Malaysia Transport minister Liow Tiong Lai told Sin Chew Daily after a meeting with the visiting the CRC general manager Sheng Guangzhu that the Chinese delegation’s objective was to express its support for the Malaysia-Singapore HSR project, and would offer its utmost support in terms of technology transfer, safety issues, financing, etc.

“In addition, China has specifically stressed the development of cities along the route, offering a comprehensive development packages for cities located along the high speed rail.”

Liow said it would be inadequate for the HSR project to focus only on passengers from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, adding that bigger traffic volume had to be created in order to ensure lucrative returns for the project and its sustained growth in future.

He said China was highly optimistic of the prospects of development for both Malaysia and Singapore from the project, and that China had pledged its unwavering support and technology transfer to Malaysia.

Liow said the Chinese delegation also expressed that China possessed the most sophisticated technology in the construction of high speed rail projects as some 60 per cent of the world’s high speed rail projects are found within China, which also offers the best deals in cost-effectiveness in terms of technology, costing, economic spinoffs, financing, etc.

Liow said the transport ministry valued the proposals and views by Sheng and his delegation, especially on the enormous impact this project would have on the economic development of Malaysia and Singapore.

He said his ministry would further deliberate with the Chinese in order to get a better understanding of its technology and how it would help in the country’s development.

“A decision will only be made after the final tendering,” he added.

Liow said both Malaysia and Singapore had reached some consensus on the details of the project while a final decision would be made by the leaders of both countries.

He also said it would take almost a year from the signing of agreement with Singapore to the actual tendering procedure.

He stressed that the HSR project required the participation of all quarters, and that Malaysia hoped to get the utmost support from interested countries.