PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the government will study the impact of the Japanese rail firms’ decision to opt out of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high-speed rail (HSR) project.

“Will look at it, I just received the report,” Anwar, who is also the finance minister, told the media after performing Friday prayers at the Al-Hidayah Mosque in Sepang today.

According to a Kyodo News report, Japanese firms have opted to abandon their participation in a high-speed rail project, citing concerns that it “would be too risky without financial support from the Malaysian government”.

In July 2023, MyHSR Corporation Sdn Bhd (MyHSR) initiated a Request for Information (RFI) process, allowing the private sector to submit concept proposals for the HSR project through a public-private partnership model. The project also included an RFI briefing that reportedly drew over 700 local and international participants.

The initiation of the RFI process also reflects the government’s commitment to revitalise the HSR project by exploring new financing mechanisms and execution models, aiming to enhance rail transport infrastructure and stimulate the country’s economy.

The deadline for the RFI submissions for the project is January 15. – Bernama, January 12, 2024.