'Friendship bridge' to Singapore

ADIB POVERA AND KOI KYE LEE New Straits Times 8 Apr 14;

PUTRAJAYA: MALAYSIA and Singapore are looking into a proposal to build a "Friendship Bridge" to improve road connectivity as well as to further enhance bilateral relations between the two countries.

The bridge, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, was a long-term initiative and a symbol of the growing friendship enjoyed between Malaysia and the republic.

"I would like to stress that this is a long-term initiative. Looking at the road links between Malaysia and Singapore, a proposal to have a friendship bridge will certainly enhance connectivity, improve the environment as well as create much stronger links between the two countries.

"It will become a symbol of the growing friendship between both countries," he said at a joint press conference with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong after a meeting between ministers from both countries at the Prime Minister's Office here yesterday.

Joining Lee, among others, was his deputy, Teo Chee Hean, while Malaysia was also represented by Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, Defence Minister and acting Transport Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Najib said the proposed bridge was one of the initiatives discussed during the annual leaders' two-day retreat, which started on Sunday, to enhance cross border activities between Malaysia and Singapore.

Asked for details, Najib said the proposal was "open ended" and a long-term project.

Last December, Najib and Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah declared open a 60m-long "Friendship Bridge" across Sungai Pandaruan that separated Brunei's Temburong district and Sarawak's Limbang district.

The completion of the RM21.9mil bridge constructed by the two countries on a joint-venture basis allowed vehicles to travel uninterrupted from Kuching to Miri, before crossing into Brunei and re-entering Sarawak at Limbang before going onwards to Lawas and Tawau in Sabah.

On ongoing Malaysia-Singapore collaboration, Najib said it was proceeding positively with both countries mutually benefitting from the partnership.

He pointed out the joint development projects by Khazanah Nasional Berhad and Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited in Singapore through M+S Pte Ltd was an example of the mutual benefit enjoyed by the countries.

"The joint development projects in the M+S Private Ltd venture are proceeding well. The Marina One and Duo projects in Singapore are on track for completion by the end of 2016.

"We are pleased to note that more than 90 per cent of the DUO residence project has been sold since it was launched in December 2013.

"The joint developments in Pulau Indah Ventures Sdn Bhd have also commenced on an Urban Wellness project in Medini North and Resort Wellness development in Medini Central, both located in Iskandar Malaysia.

"The Afiniti Medini residence project was successfully launched on June 8, 2013, and all the units were sold out within a day," he said.

Both leaders said they were also looking forward to more development ventures in Iskandar Malaysia that could mutually benefit the two countries.

Joint border control operations mulled
New Straits Times 8 Apr 14;

PUTRAJAYA: A single customs entry and exit point for motorists travelling between Singapore and Malaysia is in the pipeline to enhance traffic flow.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said Malaysia and Singapore were looking into a proposal to venture into joint border control, which will be a first for countries in the Southeast Asian region.

He said the proposal was raised by his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong during an annual leaders' retreat between both countries as an initiative to resolve traffic congestion during peak hours at entry and exit points between Malaysia and Singapore.

"The concept and principle of a joint border control or (the establishment) of a single checkpoint was raised by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

"This means that there would be only one checkpoint linking Johor to Singapore and vice-versa.

"It (joint border control) will be the first in this part of the world, something that certainly enhances connectivity and the flow of traffic between both countries," Najib said during a joint press conference with Lee at the Prime Minister's Office here yesterday.

Although both countries agreed that there would be challenges in implementing the proposal, Najib said the matter was not insurmountable, since the concept had been adopted by many European countries.

"Of course, there will be various issues concerning legal matters and enforcement, but those issues are not insurmountable.

"The concept has been implemented in European countries, such as between France and the United Kingdom, as well as between Germany and Poland and several other nations in Europe," he said.

Both Najib and Lee also shed some light on the progress of the planned high-speed rail (HSR) link between Malaysia and Singapore. Both leaders reiterated that the multi-billion ringgit project would be completed by 2020.

