The idea to build a high-speed rail link between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur was made known to the government as far back as two years ago, according to Transport Minister Chan Kong Choy.

Speaking at a press conference at the Parliament lobby tody, he said YTL Corp had made requests to explore the 'bullet train' idea in 2004 and were given the green light to conduct feasibility studies a year ago.

"We understand YTL and its consortium have carried out these feasibility studies and unofficially, the transport ministry has been told this project is feasible."

It was reported yesterday that YTL Corp, a property and utility firm, had proposed the RM8 billion high speed rail link to connect the two countries.

However, Chan said that the government has not decided on the matter yet as they are waiting for detailed reports from YTL.

"We haven't received any detailed financial and technical proposals so we're waiting for them," he said, adding the government was not in any way against the project.

"If it is good for the economy, tourism, trade and others, we are prepared to look at this project positively."

To cabinet first

To a question, Chan said the project, if launched, would be private-sector driven with no government involvement.

"It is privately initiated and it will be privately funded (should) the government decide to go ahead with it," he said.

Chan refused to comment as to what stand the Singaporean authorities had on the project.

At another press conference also at the Parliament lobby, Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak, when asked for his view on the project, said the matter would have to be discussed by the cabinet.

"I think it's a major project, we would like to see proper submission to the cabinet first before we make an official government stand.

"But anything that is positive in terms of the development of the country, generally we welcome, but specifically to develop the train we would need to know all the facts and proper submissions to the cabinet," he said.