wankers should keep that in mind when they run their town councils.
hanor, especially those that start a $2 company selling town council mgmt. system by fellow wankers and fucktards
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Don't pay a dime how? Go to war? Ambassadors get verbally fucked?
on the surface PAP will wayang and kpkb, behind the scenes they will suck cock and not a dime will be paid....all monetary loses charge to our national savings bank CPF
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Terminated HSR project a missed opportunity to boost economic competitiveness for Singapore, KL: Experts
HSR blueprint Malaysia station
An artist's impression of a KL-Singapore High Speed Rail (HSR) station. (Photo: MyHSR)
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SINGAPORE: The plan was to connect Singapore and Kuala Lumpur - two metropolitan cities in Southeast Asia - by a high-speed rail, revving both economies and propelling each to become a formidable force in the region.
However, this was not to be after the KL-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) project was terminated on New Year’s Day after the agreement to construct it lapsed on Dec 31, 2020.
Malaysia allowed the HSR bilateral agreement to lapse on the deadline after both sides could not agree to changes it had proposed.
The HSR line had aimed to reduce travel time between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur to around 90 minutes by train, from the current 11 hours on existing train services.
READ: From conception to termination - Timeline of KL-Singapore HSR project over 8 years
Experts interviewed by CNA said the discontinuation of the project was a missed opportunity to boost connectivity between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, a move which could have transformed their economic competitiveness in the region.
Singapore University of Social Sciences' associate professor of economics Walter Theseira said: “The general point of the HSR was to improve the economic competitiveness of Singapore and Malaysia. Neither economies are particularly large, so both sides stood to benefit from the agglomeration of the economy (the HSR would have brought).”
He explained that a HSR between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur would have brought about more economic growth and development, similar to how Japan benefited from connecting its major cities by Shinkansen.
“Singapore and Kuala Lumpur are not significant in potential compared to cities like Jakarta, Bangkok, or even existing global centres like Tokyo, New York and London and so on. These places benefit from having a much larger city economy, better access to talent. The HSR would have improved this,” added Assoc Prof Theseira.
Dr Francis Hutchinson, who leads the Malaysia programme at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, explained that the HSR project could have connected two large cities with quite large populations – some 8 million in Greater KL and 6 million in Singapore.
He noted that the Singapore-KL air route remains one of the most heavily transited in the world, showcasing a “real demand” for travel services between the two cities.
“Shortening the travel time (between Singapore and KL) to 90 minutes compared to four to five hours would have improved efficiency and productivity, particularly for business travellers. This would also unleash demand for additional trips between the two centres,” added Dr Hutchinson.
SINGAPORE BUSINESSES MISS OUT ON FLOW OF HUMAN CAPITAL
Assessing how Singapore would be impacted by HSR termination, transport researcher Terence Fan from the Singapore Management University said the main point would be how the project would have facilitated flow of human capital and passengers.
Dr Fan highlighted that without HSR, benefits of more efficient travel between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur would not have materialised, and this would have impacted business travel in particular.
Assoc Prof Theseira said the HSR would have granted businesses from Singapore more access to Malaysia’s economy.
He said a high speed rail system would have fared better than the current options such as air or land travel, as there would be fewer delays in customs and travel time. Hence, it would be easier for Singapore firms to expand their business reach throughout the cities along the rail line.
“With the HSR, it means that professional services in Singapore can send employees to KL for projects and come back on the same day,” he said.
“For regional businesses, they would have felt comfortable having headquarters in Singapore, or KL, and have staff in the other country. These things would have been much more feasible with HSR,” added Assoc Prof Theseira.
READ: Assets company removal 'main concern' that led to HSR termination, project has cost Singapore more than S$270 million, says Ong Ye Kung
JURONG DEVELOPMENT PLANS SET TO PROCEED
He also pointed out that plans by the Singapore government to develop the Jurong region will likely press ahead, even though the region would no longer host the HSR project’s southern terminus.
“Many of the plans to develop Jurong are not contingent on HSR. HSR would have been a nice bonus, but I do not think there will be a decision to seriously downgrade those plans,” said Assoc Prof Theseira.
HSR Jurong East terminus
The terminus station was set to be built in Jurong East, and would have been accessible by four MRT lines.
Speaking in Parliament on Monday (Jan 4), Singapore Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung said the termination of the HSR project will not affect overall plans for the Jurong Lake District.
He explained that the Singapore Government had started planning to transform Jurong as early as 2008, and the plans were developed before Malaysia proposed the HSR project.
