In a recent podcast with Khairy Jamaluddin and Shahril Hamdan, Transport Minister Anthony Loke discussed the possibility of using a concession method similar to that used for private companies building highways for the high-speed rail (HSR) project. Loke emphasized that the HSR project is crucial and could be a game-changer for the country’s economy.
Loke expressed his belief that the private sector could play a significant role in contributing capital and leading the project, rather than it being government-led. He also mentioned the potential to explore land acquisition options that would not burden the government financially.
He highlighted the success of building highways through concession methods and suggested that the same concept could be applied to the HSR project. Loke emphasized the need for a new train route, especially passing through uncharted territories.
Regarding the train route, Loke mentioned the importance of strategic locations such as Forest City, which has numerous houses, financial zones, and connections to Johor-Singapore zones. He stated that these areas must be integrated into the project.
Loke also discussed the need for a transit system in Johor, aiming for implementation within the next three years. He mentioned incorporating the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system and other options, with a decision expected to be made by the government in the coming months.
He highlighted Johor’s economic significance and proximity to Singapore, indicating positive developments for the state. The earlier plan for the Kuala Lumpur–Singapore HSR, conceived by former Prime Minister Najib Razak, spanned 350km.
The HSR was intended to reduce travel time between the two cities to 90 minutes and stimulate the Bandar Malaysia township project by 1Malaysia Development Bhd. In March, three consortia’s concept proposals for the HSR were reportedly shortlisted for the mega infrastructure project.
The three consortia included YTL Construction Sdn Bhd-SIPP Rail Sdn Bhd, Malaysian Resources Corp Bhd-IJM Construction Sdn Bhd-Berjaya Rail Sdn Bhd-Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (MRCB-IJM-BRail-KTMB), and a Chinese consortium led by state-owned China Railway Construction.
MyHSR Corp Sdn Bhd had previously issued a request for information (RFI) and received concept proposals from seven local and international consortia. MyHSR is responsible for the development and implementation of the HSR project.
