Japan Wants To Help Us Build The Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail
Japan's ambassador to Malaysia confirmed the news recently.
By John Lim — 09 Jan 2018, 01:21 PM
Japan has its eyes set on bidding for the rights to build the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR), Japan's ambassador to Malaysia said in a recent interview with Bernama
Japanese ambassador to Malaysia, Makio Miyagawa said the bid would be a comprehensive package based on Japan's technological expertise in its renowned bullet train system, the Shinkansen.
"We will be offering our best-suited technologies to Malaysians and Singaporeans as well as full-fledged training for the officials, operators and engineers of both countries so that they can start the operations by themselves from day one," Miyagawa told Bernama.
The Shinkansen is a network of high-speed trains that connects Tokyo with other major cities in Japan. Known for its punctuality and with trains travelling up to 320 km/h, the Shinkansen has been regarded as one of the best rail networks in the world.
He added that the transfer of technology and local vendor development will also greatly benefit both Malaysian and Singaporean companies, including small and medium enterprises
"In the high-speed rail system, our government and private sector would be ready and are very keen to collaborate with the local industries in Malaysia and Singapore so that the gradual transfer of technology and human capital will succeed and will help newly-introducing technology nations like Malaysia and Singapore to operate the system right from the start," Miyagawa added.
Miyagawa said Japan would also do its best to help Malaysia and Singapore to reduce their financial burdens.
Second Finance Minister Datuk Johari Abdul Ghani said the large-scale project, which will have eight stations, would cost around RM50 billion to RM60 billion.
Bid for the HSR, which has been described as a monumental partnership between the neighbouring countries, must be submitted by the middle of 2018. The contract is expected to be awarded by end of this year
Other countries that have expressed interest in the project include China, South Korea, and France.
The 350-kilometre HSR is intended to cut travel time between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore to 90 minutes and stimulate the economy of several localities along the route. It is projected to start operations in 2026.
The line will service eight stations, running between Bandar Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore's Jurong East.