Transport experts divided over cancellation of HSR project

KUALA LUMPUR: The cancellation of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) project has elicited differing views from transport experts.

One school of thought stated that it was a loss to Malaysia due to the possible economic spillover generated from the multi-billion ringgit initiative, while another felt that it was a practical move due to the economic situation brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.

All, however, agreed that the termination of the project would enable the government to focus financial resources on improving existing transportation systems and networks.

Associate Professor Dr Nur Sabahiah Abdul Shukor of Universiti Sains Malaysia described the cancellation as the right decision.

“The HSR is not the basic transportation infrastructure that our people need at the moment since the project is targeted at businesses and tourism.

“I agree that the project will have a multiplier effect on the economy but such a projection was made before the economy was affected by the pandemic.”

Since the country was still navigating the challenges of the pandemic, Sabahiah said the government could instead focus on strengthening the quality of transportation system and networks.

“The focus should be on optimising the capacity of the Gemas-Johor Baru electrified double-track project because it is what our people need.

“The government should also look into ways to enhance the Electric Train Service by adding more coaches and increasing the frequency.

“It is time to plan and provide the best transportation systems to meet the demand of the people, which could stimulate the growth of local tourism in the coming years,” she said.

Associate Professor Dr Law Teik Hua, on the contrary, felt that the cancellation of the HSR project was a loss to the country.

This was because the rail initiative would not only help to enhance connectivity between the two countries but also reduce congestion on the Second Link, benefiting those travelling between Johor and Singapore daily.

Although Law was pinning his hopes on Malaysia and Singapore someday reviving talks on the project, he was also looking forward to the completion of other mega transportation projects. These include the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project.

“I believe that the ECRL is not only aimed at transporting passengers but more towards another means to transport goods, which could boost domestic economic activities.”

The government, he said, should also look for ways to improve the transportation system since roads and highways, especially in urban areas, were “overcrowded”.

“Improving the transportation network will have a multi-pronged effect. Apart from improving connectivity, it will reduce the number of vehicles on our roads, reduce accidents and help the country preserve the environment,” he said.

Dr Amiruddin Ismail, the former head of the Sustainable Urban Transport Research Centre of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, urged the government to relook at the roadmap outlined in the National Transport Policy 2019-2030 that was launched last year.

“The policy was prepared by also taking into consideration input from transport experts.

“It will save the government time in identifying what it needs to do next to enhance and improve the transportation system and networks.”

Source: NST