Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday confirmed that the tender for the high-speed rail (HSR) link between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore will be opened to international bidders.

He said the Malaysian and Singaporean governments are in the process of deciding on the modality, way forward and procedure for execution.

â??We expect this to be a very transparent, open bidding system in which companies from all over the world are free to participate,â?? he said at a joint press conference with his French counterpart Jean-Marc Ayrault, here, yesterday.

On the rail industry in Malaysia, Najib said Malaysia is embarking on extensive rail development, such as the multi-billion Klang Valley mass rapid transit project and the HSR project, which is targeted for completion by 2020.
The rail link is expected to cost around RM40 billion, including RM10 billion to buy high-speed bullet trains.

Earlier, Najib and Ayrault witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Malaysian Industry-Government
Group for High Technology (MIGHT) and Thales, a global technology leader for aerospace and transportation markets, for the development of the countryâ??s rail industry.

With more than RM160 billion government investment expected in the industry until 2020, the MoU will address human capital competency issues.

In a statement yesterday, MIGHT said the MoU is aimed at supporting the governmentâ??s commitment to the development of Malaysiaâ??s public transport system via the Rail Centre of
Excellence (RCOE).

It said Thales is one of the first original equipment manufacturers (OEM) that will contribute to the development of the RCOE.

â??MIGHT is taking the lead to undertake the implementation of the RCOE by way of engaging rail entities for the purpose,â?? it said.

Other content providers for RCOE are Spanish Railways Foundation for the main line and high speed rail, and Metro Madrid for the urban rail. The MoUs with these entities are planned for September during the launch of the National Rail Industry Development Roadmap.

RCOE will also house and integrate activities such as research and development, small and medium enterprises and OEM production facilities.

Meanwhile, Thales senior executive vice-president Pascale Sourisse said the company is delighted to support the industrial initiative in Malaysia.

Read more: KL-Singapore rail tender open to international bidders http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/20130730001553/Article/#ixzz2cWBT4rQ4