Elements of corruption added to HSR cost, says Azmin

Gan Pei Ling Gan Pei Ling Updated 5 years ago · Published on 8 Sep 2018 8:45AM · 3 Comments

Economic Affairs Minister Azmin Ali admits that the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high-speed rail would have benefited both countries. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Hasnoor Hussain, September 8, 2018.

ELEMENTS of corruption added to the prohibitive cost of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high-speed rail (HSR), said Economic Affairs Minister Azmin Ali, explaining why the project had to be deferred.

Addressing a crowd of 800 at Pakatan Harapan’s final ceramah at Batu 11, Cheras, last night, Azmin admitted that the HSR was a good project which could connect two countries and stimulate economic growth.

“But the problem is its cost was too high because of elements of corruption.

“So I discussed this with the Singapore government. I was happy they saw that the PH government was transparent, responsible. 

“They agreed to postpone the project until 2020 once we resolved our economic problems,” he said, adding that the project can then be completed at a lower cost.

Putrajaya inked the agreement to postpone the construction of the 350km HSR with Singapore on Thursday. Both countries will explore options to slash the project cost which Malaysia estimated at RM110 billion.

Economic Affairs Minister Azmin Ali (right) with Singaporean Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan in Putrajaya on Thursday. Malaysia agreed to pay Singapore S$15 million by January 2019 as abortive cost for the HSR project. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Najjua Zulkefli, September 8, 2018.

Malaysia agreed to pay Singapore S$15 million (RM45 million) by January 2019 as abortive cost.

Singapore had spent more than S$250 million on the HSR project and is likely to spend another S$40 million by year-end.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said in May the project would be scrapped as Putrajaya sought to reduce the country’s RM1 trillion debt but later softened his stand.

The rail line is expected to cut travel time between Singapore and KL to 90 minutes. 

The line was to have eight stations: the Jurong East station in Singapore, and on the Malaysian side – Bandar Malaysia, Sepang-Putrajaya, Seremban, Melaka, Muar, Batu Pahat, and Iskandar Puteri. – September 8, 2018.

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Comments

  • Please weed out the corrupt elements and show UMNO what it takes to run a clean gomen!

    Posted 5 years ago by Roger 5201 · Reply

  • Please weed out the corrupt elements and show UMNO what it takes to run a clean gomen!

    Posted 5 years ago by Roger 5201 · Reply

  • Yes all the DUMBO cronies for the HSR (from the PDPs, main Contractors, sub cons, suppliers) were already lining their pockets to receive big pay cheques...all at the expense of the government and people.
    Those who have taken loans to ready themselves for the project will now be in a dilemma!
    Good go quickly now and sell your new merc CLS, Beamers, and what not, before the bank comes after you!

    Posted 5 years ago by Thiruchelvam Thirunavukarasu · Reply