"It is quite an ambitious target. We wanted it to be an ambitious target so that we can be very focused towards achieving it.

"And, it is still too early for us to revise the timeline at this stage," said Najib.

Najib, who is also finance minister, revealed that the end-point terminal for the HSR in Malaysia would be in Bandar Malaysia, near the former Royal Malaysian Air Force base in Sungai Besi.

Lee pointed out that the Singaporean government was considering three locations to house the end-point terminal for HSR in Singapore -- Tuas West, Jurong East or a location in the city.

On the progress of another rail project linking Singapore and Johor Baru, called the Rapid Transit System (RTS), Najib said the project was entering the first phase of its joint engineering study.

"There will soon come a time for us to decide on the best option.

"We have 37 possible options to make RTS an efficient and effective transport system that will benefit both nations."

Lee: Iskandar a win-win prospect for Singapore and Malaysia
The Star 8 Apr 14;

PUTRAJAYA: Singapore and Malaysia have reaffirmed a commitment to complement one another to bring about a win-win situation for both countries through developments in the Iskandar Malaysia corridor in Johor.

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong described the Malaysian southern economic corridor as a strategic place to raise Malaysia above the global competition. It can also help Singapore maintain its economic competitiveness by complementing the two neighbouring economies, he added.

Lee said a comprehensive view was needed to optimise the potential of Iskandar Malaysia, including in the fields of services, residential properties and industries.

“The great advantage of Iskandar Malaysia is that it sits across the straits (in) Johor and that means you can tap on what Singapore has to offer in terms of infrastructure, financial services (and) industrial base.

“We (Singapore) are upgrading our manufacturing (industries and) our economy (and) there are many pending projects (but) we are not able to accommodate, or we have projects that want to expand but find it difficult with space to expand in Singapore.

“So, I think with the synergy and proximity (of Iskandar Malaysia), it will be a great help to the industries, and it will be a benefit to the workers in Johor because there will be more jobs, opportunities and better pay for the workers,” Lee said at a joint press conference with his Malaysian counterpart Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, here, yesterday.

Lee had led a delegation for the two-day 5th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat which started on Sunday, a meeting described by Wisma Putra as a platform for leaders of both countries to take stock of their bilateral co-operation.

Site in Sungai Besi chosen for high-speed railway station
zuhrin azam ahmad AND lee yen mun The Star 8 Apr 14;

PUTRAJAYA: Bandar Malaysia in Sungai Besi has been chosen as the site for the country’s terminal for the Malaysia-Singapore high-speed rail (HSR) link service.

The selection of the site was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at a joint press conference with his Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong yesterday.

“We have decided the terminal for the HSR link will be in Bandar Malaysia, which is the current (Royal Malaysian) Air Force base in Sungai Besi.

“The project has created a lot of excitement and both sides are working hard to achieve the 2020 deadline for completion,” he said.

Najib and Lee earlier had a four-eyed meeting in conjunction with the fifth Malaysia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat at the Prime Minister’s Office at Perdana Putra Building here.

Both leaders later attended a delegation meeting where the HSR project and the Rapid Transit System (RTS) link between Johor Baru and Singapore were high on their agenda.

The HSR, announced last year, will reportedly cost RM40bil and will cut rail travel time between Kuala Lumpur to Singapore from six hours to just 90 minutes.

The 330km rail line is expected to be completed by 2020 and will connect two terminus stations (Kuala Lumpur and Singapore) via five transit stops spread out across Negri Sembilan, Malacca and Johor.

Najib also said Malaysia would decide soon on the best option for the RTS.

“We have about 27 possible options to consider to make RTS the most efficient and cost effective transport system that will benefit both nations.

“The first phase of the joint engineering study to develop the possible alignments and proposal for the RTS is already completed,” he said.

Najib said there was also a proposal to build a friendship bridge as a long-term initiative to enhance connectivity.