However, Assoc Prof Theseira maintained that there would be some value for Singapore to not rush into redesignating land use in Jurong, and to wait and see if the Malaysia government might decide to go ahead with the project domestically.
Jurong Lake1
Extending green and blue assets into the mixed-use business area around the future HSR terminus. (Artist's impression © KCAP/SAA/Arup/S333/Lekker)
In December, there had been reports that Putrajaya might continue the project without Singapore's involvement. Hence, the line - which starts in Kuala Lumpur - could end in Johor in Malaysia instead of Jurong East in Singapore.
Assoc Prof Theseira maintains that Singapore could adopt a “wait and see” approach and decide later on if it wants to join if Malaysia does commence construction.
However, if in the future it is decided that the plans to build HSR are scrapped completely, he said that the Singapore Government could then decide how to redevelop the sites in Jurong.
MALAYSIAN COMMUTERS IN SMALLER CITIES, CONSTRUCTION SECTOR IMPACTED BY HSR CANCELLATION
Meanwhile, the termination of the HSR project is also a missed opportunity for the construction sector in Malaysia, as well as residents who live in cities along the HSR line.
Mr Peck Boon Soon, an economist at RHB Research Institute in Malaysia, told CNA that the HSR would have required around 335km of tracks in Malaysia, tunnels, bridges and other infrastructure and that local construction companies would have benefitted from it.
"During this period where construction for residential and commercial properties are sluggish, the HSR would have been a bonus for civil engineering companies and firms," said Mr Peck.
EMB HSR map
A map of the preferred alignment of the KL-Singapore High-Speed Rail.
Dr Hutchinson added that construction work would also have involved train stations at smaller urban cities such as Iskandar Puteri, Muar, Batu Pahat and Seremban.
“In all of these cases, there were ambitious urban development plans that planned to reorient the commercial life, particularly of the smaller cities, which would house commercial and residential dwellings in and around the stations,” he added.
Moreover, residents from these cities have also been impacted as the HSR would have enabled them to do day trips from their homes and Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, Dr Hutchinson said.
“This would really be a game-changer for sectors such as higher education, as universities in the two countries would be able to cater to a wider range of students,” he added.
Reports that Malaysia will now consider going ahead with the project without Singapore’s participation has drawn criticism from many parties, including former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak.
HSR MOU 2
The MOU signing ceremony was witnessed by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his then Malaysian counterpart Najib Razak. (Photo: Justin Ong)
Najib’s administration was the first to present the idea of a KL-Singapore HSR in 2013, and he later oversaw the signing of the bilateral agreement with Singapore in 2016.
In a Facebook post last Saturday, Najib stressed that Malaysia is set to lose billions of ringgit by terminating the HSR project.
He warned that Singapore’s exclusion from a high-speed rail line will make the project unsustainable, explaining that building the HSR was justified as the benefits from an increase in tourists from Singapore would bring billions in revenue as well as create jobs for the people that will last for a long time.
Mr Peck made a similar point, noting that if the HSR was to exclude Singapore, it would reduce the tourism dollars the project could probably bring in.
"Tourists from Singapore are put off by the congestion at the Causeway and the hassle of air travel. The HSR eliminates this, and would have increased the number of tourists visiting Malaysia from not only Singapore, but also international tourists who want to visit Malaysia after stopping by Singapore," he added.
"The HSR being terminated is certainly ... a missed opportunity to expand Malaysia's tourism network," said Mr Peck.
HSR blueprint Malaysia station
An artist's impression of a KL-Singapore High Speed Rail (HSR) station. (Photo: MyHSR)
Bookmark
SINGAPORE: The plan was to connect Singapore and Kuala Lumpur - two metropolitan cities in Southeast Asia - by a high-speed rail, revving both economies and propelling each to become a formidable force in the region.
However, this was not to be after the KL-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) project was terminated on New Year’s Day after the agreement to construct it lapsed on Dec 31, 2020.
Malaysia allowed the HSR bilateral agreement to lapse on the deadline after both sides could not agree to changes it had proposed.
The HSR line had aimed to reduce travel time between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur to around 90 minutes by train, from the current 11 hours on existing train services.
READ: From conception to termination - Timeline of KL-Singapore HSR project over 8 years
Experts interviewed by CNA said the discontinuation of the project was a missed opportunity to boost connectivity between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, a move which could have transformed their economic competitiveness in the region.
Singapore University of Social Sciences' associate professor of economics Walter Theseira said: “The general point of the HSR was to improve the economic competitiveness of Singapore and Malaysia. Neither economies are particularly large, so both sides stood to benefit from the agglomeration of the economy (the HSR would have brought).”
