KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 18): Alignments and station locations for the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail (HSR) project are yet to be finalised, except for the location of the HSR Terminus in Kuala Lumpur, which is Bandar Malaysia, said MyHSR Corp Sdn Bhd.

In a statement today, MyHSR Corp said it is now working with state governments to freeze land areas under Section 4 of the Land Acquisition Act 1960, for the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore HSR project.

MyHSR Corp chief executive officer Mohd Nur Ismal Mohamed Kamal said the process of freezing land areas will allow technical studies to commence, including the assessment of soil condition, social impact and other technical parameters before a smaller corridor is identified.

The move comes following the conclusion of the memorandum of understanding between the governments of Singapore and Malaysia on the project last month.

"We want to address growing speculations regarding the locations of the stations as based on the current progress, the alignment and station locations (including the stations' names) are yet to be finalised, except the location of HSR Terminus in Kuala Lumpur (Bandar Malaysia)," said Mohd Nur.

He said MyHSR Corp will continue to work closely with the federal and relevant state governments and authorities to determine the best locations of the stations along the corridor.

The engagements and studies are to determine the best locations for HSR stations and capture the strategic catchment areas in order to be connected with other public transport modes to help create a more integrated and efficient transportation network.

Improving on the accessibility and mobility between the urban and suburban areas and saving on travel time are key factors towards this front, the statement read.

The outcome of the studies will be presented through consultations with state authorities, as described under Section 20A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1976.

"We want to ensure this iconic and game changing project truly benefit the country and the people," added Mohd Nur.

The HSR project, to traverse 350km between both countries, is expected to be up and running by 2025. Anticipated to cut travelling time between both countries to 90 minutes, the project's trains will run at a top speed of more than 300km per hour.

Eight stations are being planned, to be located at Bandar Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Seremban, Ayer Keroh, Muar, Batu Pahat, Iskandar Puteri and Jurong East in Singapore.