In a question and answer session later, Najib said the 2020 deadline for the HSR project to complete was decided as he and Lee wanted it to be an ambitious target.

Lee said that for the end point of the project in Singapore, there were three possibilities.

“One is at Tuas West which is close to the border, two is at Jurong East which will be a major transportation, economic and residential zone for Singapore, and third is in the city which would be ideal but actually very difficult to do because the expense would be very high.”

M'sia, S'pore welcome progress on joint projects
Vimita Mohandas Channel NewsAsia 7 Apr 14;

PUTRAJAYA: Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak have welcomed both countries' steady progress on joint iconic projects in Singapore and the Iskandar region, as well as in other areas of co-operation.

At a joint press conference on Monday morning, both leaders also reviewed the progress on improving connectivity between Malaysia and Singapore, including the proposed high-speed rail (HSR) and a rapid transit system link (RTS).

The announcements were made following the fifth Malaysia-Singapore Leaders' Retreat in Putrajaya on Monday.

The high-speed rail, slated to be completed by 2020, will facilitate seamless travel between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, enhance business linkages and bring both countries closer together.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong revealed that Tuas West and Jurong East were some of the likely locations where the station could be located.

Meanwhile, Malaysia has said its station will be located in Sungai Besi.

But Mr Lee said there is still much to be settled, such as its design, financing, as well as security and immigration requirements.

This will require work on both sides.

The leaders also noted work done on the first phase of the joint engineering study for the rapid transit system link between Singapore and Johor Bahru.

At the press conference following the leaders' meeting, Mr Najib said that he had also proposed a "friendship bridge" between the two countries.

Mr Najib said: "Another initiative which I like to stress is a long-term initiative, looking at the road links between Malaysia and Singapore - a proposal to have a friendship bridge that will certainly enhance good connectivity, improve the environment as well as create much stronger links between our two countries and symbol of the growing friendship."

In response, Mr Lee agreed that Singapore will need to widen the links across the Straits of Johor and has been studying this for the long term.

To provide greater convenience for commuters, Mr Lee said the Customs & Immigration Quarantine Complex will most probably be co-located for the rail transit system link and the high-speed rail.

Mr Najib also proposed joint border control to be implemented for the rail transit system link and the high-speed rail, which means having only one checkpoint for entry into both Singapore and Malaysia.

He added that this will enhance connectivity of goods, services and people between both countries.

Both leaders also noted the progress in Iskandar Malaysia and commended the work of the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Ministerial Committee for Iskandar Malaysia.

Mr Najib said: "Iskandar Malaysia is a strategic play to raise Malaysia above the global competition and to help Singapore maintain our economic competitiveness by integrating our two economies and complementing one another.

“And we agreed that it's important to develop the Iskandar Malaysia project comprehensively not just in services, not just in residential properties, although they are important, but also in manufacturing, in industries in order to create jobs, to attract investments, have an organic, comprehensive, dynamic centre of economic vitality in Johor."

These include UK-based metal-stockist Howco Group's decision to build a S$20-million heat treatment facility in Iskandar Malaysia to complement Singapore operations.

Mr Lee added that as Iskandar thrives, having a skilled labour force is also crucial.

As such, both leaders welcomed ongoing discussions between the various agencies for both countries for collaboration in vocational training.

They also acknowledged that the transboundary haze pollution is a recurring problem for the region and have reaffirmed their commitment to take decisive actions to solve the problem.

Mr Lee also expressed his deepest sympathies over the loss of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 and said Singapore stands ready to help Malaysia in the next phase of investigations.

Meanwhile, Mr Najib said Malaysia appreciated Singapore's prompt assistance in search and rescue operations.

Both leaders have agreed to hold the next retreat in 2015 in Singapore and looked forward to the state visit by Malaysia’s head of state to Singapore later in April.

