Recently, the Malaysian Ministry of Transport is intensively drafting the implementation standards for the New Long High Speed Rail project, aiming to promote the progress of this major transportation infrastructure project, and plans to submit these detailed standards to the Cabinet for approval. This news marks the Malaysian government's renewed vitality towards this long stalled high-speed rail project, indicating that the project is expected to usher in a new turning point in the future.

In a recent written response, Minister of Transport Lu Zhaofu elaborated on the latest progress of the Xinlong high-speed railway project to members of parliament. He stated that MyHSR Corp, also known as Malaysia High Speed Rail, has received concept proposals submitted by seven local and international consortia. These consortiums have shown strong interest in the Xinlong high-speed railway project and have put forward their own innovative plans and financing plans.

Minister Lu Zhaofu further revealed that the Ministry of Transport and relevant agencies are working closely to formulate implementation standards for the Xinlong high-speed railway project led by the private sector. These standards will cover multiple aspects of project financing, construction, operation, etc., aiming to ensure the smooth implementation and efficient operation of the project. Once these standards are approved by the Cabinet, the Malaysian government will officially initiate the review process for the selected consortium.

It is reported that the Ma High Speed Railway has completed the preliminary evaluation of the concept proposals submitted by seven consortiums, and has identified three potential consortiums for the next stage of review. These three consortia are Yang Zhongli Construction SIPP Railway Consortium, Ma Resources Ipoh Construction Success Railway Malayan Railway Consortium, and the Chinese consortium led by China Railway Construction Group. These consortiums have rich experience and strength in railway construction and operation, and are expected to bring new perspectives and solutions to the Xinlong high-speed railway project.

It is worth mentioning that since the signing of the agreement in 2016, the progress of the Xinlong high-speed railway project has been plagued by setbacks due to changes in the domestic political regime and funding issues in Malaysia. The original plan was to start construction in 2018 and by the end of 2026 The Xinlong high-speed railway project, which began operation, was officially terminated on January 1, 2021 after multiple delays. However, with the unity government led by Anwar Ibrahim taking office in November 2022, the Xinlong high-speed railway project has once again been put on the agenda, emphasizing the need for private sector investment rather than government funding.

The Malaysian government's formulation of the implementation standards for the Xinlong High Speed Rail and its plan to review the selected consortium undoubtedly injects new impetus into the restart of the Xinlong High Speed Rail project. Although the progress of the project still faces many challenges and uncertainties, the Malaysian government's firm determination and active promotion of this project have filled people with expectations for the future of the Xinlong High Speed Rail project.