PUTRAJAYA has been given until July 31 to provide a written response clarifying its position on the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) project, reported The Straits Times.

A Singapore Transport Ministry spokesman said the request was made via diplomatic channels, and if Malaysia intends to meet Singapore to discuss the HSR, it should do so within this month as well.

“They have yet to provide to Singapore the clarifications sought, or communicate their proposed dates for such discussions,” the spokesman was quoted as saying.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad yesterday said the project has to be deferred as Malaysia does not have the funds to pay for it now.

He said even if the project’s cost were to be reduced significantly, Malaysia would still be unable to afford it.

He also said if the project were to be cancelled, Malaysia would have to pay a huge compensation to Singapore.

Economic Affairs Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali, who has been tasked with informing Singapore of Malaysia’s official stand, said a meeting will be held with the city-state by this month.

He said while the HSR is not a bad initiative, and is set to benefit both countries, its terms must be renegotiated.

The 350km rail link will cut travel time between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur to 90 minutes, compared with the current four hours by car. – July 20, 2018.