- CNA/nd/xq

PM Lee, Najib laud progress in Iskandar
Loh Chee Kong Today Online 8 Apr 14;

PUTRAJAYA — About eight years after it was established, Iskandar Malaysia is shaping up to be an important jigsaw piece in the joint effort by Singapore and Malaysia to drive their respective economies forward.

Yesterday, as they underscored how Iskandar could complement Singapore’s economic activities, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Malaysian Premier Najib Razak declared their satisfaction with the progress of joint projects and initiatives in the economic region. They also reiterated its strategic importance to both countries and contribution to bilateral cooperation and economic integration.

Noting the tangible benefits that Iskandar will bring to both countries, Mr Lee said: “The great advantage of Iskandar is that it’s across the Straits of Johor, and that means you can tap on what Singapore offers, in terms of infrastructure, in terms of financial services, in terms of industrial base and in terms of complementarity.”

He said the economic region provides options for firms based in the Republic but are looking to expand, as well as those that Singapore cannot accommodate due to its land constraints.

“We are upgrading our manufacturing (sector), ... our economy, but there are many projects which want to come, which we are not able to accommodate in Singapore,” he said. “When we have a good project, we can talk to Iskandar or talk to MIDA (Malaysian Investment Development Authority) and they can look at it and see whether it fits into Malaysia’s plans.”

Agreeing, Mr Najib said: “(To) put it simply, businesses will decide on the basis of the most competitive place to invest in and to do business ... and if we can offer the advantages at more competitive rates, certainly it will be more attractive (for Singapore businesses).”

He added: “From our perspective, certainly, it’s going to stimulate investment ... It’s going to be good for Iskandar’s development and Malaysia as a whole. So, it’s what you would call a classic win-win situation.”

The economic region’s development is closely watched by investors. The Industrial Cooperation Work Group under the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Ministerial Committee for Iskandar has been developing industries with synergistic activities on both sides of the Causeway.

A statement issued by Mr Lee and Mr Najib following their meeting cited the decision of United Kingdom-based metal-stockist Howco Group to build a US$20 million (S$25.2 million) heat-treatment facility in Iskandar to complement its Singapore operations.

The two leaders also welcomed the development of the new Nusajaya Tech Park, which is a joint venture between Ascendas and UEM Sunrise. The 210ha facility will cater to both multinational corporations and local small and medium enterprises in industries such as precision engineering, electronics, light and clean manufacturing, as well as warehousing and logistics. The tech park is expected to create jobs in high-tech industries.

Singapore and Malaysia have also embarked on iconic projects spearheaded by Temasek Holdings and Khazanah Nasional. The Marina One and DUO integrated projects in Singapore are on track for completion in 2017, while the Afiniti Medini project in Iskandar is expected to be completed by the end of next year. The leaders noted that the market response to these projects has been very encouraging.

Three sites being considered for S’pore-KL high-speed rail station
Loh Chee Kong Today Online 8 Apr 14;

PUTRAJAYA — The Government is considering three options to site the Singapore station of the high-speed rail link to Kuala Lumpur, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong yesterday at a press conference after the fifth Malaysia-Singapore leaders’ retreat in Kuala Lumpur.

Two of the three options are in the west — Tuas West and Jurong East — while a third, in the city, will also be looked at, but is more challenging because of the cost and land required, said Mr Lee.

While locating the station in the heavily built-up Central Business District will be ideal, it will be very difficult to do so, Mr Lee said. “The expense would be very high — you have to tunnel a long way and to find a sufficiently big plot in the city, in order to build the railway station,” he added.

Malaysia has decided to locate its terminal at Sungai Besi, which has been earmarked by the Malaysian government for redevelopment into a mixed-use community and commercial district. The Republic will make its decision within the next year or so, Mr Lee said.

About 20 Cabinet ministers from both Singapore and Malaysia met at the two-day retreat to review progress in bilateral relations and discuss ways to further enhance bilateral cooperation across a wide range of areas, including the development of Iskandar Malaysia. An Industrial Cooperation Work Group has been set up, aimed at promoting and exploring more mutually beneficial activities in the economic region, particularly in advanced materials engineering, electronics, creative services and food industries.

