In Parliament
Written Reply by Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan to Parliamentary Question on Update on Singapore-Kuala Lumpur High-Speed Rail Project and Singapore-Johor Bahru Rapid Transit System
6 January 2020
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Mr Ang Wei Neng asked the Minister for Transport whether he can provide an update on the latest development pertaining to
i. the Singapore-Kuala Lumpur High-Speed Rail project and
ii. the Singapore-Johor Bahru Rapid Transit System.
Reply by Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan:
1. Both projects are currently suspended.
2. The Kuala Lumpur – Singapore High Speed Rail (HSR) Project is suspended up to 31 May 2020. Malaysia has requested that both sides discuss the way forward for the HSR Project during the suspension period. To date, Singapore has not received any formal proposal from Malaysia.
3. The Johor Bahru – Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link Project is suspended up to 30 April 2020. In October 2019, Malaysia conveyed to Singapore its intention to proceed with the RTS Link Project, but with some changes. However, Malaysia was not ready to formally share all the details of its proposed changes with Singapore. We are nevertheless in close discussions on Malaysia’s proposed changes, including the consequential changes to (a) the RTS Link Bilateral Agreement between the two Governments, (b) the Agreement between Singapore’s SMRT Corporation and Malaysia’s Prasarana Malaysia Berhad to constitute a joint venture Operating Company or "OpCo", and (c) a Concession Agreement for the two Governments to appoint this OpCo as the RTS Link operator. When the details of their complete proposal are made available to Singapore, we will make a thorough assessment and give it serious consideration.
4. While Singapore is not obliged to accept Malaysia’s proposed changes to the two projects, we keep an open mind and will assess them objectively when we receive them to ensure that they meet Singapore’s requirements, including financial and operational considerations. We remain of the view that both are fundamentally good projects for both countries and will benefit both our peoples.