Malacca CM: Good move to drop HSR

MALACCA: The federal government’s decision to scrap the high-speed rail (HSR) project will create a positive impact in the longterm as the country will not be burdened by excessive debt, said Chief Minister Adly Zahari ( pix).

He said the decision was made after receiving input from experts as well as taking into account the high debt of the country.

“The project would cost up to RM50 billion and if we drop it, a percentage will have be paid as compensation, which is less taxing than the costs and interest in future.”

Adly said the project could also have a negative impact on Malacca’s tourism sector as more Singaporeans would choose to travel straight to Kuala Lumpur.

“It has advantages and disadvantages but for now, we need to be more rational and think of the long-term effects so as not to burden the people and the country.”

In SEREMBAN, Dr Mohamad Rafie Ab Malek said the cancellation will not affect the economic growth of the state. He said this was because there were many other ways to spur economic growth as the state is strategically located.

“Negri Sembilan is not far from the KL International Airport and Port Klang, and the road network system is good. These factors can be utilised for the tourism, agricultural and other sectors.

“But with the HSR project, we are not certain if it can contribute to Negri Sembilan in a big way.”

He added that the project was seen to benefit the contractors and would not bring much returns to the local public.

Meanwhile, former Umno MP Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan said the government was making a big mistake by cancelling the HSR project. – Bernama