Mr Lee and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, who held a meeting before the delegations met yesterday, expressed satisfaction with the development of projects and initiatives in Iskandar Malaysia.

Among other things, they also acknowledged that transboundary haze pollution is a recurring problem for the region and reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to cooperate on the problem.

The railway link, which was announced at last year’s retreat and described by Mr Lee as a “game changer”, is targeted for completion by 2020.

Both Mr Lee and Mr Najib acknowledged at yesterday’s press conference that it was an ambitious and challenging timeline. Nevertheless, they are sticking to it for now.

Mr Najib said: “It is too early for us to revise the timeline at this stage. But we have in mind that it is ambitious ... it was designed to be ambitious to begin with.”

A joint statement by both countries reiterated that the high-speed rail will facilitate seamless travel between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, enhance business links and bring the people of Malaysia and Singapore closer together.

Separately, the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Ministerial Committee for Iskandar Malaysia had also endorsed in January the first phase of the joint engineering study for the Rapid Transit System (RTS) link between Singapore and Johor Baru. The statement said Mr Lee and Mr Najib looked forward to the adoption of the final scheme for the RTS link and for the committee to proceed with the second phase of the study.

To facilitate the cross-border movement of goods and people, Mr Lee said the priority is to further improve the processes at the land checkpoints.

While a Friendship Bridge — which will be a third road link between the two countries — and a co-located Customs, Immigration and Quarantine facility were mooted during the meetings, Mr Lee said the present focus is to improve the flow at land checkpoints. He noted that in the mornings, motorists have to queue for up to one or two hours.

“In the long term, I can imagine and foresee that, at some point, we need to widen the links across the Straits of Johor,” said Mr Lee, who added that both countries should study how an “iconic symbol” of close bilateral ties could be developed for motorists to enter Malaysia from Singapore.

Mr Najib said the current capacity of the Causeway will not be sufficient for future requirements. On the possible timeline for the Friendship Bridge, he said: “We’ll decide as and when that will happen. But let’s just say it’s a long-term project.”

As part of the retreat, Mr Lee and his wife Ho Ching were shown around Kuala Lumpur’s city centre on Sunday. During a 30-minute tour, Mr Lee walked around the Bukit Bintang area and the Bangsar Village to look at the new developments that have taken place over the last decade.

He also visited KL Sentral and the site of the planned Tun Razak Exchange, a proposed international financial and business hub under Malaysia’s Economic Transformation Programme.

Mr and Mrs Lee were hosted to a private cruise dinner on Putrajaya Lake by Mr Najib and his wife Rosmah Mansor.

At the press conference yesterday, Mr Lee said his two-day visit was fruitful. He noted that Kuala Lumpur had “changed so much” since he last took a walk around the city many years ago.

“I’m very impressed by the developments and the vibrant street life in Bukit Bintang and also Bangsar Village ... the teh tarik was not bad at all either,” he said, drawing laughter from journalists.

The leaders’ retreat was started in May 2007 by former Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi and Mr Lee in Langkawi. The retreat next year will be held in Singapore.

Tuas West most viable site for planned rail terminal, say experts
Olivia Siong Channel NewsAsia 8 Apr 14;

SINGAPORE: Tuas West will be the most viable location for the proposed high-speed rail terminal in Singapore, say experts.

This is due to its proximity to Malaysia and greater availability of space.

On Monday, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong named three possible locations -- Tuas West, Jurong East and the city centre -- for the terminal of the planned high-speed rail link between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

Tuas West is currently an industrial area, with ample space for more development.

Experts said that means a higher chance to locate Singapore's end station of the high-speed rail.

Proximity to Malaysia is another plus point for Tuas West.