He explained that a HSR between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur would have brought about more economic growth and development, similar to how Japan benefited from connecting its major cities by Shinkansen.
“Singapore and Kuala Lumpur are not significant in potential compared to cities like Jakarta, Bangkok, or even existing global centres like Tokyo, New York and London and so on. These places benefit from having a much larger city economy, better access to talent. The HSR would have improved this,” added Assoc Prof Theseira.
Dr Francis Hutchinson, who leads the Malaysia programme at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, explained that the HSR project could have connected two large cities with quite large populations – some 8 million in Greater KL and 6 million in Singapore.
He noted that the Singapore-KL air route remains one of the most heavily transited in the world, showcasing a “real demand” for travel services between the two cities.
“Shortening the travel time (between Singapore and KL) to 90 minutes compared to four to five hours would have improved efficiency and productivity, particularly for business travellers. This would also unleash demand for additional trips between the two centres,” added Dr Hutchinson.
SINGAPORE BUSINESSES MISS OUT ON FLOW OF HUMAN CAPITAL
Assessing how Singapore would be impacted by HSR termination, transport researcher Terence Fan from the Singapore Management University said the main point would be how the project would have facilitated flow of human capital and passengers.
Dr Fan highlighted that without HSR, benefits of more efficient travel between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur would not have materialised, and this would have impacted business travel in particular.
Assoc Prof Theseira said the HSR would have granted businesses from Singapore more access to Malaysia’s economy.
He said a high speed rail system would have fared better than the current options such as air or land travel, as there would be fewer delays in customs and travel time. Hence, it would be easier for Singapore firms to expand their business reach throughout the cities along the rail line.
“With the HSR, it means that professional services in Singapore can send employees to KL for projects and come back on the same day,” he said.
“For regional businesses, they would have felt comfortable having headquarters in Singapore, or KL, and have staff in the other country. These things would have been much more feasible with HSR,” added Assoc Prof Theseira.
READ: Assets company removal 'main concern' that led to HSR termination, project has cost Singapore more than S$270 million, says Ong Ye Kung
JURONG DEVELOPMENT PLANS SET TO PROCEED
He also pointed out that plans by the Singapore government to develop the Jurong region will likely press ahead, even though the region would no longer host the HSR project’s southern terminus.
“Many of the plans to develop Jurong are not contingent on HSR. HSR would have been a nice bonus, but I do not think there will be a decision to seriously downgrade those plans,” said Assoc Prof Theseira.
HSR Jurong East terminus
The terminus station was set to be built in Jurong East, and would have been accessible by four MRT lines.
Speaking in Parliament on Monday (Jan 4), Singapore Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung said the termination of the HSR project will not affect overall plans for the Jurong Lake District.
He explained that the Singapore Government had started planning to transform Jurong as early as 2008, and the plans were developed before Malaysia proposed the HSR project.
However, Assoc Prof Theseira maintained that there would be some value for Singapore to not rush into redesignating land use in Jurong, and to wait and see if the Malaysia government might decide to go ahead with the project domestically.
Jurong Lake1
Extending green and blue assets into the mixed-use business area around the future HSR terminus. (Artist's impression © KCAP/SAA/Arup/S333/Lekker)
In December, there had been reports that Putrajaya might continue the project without Singapore's involvement. Hence, the line - which starts in Kuala Lumpur - could end in Johor in Malaysia instead of Jurong East in Singapore.
Assoc Prof Theseira maintains that Singapore could adopt a “wait and see” approach and decide later on if it wants to join if Malaysia does commence construction.
However, if in the future it is decided that the plans to build HSR are scrapped completely, he said that the Singapore Government could then decide how to redevelop the sites in Jurong.
MALAYSIAN COMMUTERS IN SMALLER CITIES, CONSTRUCTION SECTOR IMPACTED BY HSR CANCELLATION
Meanwhile, the termination of the HSR project is also a missed opportunity for the construction sector in Malaysia, as well as residents who live in cities along the HSR line.
Mr Peck Boon Soon, an economist at RHB Research Institute in Malaysia, told CNA that the HSR would have required around 335km of tracks in Malaysia, tunnels, bridges and other infrastructure and that local construction companies would have benefitted from it.
"During this period where construction for residential and commercial properties are sluggish, the HSR would have been a bonus for civil engineering companies and firms," said Mr Peck.
EMB HSR map
A map of the preferred alignment of the KL-Singapore High-Speed Rail.
Dr Hutchinson added that construction work would also have involved train stations at smaller urban cities such as Iskandar Puteri, Muar, Batu Pahat and Seremban.
