Joint Statement by Singapore and Malaysia on Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail Project

1.     Malaysia and Singapore are committed to the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail (“HSR”) Project. However, at Malaysia’s request and in the spirit of bilateral cooperation, Singapore has agreed to suspend the construction of the HSR Project for a period up to 31 May 2020. Malaysia will bear the agreed costs in suspending the HSR Project. If by 31 May 2020, Malaysia does not proceed with the HSR Project, Malaysia will also bear the agreed costs incurred by Singapore in fulfilling the HSR Bilateral Agreement. During the suspension period, Malaysia and Singapore will continue to discuss on the best way forward for the HSR Project with the aim of reducing costs.

2.     Earlier today, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for Transport, Singapore, Mr Khaw Boon Wan and Minister of Economic Affairs, Malaysia, YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin bin Ali exchanged legal documents in Putrajaya to vary the HSR Bilateral Agreement based on the new understanding. The event was witnessed by YAB Prime Minister of Malaysia Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, YAB Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security, Singapore, Mr Teo Chee Hean.

3.     With this, the HSR Express Service between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur is expected to commence by 1 January 2031, instead of the original commencement date of 31 December 2026. Given the length of the suspension, Singapore and Malaysia’s Infrastructure Companies, SG HSR Pte. Ltd. and MyHSR Corporation Sdn. Bhd., will be calling off the ongoing international joint tender for the HSR Assets Company (“AssetsCo”).

4.     The Ministers reaffirmed the mutual benefits of the HSR Project as it will bring both countries closer together by improving connectivity, deepening people-to-people ties and catalysing further economic cooperation.