“Malaysia is still evaluating the Kuala Lumpur–Singapore HSR project as Transport Minister Anthony Loke confirms plans for a private sector–led model.”
Kuala Lumpur, 08th Octorber 2025, 01.10pm – Malaysia has yet to make a final decision on the Kuala Lumpur–Singapore High Speed Rail (HSR) project, despite receiving concept proposals from private firms more than two years ago.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook confirmed that the government is still evaluating the project’s implementation model, which will determine how the multibillion-ringgit cross-border rail link could proceed under a private sector–led framework.
“The evaluation of the Request for Information (RFI) exercise conducted by MyHSR Corporation Sdn Bhd was presented to the Cabinet on Jan 8 this year,” Loke said in a written parliamentary reply on Tuesday. “Following that decision, the Ministry of Transport, together with relevant ministries and agencies, is currently finalising the key parameters to determine the most suitable model for this project before proceeding to the next stage — the Request for Proposal (RFP).”
Loke was responding to Onn Abu Bakar (Pakatan Harapan–Batu Pahat), who had asked about the current status of the HSR’s feasibility study.
He reiterated that the government remains committed to implementing the project without direct government funding, in line with Malaysia’s plan for a fully private sector–driven investment model.
Three Consortia in the Running
In July 2023, MyHSR Corp called for concept proposals from local and international firms to develop and operate the HSR under a public-private partnership (PPP) structure.
According to earlier reports, three consortia were shortlisted:
- A Berjaya Land Bhd–led consortium,
- A YTL Construction Sdn Bhd–led consortium, and
- A Chinese consortium reportedly spearheaded by China Railway Construction Corp.
Despite internal changes, Berjaya Corp Bhd (KL:BJCORP) — founded by tycoon Tan Sri Vincent Tan — remains keen on the project. The group’s consortium partners now include Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB), IJM Corp Bhd, and technical partners Deutsche Bahn, Hitachi Rail, and Hyundai Rotem, following the withdrawal of Malaysia Resources Corp Bhd (KL:MRCB) in December 2024.
Long Road to Revival
The Kuala Lumpur–Singapore HSR project was first announced in September 2010 by then–Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. It was designed to cut travel time between the two capitals to just 90 minutes, compared to more than four hours by car.
However, the project was suspended in 2018 after a change in government and terminated in January 2021 when Malaysia and Singapore failed to agree on key implementation details.
Following the termination, Malaysia paid over RM320 million in compensation to Singapore for costs incurred during project preparation and suspension.
Despite the setback, the government has repeatedly expressed interest in reviving the HSR, citing its potential to boost economic integration, attract investments, and strengthen Malaysia’s transportation infrastructure.
As of now, the project’s future hinges on the outcome of the ongoing review and the eventual Request for Proposal phase, which will determine the feasibility and financing structure for one of Southeast Asia’s most anticipated transport projects.
