The previous deal between the countries fell apart, but Malaysia has received new private sector bids, including from China Railway Construction and Hyundai Rotem, to fulfill this ambitious transport project.

The Malaysian government agency MyHSR is reviewing these bids and is set to narrow them down soon. They aim to propose the plan to Singapore in the coming months, but will also consider a shorter route to Johor if Singapore doesn't join.

While this project promises to boost links and economic zones in the region, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has made it clear that government funds are off-limits for financing, focusing on private investment instead.

Despite a previous 2021 cancellation and compensating Singapore, Malaysia’s government, constrained by a need to reduce public debt, persists in its vision for high-speed rail, undeterred by the financial, logistical, and diplomatic challenges ahead.