Prof Lee Der-Horng, from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the National University of Singapore, said: "As we know Jurong East is further into Singapore, so we have to consider what kind of connection we want to have for this high-speed rail connection. Should we go by the tunnel, or should we go by the ground line?

"By considering the overall construction cost and also the time involved, to put it at Tuas West definitely will save construction costs and definitely shorten the construction time."

Experts said the end station's connectivity to the rest of Singapore must also be examined.

The government had earlier announced the Tuas West MRT extension, which will see the existing East-West Line being extended.

It is set to be completed in 2016.

Should the end station be located at Tuas West, some property analysts say there could be potential to develop several shopping malls or commercial buildings in the area to also cater to the needs of travellers.

But whether or not the human traffic will be enough to sustain those businesses is another factor to consider.

So another option may be to have some shops or food outlets within the station itself.

Mr Nicholas Mak, executive director of Research & Consultancy at SLP International Property Consultants, said: "In Tuas West at the moment, there is no existing population catchment. So next to the malls, the government may actually have to think about rezoning some of the industrial land for residential development."

As for Jurong East, experts said its built-up location may pose a challenge, especially since the station and possibly a depot for train maintenance will take up a large area.

This is despite current facilities in the area bringing convenience to travellers.

They said the chances for the station being in the city centre are even slimmer due to the lack of space and construction costs.

The high-speed rail link is expected to be completed in 2020.

- CNA/de

PM Lee: Iskandar strategic to Singapore and Malaysia
Robin Chan The Straits Times AsiaOne 10 Apr 14;

PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia - The giant Iskandar Malaysia project in Johor state is a "strategic play" that can lift Malaysia above its global competitors and help Singapore maintain its competitive edge, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said yesterday.

But to do so, investments in the fast-growing Iskandar region need to be channelled into manufacturing as well, not just residential properties and services.

Developing the manufacturing sector will help create jobs and attract investments, to build "an organic, comprehensive, dynamic centre for economic vitality in Johor", Mr Lee added.

He was speaking at a joint media conference with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak at the end of the retreat for leaders of the two countries. Both noted at the conference the importance of the Iskandar region for its "complementarities" with Singapore, and for deepening their integration.

Mr Lee also said Singapore will help Malaysia upgrade its vocational training, as the need for more skilled manpower will rise in tandem with Iskandar's growth.

This will allow Malaysians to take advantage of new jobs and higher pay, he added.

The Iskandar region has become an investment destination in recent years for people and companies keen to tap its potential as a residential area or a less costly business location near Singapore.

Joint projects led by Singapore's Temasek Holdings and Malaysia's Khazanah Nasional share the limelight with developments by companies like builder CapitaLand, and investors such as billionaire Peter Lim.

Howco Group, a British-based supplier of equipment to the oil and gas industry, is investing US$20 million (S$25.2 million) in a heat treatment facility that will complement its Singapore factory.

The new 210ha Nusajaya Tech Park, a joint venture between Ascendas and UEM Sunrise, is expected to create high-tech jobs, by catering to large and small companies in sectors like electronics.

Singapore stands to gain from these investments because of Iskandar's close proximity to the Republic. Mr Lee sees these companies tapping Singapore's financial services, infrastructure and industrial base.

He noted that land constraints prevent Singapore from accommodating many new projects or companies that want to expand. By working together, such projects could be suggested to Iskandar if they fit in with Malaysia's plans.

"It will give you a new flow of projects, which you can choose from, and it will benefit the residents of Johor, the workers from Johor, because there will be more jobs, more opportunities and, I think, better pay."

Datuk Seri Najib agreed: "It's going to be good for Iskandar's development and Malaysia as a whole. So it's what you will call a classic win-win situation."

In a joint statement, both leaders also supported collaborations between Singapore's Malay Heritage Centre and Malaysian agencies and universities to deepen cultural bonds.

One such project is to showcase traditional Malaysian dance and theatre art at the Singapore Malay Culture Festival in September.