JOHOR BARU: The Johor government hopes that the High-Speed Rail (HSR) project can still continue, even if a new line will not include a stop in Singapore.
Menteri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad said following the cancellation of the mega project, it indirectly provides the federal government the opportunity to reevaluate the return on investment.
"Even though Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has announced the cancellation of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore HSR project, we still hope that the project can be continued.
"At the same time, we also do not rule out Singapore's involvement in the project in the future, in terms of investment.
"Even though the new line will not involve a station in the republic, it will still benefit their citizens who are in this country," Hasni said at a press conference at the state Umno Liaison Committee headquarters here, today.
The government announced yesterday that the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore HSR project had been terminated after both countries failed to reach an agreement over proposed changes by Malaysia on the matter.
Malaysia would also be required to pay RM300 million in compensation as a result of the termination.
Hasni added that he believed the federal government had a better plan to replace the HSR project.
"The construction of the HSR will involve a stretch of over 300km with Johor making up a big part of the line and stations.
"The Johor government hopes that any new discussion on the project will take into account our views, ensuring that our citizens can reap its benefits," he added.
Meanwhile, Hasni also expressed hope that the federal government would consider completing the state's rail network in its future plans.
"At the moment, there are two rail projects in Johor which are the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System project, and the Gemas-Johor Baru Double-Tracking Project.
"So if the HSR plan goes on, we hope the federal government will consider the completion of other rail network projects in Johor as well."
