HSR To Spur Johor's Economic Growth - State Chief Minister

JOHOR BHARU (Johor, Malaysia), Dec 15 (Bernama) -- The High-Speed Rail (HSR) project linking Kuala Lumpur and Singapore is expected to contribute to Johor's economic growth and benefit its people, said Menteri Besar (Chief Minister) Mohamed Khaled Nordin. He said the high-impact project would also help improve connectivity between districts in the state. "Hence, the state government is drawing up appropriate plans to strengthen development efforts, including focused projects in the areas involved. "A thorough planning will be made after the alignment of the rail tracks and stations is determined to maximise the HSR project. "We believe the implementation of the HSR project will provide opportunities, as well as benefit Johor's development and economic growth, especially along the rail line," he told reporters after visiting the Paragon Private and International School here Thursday. On Tuesday, Malaysia and Singapore concluded a two-way agreement for the implementation of the HSR project at the 7th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders' Retreat in Putrajaya. Upon its completion in 2016, the 350km HSR will cut travel time between Kuala Lumpur and Jurong East, Singapore to 90 minutes, with the trains travelling at a maximum speed of 300 kilometers per hour. -- BERNAMA