THE deadline for the submission of concept proposals for the Kuala Lumpur - Singapore high-speed project has been extended to January 15 2024, MyHSR, the Malaysian state-owned company overseeing the project, confirmed on November 7.

MyHSR says than more 60% of the companies participating in the Request for Information (RFI) exercise have requested an extension to the original November 15 deadline. The companies have cited the need for additional time to form consortia with potential partners and to explore financial options to deliver the project.

MyHSR launched the RFI exercise in July as the Malaysian government explores reactivating the project to construct a 350km dedicated high-speed line between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, which was cancelled in 2021, under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.

More than 700 representatives from local and international companies, as well as foreign missions, attended a briefing on the project and the RFI process on July 27. MyHSR is seeking proposals to develop and operate the proposed railway following positive responses to an initial input gathering exercise launched in March.

MyHSR says participating firms and consortia are required to demonstrate technical expertise and their overall ability to develop and operate the railway and services with the required resources and within the budgeted cost, quality and time. They are also required to demonstrate viable commercial and business models as well as suitable frameworks for consortium and project governance.

“We are very encouraged by the positive response from the industry players, with more than 30 copies of the RFI documents purchased by local and international firms to date,” says Mr Mohd Nur Ismal Bin Mohamed Kamal, CEO of MyHSR.

“We understand the companies need more time to produce quality proposals for the Kuala Lumpur - Singapore high-speed rail project that will be a growth engine and a much-needed impetus in catalysing the economic trajectory of Malaysia.”

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