“In all of these cases, there were ambitious urban development plans that planned to reorient the commercial life, particularly of the smaller cities, which would house commercial and residential dwellings in and around the stations,” he added.
Moreover, residents from these cities have also been impacted as the HSR would have enabled them to do day trips from their homes and Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, Dr Hutchinson said.
“This would really be a game-changer for sectors such as higher education, as universities in the two countries would be able to cater to a wider range of students,” he added.
Reports that Malaysia will now consider going ahead with the project without Singapore’s participation has drawn criticism from many parties, including former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak.
HSR MOU 2
The MOU signing ceremony was witnessed by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his then Malaysian counterpart Najib Razak. (Photo: Justin Ong)
Najib’s administration was the first to present the idea of a KL-Singapore HSR in 2013, and he later oversaw the signing of the bilateral agreement with Singapore in 2016.
In a Facebook post last Saturday, Najib stressed that Malaysia is set to lose billions of ringgit by terminating the HSR project.
He warned that Singapore’s exclusion from a high-speed rail line will make the project unsustainable, explaining that building the HSR was justified as the benefits from an increase in tourists from Singapore would bring billions in revenue as well as create jobs for the people that will last for a long time.
Mr Peck made a similar point, noting that if the HSR was to exclude Singapore, it would reduce the tourism dollars the project could probably bring in.
"Tourists from Singapore are put off by the congestion at the Causeway and the hassle of air travel. The HSR eliminates this, and would have increased the number of tourists visiting Malaysia from not only Singapore, but also international tourists who want to visit Malaysia after stopping by Singapore," he added.
"The HSR being terminated is certainly ... a missed opportunity to expand Malaysia's tourism network," said Mr Peck.
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Knowing mudland 270 m is nothing but a number. If they drag their feet and don’t pay what can Lee do ? Invade ?
They have shown by parking a sampan in our waters.
Once more mudland snooked us.
They have shown by parking a sampan in our waters.
Once more mudland snooked us.
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Invade with what?
CECA?
Lose more than any potential win. if not stinkypura get sanctioned to the eyeballs and isolated, at least stinkypura will be expelled from many international bodies.
stinkypura investments abroad can be seized.
stinkypura sh*ttyzens barred from entry/exit to/from other countries
eunuch loong and co. barred from exiting stinkypura
stinkie flagged marine vessels and aircraft barred from national waters/airspace of many countries
if not direct 'kinetic retaliation' on stinkypura
pakistan alone more than enough to 'flatten' stinkypura, no need to guess.
add other countries to list, pain for stinkies only gets worse
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Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed-Rail project can wait, says Dr Mahathir | Malay Mail
Pejuang chairman Tun Mahathir Mohamad speaks to the media during a press conference at Perdana Leadership Foundation in Putrajaya January 7, 2021. — Picture by Shafwan Zaidon
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 7 — Construction for the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) project can wait another 10 to 20 years as it is not important, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today.
He said since the HSR line is only 230km long, it would not cut travel time much.
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“Since long ago, I already don’t think this is an important project. The system (HSR) has to go far enough in order for us to save, in terms of time.
“(Now) it only goes as far as 230km, the most you can save is about 15 minutes and for that 15 minutes you need to spend a large amount of money,” he told reporters today at the Perdana Leadership Foundation.
He added that worse still, the cost to build the HSR has gone up to about RM80 billion.
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“We’ll never get back our money,” he said.
As previously reported, the HSR project was cancelled due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the country’s economy.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of Economy Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said the situation forced the government to re-evaluate the HSR project.
He said the proposed new project structure also prevented the government from providing guarantees amounting to RM60 billion for 30 years.
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 7 — Construction for the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) project can wait another 10 to 20 years as it is not important, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today.
He said since the HSR line is only 230km long, it would not cut travel time much.
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“Since long ago, I already don’t think this is an important project. The system (HSR) has to go far enough in order for us to save, in terms of time.
“(Now) it only goes as far as 230km, the most you can save is about 15 minutes and for that 15 minutes you need to spend a large amount of money,” he told reporters today at the Perdana Leadership Foundation.
He added that worse still, the cost to build the HSR has gone up to about RM80 billion.
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“We’ll never get back our money,” he said.
As previously reported, the HSR project was cancelled due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the country’s economy.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of Economy Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said the situation forced the government to re-evaluate the HSR project.
He said the proposed new project structure also prevented the government from providing guarantees amounting to RM60 billion for 30 years.
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So to me, it looks like to KL, the main issue is the cost of having a sinkie connection. If they forgo having sinkie link, they may save maybe 20-30% of construction cost. My estimate.
