Why does Dr Mahathir deem the HSR project unimportant?

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Dr Mahathir Considers HSR Project Unimportant Due to Limited Time Savings and High Costs

Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad views the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) project as unimportant and believes it can be postponed for another 10 to 20 years. His assessment is primarily based on the project's limited ability to significantly reduce travel time for its substantial cost. Dr Mahathir pointed out that the HSR line's relatively short 230km length means the maximum time saved would be approximately 15 minutes.
Minimal Time Savings Do Not Justify Expenditure

Dr Mahathir articulated that the efficacy of a high-speed rail system is dependent on its length, as longer distances allow for greater time savings. For the 230km route between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, he estimates the time saved would be no more than 15 minutes. He contends that this marginal reduction in travel time does not warrant the considerable financial investment required for the project.
Escalating Construction Costs and Unlikely Return on Investment

The projected cost to construct the HSR has escalated significantly, reaching approximately RM80 billion. Dr Mahathir expressed strong reservations about the financial viability of the project, stating his belief that the investment would never be recouped. This concern over financial returns is a central factor in his view that the project is not a priority.
Previous Cancellation and Economic Re-evaluation

The HSR project had previously been cancelled due to the adverse economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. This global health crisis necessitated a re-evaluation of the project by the government. Furthermore, a proposed new project structure would have prevented the government from providing RM60 billion in guarantees over a 30-year period, adding another layer of financial complexity.

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Why does Dr Mahathir deem the HSR project unimportant?

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