KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian government will be conducting a formal request for information (RFI) exercise this month to gauge private sector interest in constructing the high-speed rail (HSR) from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore (KL-SG HSR). According to a statement from MyHSR Corporation Sdn Bhd (MyHSR Corp), the government aims to enhance intercity mobility and generate socio-economic development by reducing journey time, ensuring safe and seamless travel, and improving accessibility for second and third-tier cities.
MyHSR Corp, a company wholly-owned by the Minister of Finance (Incorporated), has been assigned the task of initiating the RFI in order to solicit concept proposals from both local and international industry players. The purpose of this exercise is to assess their readiness and capabilities, gather innovative business models, and explore supplementary revenue-stream ideas for a privately funded structure.
“In line with this objective, the government plans to implement our first HSR line in the southern corridor of Peninsular Malaysia,” stated MyHSR Corp.
The KL-SG HSR, in its latest pre-COVID iteration, spans six states – Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Melaka, and Johor – before crossing the Tebrau Strait into Singapore’s Jurong East. With state-of-the-art rolling stocks, the 350km distance from Bandar Malaysia to Jurong East could be covered in just 90 minutes through a non-stop service. A transit service will also be available to serve future growth centers in Bandar Malaysia, Sepang-Putrajaya, Seremban, Ayer Keroh, Muar, Batu Pahat, and Iskandar Puteri.
One of the unique features of this bilateral project is the co-located customs, immigration, and quarantine (CIQ) facilities of both countries at both ends of the rail line, which will enable seamless passenger movements. Additionally, there will be another co-located CIQ at Iskandar Puteri for the convenience of those using the dedicated shuttle service to Singapore, or for those entering Malaysia using the shuttle service.
The memorandum of understanding for the KL-SG HSR project was originally signed on July 16, 2016, during the tenure of Datuk Seri Najib Razak as prime minister. However, the project was subsequently cancelled in 2021 under Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s administration, resulting in Malaysia having to compensate Singapore with RM320 million. In March of this year, Transport Minister Anthony Loke revealed that the government had received some offers from the private sector to revive the project, but none of them were sufficiently concrete or attractive at that time.
MyHSR Corp explained that the RFI exercise will help the government gauge industry interest and assess the capability of fully funding the project. It will also evaluate the industry’s capability in developing this major infrastructure project, covering areas such as technical specifications, project costing, commercial and business models, as well as consortium and governance frameworks.
“The KL-SG HSR project will bring tremendous benefits to the people, particularly in enhancing and expanding economic dynamism from the Klang Valley to the southern corridor of the peninsula, and eventually to the rest of Malaysia. In addition to providing a new travel option that is safer, faster, more efficient, and sustainable, the project will help us generate long-term growth and sustainability for the people and the nation,” said Datuk Seri Fauzi Abdul Rahman, the newly-appointed chairman of MyHSR Corp.
Datuk Mohd Nur Ismal Kamal, CEO of MyHSR Corp, encouraged industry players with relevant experience to submit high-quality proposals that would serve as a crucial reference for the government’s decision on the best way forward.
“MyHSR Corp remains committed to supporting the government in identifying the most effective solution to revive the KL-SG HSR project. Globally, the development of HSR has proven to be a growth engine, bringing about catalytic development and growth, as well as multiplier effects that benefit all walks of life,” added Mohd Nur.
The project briefing will take place at the Finance Ministry office in Putrajaya on July 27, and more information can be found at www.myhsr.com.my/rfi.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