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Commentary: KL-Singapore HSR termination risks Malaysia falling behind on transport connectivity
The Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed rail may have been terminated. This isn’t the end of the line but a signal that better processes are needed, says Stewart Nixon.
Motorists along a highway in Bentong, outside Kuala Lumpur on Jul 11, 2016. (Photo: AFP/Mohd Rasfan)Bookmark
CANBERRA: The amicable discontinuation of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) project came as no surprise given developments in Malaysia since 2018 and reprioritisation resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite seemingly good faith negotiations in recent months, the writing had been on the wall for an agreement forged by Najib Razak - the former Malaysian Prime Minister since convicted of multiple corruption charges.
Criticised by Najib’s successor Mahathir Mohamad as being an “unnecessary project” that “will not earn us a single cent”, few expected the project to survive the political battering let alone the pandemic firestorm.
The immediate economic consequences of the termination are negligible. It is doubtful that a project that has seen little practical progress in the eight years since being agreed - and for which earlier proposals date back to last century – had factored into business and investor plans.
Malaysia must compensate Singapore for costs incurred but these should be relatively minor.
READ: Commentary: Did the KL-Singapore high-speed rail unravel because of costs? Note other railways in Asia
A FOREGONE OPPORTUNITY?
Of greater interest are the potential benefits foregone and whether alternative investments offer better prospects.
Official estimates provide no guide, as updated modelling has remained confidential with the project evolving and administrations changing.
Cost estimates ballooned seven-fold between the original announcement in Malaysia’s Economic Transformation Programme 2010 and in 2018.
Limited disclosure and a disproportionate focus on costs have clouded debate on HSR’s merits.
The concept design for Bandar Malaysia station along the KL-Singapore HSR. (Photo: MyHSR)
Conceptually, the largest benefits of HSRs come from connecting moderately distant “nodes” rather than the “spokes” – that is, further integrating KL and Singapore more than connecting either with intermediate stops.
A HSR would make door-to-door travel between two major businesses centres faster and more convenient, encouraging additional economic activity.
That said, a domestic only alternative may be more beneficial than believed by some analysts, with independent modelling suggesting the largest benefits to Malaysia would have come from KL-Johor integration.
Faster domestic travel times may also reduce urbanisation pressures in greater KL and lessen Malaysia’s significant regional inequality by boosting the attractiveness of living in the “spokes” such as smaller cities like Seremban.
READ: Commentary: The former Malaysian workers in Singapore caught in limbo in Johor
The main downside being it limits options for future extension to Singapore by locking in a technology and likely monopoly operator.
"Very few high-speed trains are actually financially viable … Usually those connecting two major cities, including Tokyo-Osaka and New York-Boston, are. A Singapore-Kuala Lumpur high speed train will make a lot more financial sense… than a KL-JB high speed train," Maybank Kim Eng's senior economist Chua Hak Bin told media recently.
COVID-19 COST-CUTTING LED TO LOST INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Critics of the HSR argue that KL and Singapore - and intermediate stops - are already well-serviced by air, road and slower rail. By this logic, the less catered Bangkok-KL alternative might warrant greater priority.
Thailand is forging ahead with its own HSR that will ultimately link to China via Laos, so Malaysia might consider accelerating bilateral discussions with Bangkok.
The relative merits cannot be judged without robust and transparent modelling, but the HSRs are best considered as complements not substitutes.
The development of a pan-Asia HSR through non-maritime Southeast Asia offers greater potential than the sum of its individual parts.
The short Lao railway connects to Thailand via this bridge over the Mekong River. (Photo: Jack Board)
The prospects for alternative HSR proposals depend on Malaysia’s rationale for termination. Optimistically, bilateral relations with Singapore appear cordial and ministerial statements highlight structural disagreements – such as the choice of network operator - and an openness to future cooperation.
Singapore’s Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung also revealed in parliament on Jan 4 that the main concern that led to the termination of the HSR project was Malaysia’s suggestion of removing the assets company that was to manage the project.
He added that Singapore was keen on having a "best-in-class industry player" play this role since both countries did not have the experience in running a high-speed rail line. This assets company would have been necessary to protect the interests of both countries and minimise potential future disputes.
From a practical standpoint, this was also probably a compromise given how both countries have highly regulated domestic rail systems run by companies with strong links to the government.
READ: Commentary: UMNO’s fear that Bersatu could destroy it does have some basis
Long-term projects like HSR also need to survive government changes to succeed, with the extenuating circumstances surrounding Najib’s involvement and the pandemic not necessarily indicating a breakdown of bipartisan support for HSR.
