Malaysia, South Korea in talks on proposed KL-Singapore high-speed rail project

PUTRAJAYA: South Korea has engaged in talks with Malaysia over the possible involvement in the proposed Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high-speed rail project.
The meeting between South Korean Land, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Kang Hoin and Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai here today touched on, among others, the project.
Kang told reporters after the meeting he had a fruitful discussion with Liow on the possible involvement of South Korea's rail companies in the project.
"Yes, we certainly discussed the project. Liow welcomed South Korean participation," he said.
On when the talks would be concluded and who would likely be the winner, he said: "You guess. It is a long way to go."
Last year, South Korea expressed keen interest to bid for the proposed 350km line which will begin in Bandar Malaysia, some 7km from Kuala Lumpur City Centre, and end in Jurong East in Singapore.
It is reported that South Korea was also interested in working together and share its expertise on the project with the Malaysian government and looking forward to cooperate in the transfer of technology in the transportation project.
Beside South Korea, Japan and China are also bidding for the high-speed rail project.
South Korea, which adopts the French system for its first-generation trains, is now ranked fourth in the world in using high-speed train technology, after France, Germany and Japan.
Besides the project, Kang said, both leaders were also keen to further strenghten cooperation in transport, aviation and maritime safety, which will mutually benefit both nations.
Kang, who arrived in Malaysia on Monday, will leave for home today. — Bernama