STUDY ON MSIA-SPORE HIGH SPEED TO BE READY IN 8 TO 9 MONTHS TIMEHS

Posted on 25 November 2011 - 02:48pm
Last updated on 25 November 2011 - 02:56pm

SINGAPORE (Nov 25, 2011): International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said the full study on the proposed high speed train linking Malaysia and Singapore is expected to be completed in eight to nine months.
He said a pre-feasibility study had been done and the results were positive, and now they were moving into the next stage.
"By that time we will know which way we are going. But certainly it is a necessity (to have the train). I think it is a question of numbers, cost and benefits," he told a press conference after the Malaysia-Singapore Business Forum here today.
The forum themed, "Enhancing Strategic Partnership" was also attended by Singapore Minister for Trade and Industry Lim Hng Kiang.
Mustapa said the train would be something that the country would need to further promote growth between Singapore and Malaysia and "what more when we are talking about connectivity within Asean, this is going to be an important link in this connectivity."
Meanwhile, Malaysians and Singaporeans have expressed high hopes on the proposed rail link between the two countries.
Earlier reports have said that the benefit of travelling between 110 mph and 220 mph will mean better connectivity, shorter travel time and new development around train stations.
The changes are also expected to create 150,000 new jobs and some US$19 billion in new businesses by 2035.
The rail network is also expected to spur tourism, give businesses a wider pool of workers to choose from and help grow technology clusters in cities.
Based on the experiences in other countries, the high speed train will also generate substantial economic benefit to both countries.
The one-day forum today was organised by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corp, together with International Enterprise, Singapore and the Singapore Business Federation.
About 700 participants attended the forum at the Raffles City Convention Centre, Singapore. – Bernama