Reports that an earlier commencement was among Malaysia’s desired project changes is also encouraging, suggesting a willingness to invest its way to a post-pandemic recovery.
“Both countries remain committed to maintain good bilateral relations and cooperate closely in various fields, including strengthening the connectivity between the two countries,” a joint ministerial statement from both prime ministers released on Jan 1 stated.
Less optimistically, the Muhyiddin Yassin-led government has its attention elsewhere. The fragile and fractious nature of political coalitions together with immediate pandemic-related concerns are detracting from long-term policy vision.
READ: Commentary: Malaysian politics is going through a midlife crisis
Meanwhile Muhyiddin’s first budget continued Malaysia’s dire revenue collection descent, leaving the coffers increasingly bare and major projects unaffordable.
A reluctance to use debt financing may also have contributed to the HSR termination, with debt similarly tainted by Najib-era activities. These barriers apply equally to Singapore, Bangkok and domestic HSR options.
It is in this respect that cost-cutting necessitated by pandemic circumstances more accurately reflects a continuation of structural budgetary problems and a focus on programme or project costs not net benefits.
These are detrimental legacies of former governments that signal poor prospects for infrastructure investment and development more broadly.
Listen to Malaysians coping with a new wave of COVID-19 share their very different experiences of living through the pandemic in Johor, Kuala Lumpur and Sabah:
A WARNING SIGNAL FOR MALAYSIA’S INFRASTRUCTURE COMPETITIVENESS
Malaysia risks falling behind as other ASEAN countries converge on its infrastructure competitiveness.
It has already lost considerable ground as an insufficient investment pipeline and inadequate maintenance funding failed to keep pace with demand. Its logistics infrastructure – which in 2010 was ranked 28th globally by the World Bank and considered far superior to all ASEAN countries except for Singapore – dropped to 40th in 2018 and was little different to Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia.
It has fared better on the World Economic Forum’s transport infrastructure perceptions measure but has been treading water and not improving over the past decade. Diminishing ambition relative to its peers doesn’t bode well for future competitiveness.
Kuala Lumpur has been judged worse than the likes of Manila and Jakarta in terms of urban public transport availability, affordability and usage.
The Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed rail may have been terminated. This isn’t the end of the line but a signal that better processes are needed, says Stewart Nixon.
Motorists along a highway in Bentong, outside Kuala Lumpur on Jul 11, 2016. (Photo: AFP/Mohd Rasfan)Bookmark
CANBERRA: The amicable discontinuation of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) project came as no surprise given developments in Malaysia since 2018 and reprioritisation resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite seemingly good faith negotiations in recent months, the writing had been on the wall for an agreement forged by Najib Razak - the former Malaysian Prime Minister since convicted of multiple corruption charges.
Criticised by Najib’s successor Mahathir Mohamad as being an “unnecessary project” that “will not earn us a single cent”, few expected the project to survive the political battering let alone the pandemic firestorm.
The immediate economic consequences of the termination are negligible. It is doubtful that a project that has seen little practical progress in the eight years since being agreed - and for which earlier proposals date back to last century – had factored into business and investor plans.
Malaysia must compensate Singapore for costs incurred but these should be relatively minor.
READ: Commentary: Did the KL-Singapore high-speed rail unravel because of costs? Note other railways in Asia
A FOREGONE OPPORTUNITY?
Of greater interest are the potential benefits foregone and whether alternative investments offer better prospects.
Official estimates provide no guide, as updated modelling has remained confidential with the project evolving and administrations changing.
Cost estimates ballooned seven-fold between the original announcement in Malaysia’s Economic Transformation Programme 2010 and in 2018.
Limited disclosure and a disproportionate focus on costs have clouded debate on HSR’s merits.
The concept design for Bandar Malaysia station along the KL-Singapore HSR. (Photo: MyHSR)
Conceptually, the largest benefits of HSRs come from connecting moderately distant “nodes” rather than the “spokes” – that is, further integrating KL and Singapore more than connecting either with intermediate stops.
A HSR would make door-to-door travel between two major businesses centres faster and more convenient, encouraging additional economic activity.
That said, a domestic only alternative may be more beneficial than believed by some analysts, with independent modelling suggesting the largest benefits to Malaysia would have come from KL-Johor integration.
Faster domestic travel times may also reduce urbanisation pressures in greater KL and lessen Malaysia’s significant regional inequality by boosting the attractiveness of living in the “spokes” such as smaller cities like Seremban.
READ: Commentary: The former Malaysian workers in Singapore caught in limbo in Johor
The main downside being it limits options for future extension to Singapore by locking in a technology and likely monopoly operator.
