domho8 Posted February 19, 2013 Posted February 19, 2013 Singapore and Malaysia announced plans Tuesday to build a high-speed rail link, fuelling hopes that Southeast Asia could one day enjoy a rapid European-style train system connected to China. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his Malaysian counterpart Najib Razak hailed the project, which would cut travel time between the city-state and Kuala Lumpur to 90 minutes. The target year for completion is 2020. "This is a strategic development in bilateral relations that will dramatically improve the connectivity between Malaysia and Singapore," the leaders said in a joint statement issued after meeting in Singapore. "It will facilitate seamless travel between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, enhance business linkages and bring the peoples of Malaysia and Singapore closer together." The existing rail link between the two countries dates back to the period of British colonial rule over both, with stops at several Malaysian towns. No cost was given for the new rail link. "(We) have some very preliminary figures but I am not inclined to mention those figures because it will tend to stick in people's minds," Najib said at a joint news conference with Lee. "Our two cities will complement each other, our two countries will look at each other differently and the opportunities are boundless between our two countries," Najib said. Lee quipped that Singaporeans would be able to have lunch with friends in Kuala Lumpur and get back within the day. The 90 minute travel time for the train compares with four hours by car, including immigration clearances, and five hours by bus. And while a flight takes less than an hour that does not take into account the time taken to check in, pass immigration and pick up luggage. "It's a strategic project for the two countries. It will change the way we see each other," said Lee, likening it to the heavily used London-Paris connection. Both countries belong to the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which hopes to one day link most of the member states by rail and extend the connection to China and possibly India. ASEAN is contemplating a link that will run from Singapore to Kunming in southwestern China. According to ASEAN's website, there is an estimated 4,069 kilometres (2,522 miles) of missing links that need to be built, or existing railways that need to be rehabilitated, in several countries. "Beyond ASEAN, once these links are built, it will connect both the mainland ASEAN and ASEAN with its trading partners China and India," a fact sheet on the project said. The Singapore-Malaysia high-speed rail link was first mooted in the 1990s by Francis Yeoh, head of Malaysian infrastructure conglomerate YTL, which built an express train service from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport to the capital's downtown area. The idea was repeatedly shelved largely due to cost concerns. Malaysian media reports said in 2009 that the project's cost was estimated at $2.5 billion-$3.5 billion. Hopes for the project were revived in 2010 when it was tapped as a potential key project under an economic transformation drive launched by Najib, who became prime minister the year before
yp Posted February 19, 2013 Posted February 19, 2013 Is there any implications by having this express rail? Thinking perhaps, additional incentive to attract even more hi level pmet from kl, after 2020, who will now come and work in singapore and shuttle back so quickly and easily every weekend. Those who have returned back to kl, may decide to come back and work again. Think if u were a kl resident, would u prefer to work here or there whereby the traveling time is 90 mins and they will earn in sgd and not rm. This may not be a good thing whereby now Malaysians will rush in to fill the set target of 6.9m by 2030. We will go to kl to enjoy their food but they will come here to grab our jobs.
n3wk1d Posted February 19, 2013 Posted February 19, 2013 Wait till M'sia have their GE next month, see how's the outcome. The newly form government may not have this kind of "GOOD" relationship with Singapore. Both leader may or may not still in power for the net 3 years. They are hanging on each other to try and get back as many votes they lost.... Recent track incident in Malaysia rail is alarming, couple with frequent flood in Johor during wet season. A huge task ahead, 2020 ? I really doubt so. 2030 maybe...
Charnel Posted February 21, 2013 Posted February 21, 2013 There will be residential, offices and shopping developments along the railway line. This will boost the property in Malaysia and Singapore. With the railway system in placed, people will be more mobile, thus increase investors to invest in both countries.
vieri Posted February 21, 2013 Posted February 21, 2013 95% of the railway tracks will be laid in Msia. So i guess most of the cost will be borne by the Msians? Wont be cheap coz cutting thru mountains, relocating kampongs/infrastructures will be a nightmare. But if msia boleh, then its good for everyone!!! vieri
n3wk1d Posted February 21, 2013 Posted February 21, 2013 Well, cost is the major concern for the gahmen in bolehland. They would have to explain how the funds coming from the ROI if they lost 2/3 of majority next month.
yp Posted February 21, 2013 Posted February 21, 2013 Why the happiness and excitement abt this line? Kl will be kl with nothing special. To me, it looks just like an overgrown Johore bahru with very poor planning and heavy road congestion. Each time I visit kl, I will regret visiting there. The main concern I repeat, will be the big increase of pmets coming from kl to look for jobs in sin after the bullet rail has been built. Look beyond the attractions of their cheaper food, accommodation and shopping there, my dear Singaporean brethren. This convenience will open the floodgates of Malaysians to come and dampen our job market even more forever! Don't look at things that are superficial but at things that will impact our lives forever. Btw those who want to invest be aware. I bought a shop unit at jb waterfront city for around rm800k which did not take off even though the building is completed. The developer went under and nobody wants to promote it. Imagine around sgd300k loss, which I can buy very hi end Hifi. So beware.
Charnel Posted February 22, 2013 Posted February 22, 2013 They are promoting property to foreigners like in China and Indonesia. For the Chinese, they buy property here to avoid the cold weather in their own countries and for investments as well. They can buy Singapore and Malaysia property, so they can travel to both countries.
Victor Chan Posted February 22, 2013 Posted February 22, 2013 With the speed rail, now bros can head down to KL to buy the cheaper Harbeths. Especially the small bookshelf speakers P3esr. ;D
yp Posted February 23, 2013 Posted February 23, 2013 One of my bros is addicted to women. I think he will be looking forward to hooking up gals there more often once line is up. He often finds them at the genting casino after a winning streak.
SHL-5 Posted February 23, 2013 Posted February 23, 2013 With the speed rail, now bros can head down to KL to buy the cheaper Harbeths. Especially the small bookshelf speakers P3esr. ;D Yes indeed! :)
ralfale Posted February 23, 2013 Posted February 23, 2013 Pretty sure it will benefit Malaysians more than singaporeans.
yp Posted February 23, 2013 Posted February 23, 2013 Yes indeed! :) Heard from my friend's many exploits, he said that whoring there, has also lots of Malaysian gals as well. Perhaps this is one solid reason for Singaporeans to visit kl often after the speed rail has been build, besides cheap food and shopping.
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