Singapore says still waiting for clarification on HSR cancellation

Singapore says it is still waiting for clarification from Putrajaya regarding the cancellation of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high-speed rail (HSR) project.

"Singapore has requested the Malaysian government through diplomatic channels to clarify Malaysia’s position on the project.

"We have informed the Malaysian government that Singapore is continuing to incur costs on this project as it awaits Malaysia’s clarification.

"In the event Malaysia terminates the project, Singapore will study the implications and exercise our rights - including any right to compensation for expenses incurred - in accordance with the terms of the HSR bilateral agreement," Singapore's Transport Ministry said in a statement today.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad had announced that the HSR would be cancelled as part of cost-cutting measures by the new government.

Mahathir said this will incur an RM500 million compensation to Singapore.

Meanwhile, the Singapore Transport Ministry said it still believed in the benefits of the HSR project.

"We still believe that a high-speed rail link between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur would be in our mutual interest, economically as well as in terms of the friendship and mutual understanding of our two peoples," it said. - Mkini