"Very few high-speed trains are actually financially viable … Usually those connecting two major cities, including Tokyo-Osaka and New York-Boston, are. A Singapore-Kuala Lumpur high speed train will make a lot more financial sense… than a KL-JB high speed train," Maybank Kim Eng's senior economist Chua Hak Bin told media recently.
COVID-19 COST-CUTTING LED TO LOST INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Critics of the HSR argue that KL and Singapore - and intermediate stops - are already well-serviced by air, road and slower rail. By this logic, the less catered Bangkok-KL alternative might warrant greater priority.
Thailand is forging ahead with its own HSR that will ultimately link to China via Laos, so Malaysia might consider accelerating bilateral discussions with Bangkok.
The relative merits cannot be judged without robust and transparent modelling, but the HSRs are best considered as complements not substitutes.
The development of a pan-Asia HSR through non-maritime Southeast Asia offers greater potential than the sum of its individual parts.
The short Lao railway connects to Thailand via this bridge over the Mekong River. (Photo: Jack Board)
The prospects for alternative HSR proposals depend on Malaysia’s rationale for termination. Optimistically, bilateral relations with Singapore appear cordial and ministerial statements highlight structural disagreements – such as the choice of network operator - and an openness to future cooperation.
Singapore’s Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung also revealed in parliament on Jan 4 that the main concern that led to the termination of the HSR project was Malaysia’s suggestion of removing the assets company that was to manage the project.
He added that Singapore was keen on having a "best-in-class industry player" play this role since both countries did not have the experience in running a high-speed rail line. This assets company would have been necessary to protect the interests of both countries and minimise potential future disputes.
From a practical standpoint, this was also probably a compromise given how both countries have highly regulated domestic rail systems run by companies with strong links to the government.
READ: Commentary: UMNO’s fear that Bersatu could destroy it does have some basis
Long-term projects like HSR also need to survive government changes to succeed, with the extenuating circumstances surrounding Najib’s involvement and the pandemic not necessarily indicating a breakdown of bipartisan support for HSR.
Reports that an earlier commencement was among Malaysia’s desired project changes is also encouraging, suggesting a willingness to invest its way to a post-pandemic recovery.
“Both countries remain committed to maintain good bilateral relations and cooperate closely in various fields, including strengthening the connectivity between the two countries,” a joint ministerial statement from both prime ministers released on Jan 1 stated.
Less optimistically, the Muhyiddin Yassin-led government has its attention elsewhere. The fragile and fractious nature of political coalitions together with immediate pandemic-related concerns are detracting from long-term policy vision.
READ: Commentary: Malaysian politics is going through a midlife crisis
Meanwhile Muhyiddin’s first budget continued Malaysia’s dire revenue collection descent, leaving the coffers increasingly bare and major projects unaffordable.
A reluctance to use debt financing may also have contributed to the HSR termination, with debt similarly tainted by Najib-era activities. These barriers apply equally to Singapore, Bangkok and domestic HSR options.
It is in this respect that cost-cutting necessitated by pandemic circumstances more accurately reflects a continuation of structural budgetary problems and a focus on programme or project costs not net benefits.
These are detrimental legacies of former governments that signal poor prospects for infrastructure investment and development more broadly.
Listen to Malaysians coping with a new wave of COVID-19 share their very different experiences of living through the pandemic in Johor, Kuala Lumpur and Sabah:
A WARNING SIGNAL FOR MALAYSIA’S INFRASTRUCTURE COMPETITIVENESS
Malaysia risks falling behind as other ASEAN countries converge on its infrastructure competitiveness.
It has already lost considerable ground as an insufficient investment pipeline and inadequate maintenance funding failed to keep pace with demand. Its logistics infrastructure – which in 2010 was ranked 28th globally by the World Bank and considered far superior to all ASEAN countries except for Singapore – dropped to 40th in 2018 and was little different to Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia.
It has fared better on the World Economic Forum’s transport infrastructure perceptions measure but has been treading water and not improving over the past decade. Diminishing ambition relative to its peers doesn’t bode well for future competitiveness.
Kuala Lumpur has been judged worse than the likes of Manila and Jakarta in terms of urban public transport availability, affordability and usage.
