Berjaya still eyeing KL-S'pore HSR, awaiting Putrajaya's decision, says Vincent Tan

• The rail line project was earlier estimated to cost as much as RM100 billion as a government-funded project. However, the government has decided that the HSR project can be revived if there is full participation from the private sector, with minimal government involvement.

PORT KLANG (Jan 17): Berjaya Corp Bhd (KL:BJCORP) remains committed to participating in the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high-speed rail (HSR) project. However, the project’s progression depends on the government's decision-making process and financial conditions, said the group's founder Tan Sri Vincent Tan Chee Yioun.

 “We tried to be in the consortium, but the government is still tidak tentu (undecided on the railway project),” he said.

“The HSR is a costly project…as a responsible government, they should carefully evaluate the country’s financial situation before committing to such significant spending,” he added.

Last Friday, Tan was quoted as saying that Berjaya Group is seeking a new partner as it bids for a proposed multibillion-dollar HSR line between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, after Malaysian Resources Corp Bhd (KL:MRCB) withdrew from the consortium.

The rail line project was earlier estimated to cost as much as RM100 billion as a government-funded project.

However, the government has decided that the HSR project can be revived if there is full participation from the private sector, with minimal government involvement.

Malaysia’s government already shortlisted three of seven consortiums that submitted proposals after issuing a request for information in 2023, Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said in July, declining to identify the companies involved.

The consortium involving Berjaya Group via Berjaya Rail Sdn Bhd also includes Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd, IJM Corp Bhd (KL:IJM), and technical partners such as Deutsche Bahn AG, Hitachi Rail and Hyundai Rotem Co, Berjaya said in December.

Other consortium cited by The Edge include YTL Corp Bhd (KL:YTL) via wholly owned YTL Construction Sdn Bhd together with SIPP Rail Sdn Bhd.

Tan was responding to the press during his visit to Pulau Ketam, where he donated RM250,000 to support three local schools and five temples in efforts to improve the quality of life for the island's residents.

"It is a great pleasure to be here for the first time in Pulau Ketam. I am pleased to make this donation with the hope that it will contribute to the continued growth of local schools, support community associations, and enhance the well-being of our elderly residents. Education is a vital foundation for a prosperous future, and together, we can help create a stronger and more connected community for all," he said.

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