SINGAPORE – Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Malaysia’s Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) today signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between both governments on the Singapore-Malaysia High Speed Rail (HSR) project.
Malaysia’s Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan and Minister Khaw Boon Wan, Singapore’s Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for Transport, signed the MOU, signalling the governments’ firmest commitment yet to the project, according to the LTA.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak and Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
In his speech, Mr Lee called the 2026 target date “a very ambitious timetable”, but one that will draw the peoples and economies of both countries closer.
Noting that once completed, Singaporeans can go to Kuala Lumpur (KL) for a show or for business and then catch a train back in time for dinner, Mr Lee said “it will not seem like going overseas at all”.
Here’s what you need to know about the iconic project:
1. The 350km-long HSR is targeted to be up and running by around 2026.
2. Travelling time between both cities is expected to be 90 minutes, travelling at a top speed of more than 300kmh.
3. There will be eight HSR stations between Malaysia and Singapore, with the two terminal stations at Jurong East in Singapore and Bandar Malaysia in KL. Other stations include Iskandar Puteri, Batu Pahat, Muar, Ayer Keroh, Seremban and Putrajaya.
4. Passengers can clear customs, immigration and quarantine checks at their point of departure. The facilities will be located at three locations – Singapore, Iskandar Puteri and KL. For example, Singaporeans taking the HSR service to KL can clear the checks of both countries’ authorities at one point, before they board the train, reducing the hassle involved.
5. A tender for the project is expected to be called within the next month.
