Bumpy ride for HSR project

IT is unclear how Malaysia will fund the high-speed railway (HSR) project linking Kuala Lumpur to Singapore considering the unity government’s commitment to fiscal consolidation but also focusing on spending priorities that will raise income levels of its citizens.

Although there will be short-term benefits, like jobs linked to the project construction, the longer-term benefits won’t be felt until years later. Moreover, these jobs will mainly be filled by migrant workers due to Malaysians’ aversion to such construction work.