HSR STATIONS’ CONCEPT DESIGNS UNVEILED
PM shares designs with public so they can provide feedback
THE unveiling of the concept designs of seven stations along the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail (HSR) alignment on Tuesday created much excitement, particularly in Johor.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak launched the designs on Tuesday in Kuala Lumpur, ahead of a public inspection exercise by MyHSR Corporation Sdn Bhd at the locations of the stations beginning Nov 1. This will let the public get a closer view of the project and provide feedback.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin shared design photos of three Johor HSR stations in Muar, Batu Pahat and Iskandar Puteri on Facebook.
He said plans were being made to build stations that reflected the country’s identity and heritage in its futuristic design concepts.
“The Muar station reflects the richness of the Malay culture and is inspired by the rehal, a stand used to place the Quran when one recites the Quran.
“The design symbolises the importance of education, which has been ingrained in our culture, and how it continues to be the core of our identity today and in the future.”
He said the Batu Pahat station was inspired by the kuda kepang dance, with its high-roof designs, reminiscent of a horse’s outline.
He said it was significant as it showed a balance between heritage and modernity.
“The Iskandar Puteri station, inspired by the shape of a handshake, shows the location’s role as a regional city for trade and a meeting place of international standard. The design also depicts the city’s attractions and the Malaysian hospitality.”
Najib said the HSR project required input and feedback from the public to serve Malaysians better, describing the project as a “key catalyst” in seamless connectivity that would drive the economy of both countries.
Seri Alam Properties Sdn Bhd senior general manager Frankie Tan Kiat How said Johoreans were interested in HSR and hoped for it to be a success.
“By unveiling the design concepts and allowing the people to give input on aspects of HSR’s development, it will give a reason for the people, particularly those from Johor, to be excited about it.
“This latest development will allow the people to participate by sharing their ideas on how the development (of HSR) can be carried out effectively.”
He said the three stations in Johor would spur trade and commerce in second-tier towns of Muar and Batu Pahat.
“Unlike first-tier cities, such as Kuala Lumpur, Johor Baru and George Town, Muar and Batu Pahat are among towns defined as second-tier due to their moderate growth.
“Once the HSR stations opens in Muar and Batu Pahat, it will spur growth and create more jobs in these areas.
“Tourists will also be able to visit the beautiful sites in Muar and Batu Pahat, with travel time of only 30 to 40 minutes from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, and that is a boon to the townsfolk.”
The Malaysian and Singaporean governments signed an agreement on Dec 13 last year to build the 350km railway project, which links Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. The project is estimated to cost between RM50 billion and RM60 billion.
The rail line will cut travel time between the two capitals to 90 minutes and is slated for completion in 2026. It will comprise of a 335km-long railway portion in Malaysia, with the remaining 15km in Singapore.
HSR stations are located in Bandar Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur, Bangi-Putrajaya, Seremban, Melaka, Muar, Batu Pahat, Iskandar Puteri and Jurong East in Singapore.