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- Jun 27, 2018
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If it's not connected to singkieland. It will loose 50 percent of its revenue
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One point I want to add about the HSR. If it's done properly and the gahmens don't get into rent seeking behaviour, it will reduce congestion n give singkies n m&ds an alternative form of tpt. Furthermore those places along the station's will develop etc. N more singkies from the west will go to mudland etc. No need to go all the way to Changi airport. B there 2 hrs early to check in etc. N the train can go directly into the city. Unlike the airport which is located far away saving on traveling time. It's also not about kl as the town's etc can b the destination reducing congestion on the roads. Anyway maybe good for singkieland if this don't go through.
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Singapore is lucky that the HSR was terminated by Malaysia.
Singapore thanks Mahathir for that.
It dragged on for a while after his decision until the finality when 31 Dec 2020 passed without an agreement.
That was the one good thing that Mahathir ever did for Singapore.
Otherwise Singapore will be ripped off.
The Malaysia Star newspaper revealed that Singapore was expected to pay about 40% of project construction cost of HSR, although only 4% of the track lies within Singapore.
Now I know why Singapore GST was proposed to increase.
Singapore may be paying to help Malaysia build its infrastructure mega project, if the HSR was not terminated.
In all mega projects, and especially in corrupt countries, there is project cost over budget run.
Malaysia is no exception. Thus the final construction cost may increase to more than RM$1,000 Billion. You think that is fantasy and too imaginative?
Better sit down and think again carefully. This is Malaysia that you are dealing with - where corruption is a norm and is not an exception.
In Malaysia, the government changes like musical chairs.
Every new group of Malaysia ministers want changes to the HSR, to exact their benefits.
It is a total mess.
Singapore should now seize this chance to stay OUT of the HSR.
Will Malaysia pay the full compensation to Singapore. NO. NO. NO.
This is Malaysia that you are dealing with.
Malaysia will twist and turn and reduce Singapore claims for compensation to a very small amount.
As usual they will threaten using the cutting off of water supply as a weapon.
Malaysia will pay a small amount and then that is the end of the matter.
However the loss of most of the compensation, is still better than having the HSR proceed - with Singapore incurring massive financial losses later on.
It would have been like throwing most of Singapore Reserves into a bottomless pit.
Singapore thanks Mahathir for that.
It dragged on for a while after his decision until the finality when 31 Dec 2020 passed without an agreement.
That was the one good thing that Mahathir ever did for Singapore.
Otherwise Singapore will be ripped off.
The Malaysia Star newspaper revealed that Singapore was expected to pay about 40% of project construction cost of HSR, although only 4% of the track lies within Singapore.
Now I know why Singapore GST was proposed to increase.
Singapore may be paying to help Malaysia build its infrastructure mega project, if the HSR was not terminated.
In all mega projects, and especially in corrupt countries, there is project cost over budget run.
Malaysia is no exception. Thus the final construction cost may increase to more than RM$1,000 Billion. You think that is fantasy and too imaginative?
Better sit down and think again carefully. This is Malaysia that you are dealing with - where corruption is a norm and is not an exception.
In Malaysia, the government changes like musical chairs.
Every new group of Malaysia ministers want changes to the HSR, to exact their benefits.
It is a total mess.
Singapore should now seize this chance to stay OUT of the HSR.
Will Malaysia pay the full compensation to Singapore. NO. NO. NO.
This is Malaysia that you are dealing with.
Malaysia will twist and turn and reduce Singapore claims for compensation to a very small amount.
As usual they will threaten using the cutting off of water supply as a weapon.
Malaysia will pay a small amount and then that is the end of the matter.
However the loss of most of the compensation, is still better than having the HSR proceed - with Singapore incurring massive financial losses later on.
It would have been like throwing most of Singapore Reserves into a bottomless pit.
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- 14,325
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Are you trying to create disharmony between the 2 countries with your crap?
With HSR cut off from sg, Malaysia has the freedom to plan their own development which is a good thing if they want to go ahead with the project.
The compensation procedure has not started yet and you throw shit at Malaysia saying they can't pay. You enjoy seeing 2 countries have bad feeling between each other? And they are next to each other.
Are you a trouble maker?
Malaysia wish to cancel off the partnership with sg on the project, need not be in the bad feelings. If Malaysia chose to carry on with the project, it is good for Singaporeans and Malaysia too. We get to try out the train to KL and other sights and spots of Malaysia and Malaysia can prosper from it.
To encourage harmony between the 2 countries, sg can offer help to Malayisa in HSR project if they look up to the expertise of Singapore. Isn't this better than trying to create negative drama?
HSR don't want sg. So just take it like a real man, no need to be pussy about it. No need to be sore and create justifications on why sg is good to leave it and Malaysia will be bad due to it.
Last edited:
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The project is not cancelled. It will stop and tanjung puteri. If PAP wants, they can build the last section to jurong.
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