BY P. DIVAKARAN

PETALING JAYA: The Government is committed to making the High-Speed Rail (HSR) between Malaysia and Singapore one of the key development projects under the 11th Malaysia Plan, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan.

He said in a statement on Sunday that the Government had spent a long time researching and analysing the HSR to understand the impact, benefits and risks of the project to the country.

"The background work on the project started in 2011 and the government has decided recently to proceed to develop the HSR project with Singapore after much work and deliberation," he said.

Abdul Rahman said that although complicated and extensive, the HSR is expected to benefit the country economically, socially and technologically.

"Businesses will be more productive and able to access a broader market place, while individuals will enjoy an improved travel experience of shorter travel time and a comfortable ride, through the HSR’s city centre to city centre connection along the corridor," he added.

Abdul Rahman said that the Government wanted to build a “game-changing project that will ensure the country continues to remain competitive” and he highlighted several key aspects of the HSR project.

“I want to reiterate that in delivering this important project, we are committed to ensuring that the fiscal management of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore HSR project will have a robust governance structure in order for transparent and efficient use of resources,” said Abdul Rahman who also hoped that the Opposition would not politicise the HSR issue.

Malaysia and Singapore are expected to sign the bilateral agreement for the HSR project in Putrajaya on Dec 13.

The HSR line will begin in Bandar Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, and end at Jurong East in Singapore.

It will have six transit stations in Putrajaya, Seremban, Ayer Keroh, Muar, Batu Pahat and Iskandar Puteri.

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