Singapore open to fresh High-Speed Rail proposals, DPM Wong says in meeting with Malaysian PM

SINGAPORE is open to fresh proposals from Malaysia on the Singapore-Kuala Lumpur High Speed Rail (HSR) project, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Monday (Sep 5) in his meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri in Kuala Lumpur.

Wong was calling on Ismail as part of an official visit to Malaysia from Sep 4 to 7. This is Wong’s first official visit to Malaysia since he became deputy prime minister in June.

At the meeting, Wong noted Malaysia’s interest in reviving discussions on the HSR project, which was terminated after both countries failed to reach an agreement on changes proposed by Malaysia by the deadline of Dec 31, 2020.

Singapore and Malaysia have meanwhile proceeded on another connectivity project, the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link, which will commence service at the end of 2026. Wong and Ismail on Monday “welcomed the good progress” on the project, Singapore’s Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement. 

Separately, Wong reiterated Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s invitation to Ismail to visit Singapore for the 10th Singapore-Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat. 

Both sides “looked forward to Singapore and Malaysia working together for the continued mutual benefit of both countries, including in new areas of cooperation in green and digital economies”, the PMO added.

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As part of his visit, Wong also met Senior Minister of Defence Hishammuddin Hussein, with both men discussing how to strengthen cooperation between Singapore and Malaysia, as well as within Asean.

In addition, he met the Governor of the Central Bank of Malaysia, Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus, to talk about how both countries can enhance financial cooperation in areas including sustainable finance, cross-border digital payments, combating scams, as well as regional financial stability.

On Sunday (Sep 4), Wong was hosted to dinner by Finance Minister Zafrul Aziz, during which they discussed challenges and opportunities for both countries amid current economic and geopolitical developments.