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A look at the timeline of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) project from 2013 to 2021

What a cold and wet start to 2021. You’ve probably heard or seen from the news that Singapore and Malaysia will not proceed with the HSR project after a lapse in agreement on Dec 31, 2020. The Prime Ministers of both countries revealed in a joint statement on the first day of the new year.

“In light of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the Malaysian economy, the government of Malaysia had proposed several changes to the HSR Project. Both governments had conducted several discussions with regard to these changes and had not been able to reach an agreement. Therefore, the HSR Agreement had lapsed on Dec 31, 2020,” the leaders said.

Following the termination, Malaysia will have to compensate for costs already incurred by Singapore in delivering its obligations under the HSR Bilateral Agreement. Here’s a look at the HSR project timeline since ideation from 2013 to termination in 2021.

February 2013

At the Singapore-Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and then Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak in February 2013, the public first knew of the HSR project.

In 2016

Image Credits: CNA

Under the witnesses of both premiers, Singapore and Malaysia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in July 2016.

At the end of 2016, a legally binding bilateral project deal opened the way for its execution. Under the pact, the HSR’s express service would commence by Dec 31, 2026.

The agreement also asserted that the production, installation, and management of civil infrastructure and stations within their own countries would be both governments’ responsibility.

In 2017

The Land Transport Authority of Singapore (LTA) announced the establishment of a wholly-owned subsidiary – SG HSR – to execute the project and the development, ownership, funding, and maintenance of civil infrastructure in Singapore.

It will then partner its Malaysian counterpart, MyHSR, in an open international tender to mutually select the venture’s assets company and the international contractor.

The project was set to operate for eight stops over 350km: Singapore, Iskandar Puteri, Batu Pahat, Muar, Melaka, Seremban, Sepang-Putrajaya, and Kuala Lumpur. Proposed terminus stations were for Bandar Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur and Jurong East in Singapore.

For the initiative, the Singapore government acquired both Raffles Country Club and Jurong Country Club to host the HSR terminus.

May 2018

Image Credits: CNA

In a media conference on May 28, 2020, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad announced that Malaysia would cancel the HSR project, saying the venture would not favour his country.

“It’s not beneficial. It’s going to cost us a huge sum of money. We’ll make no money at all from this arrangement,” Dr Mahathir said. He also commented on how the HSR project would cost Malaysia RM110 billion in an interview with the Financial Times, but would not gain a single penny for his nation.

July 2018

Roughly two months from his statement, Dr Mahathir responded by saying his government would aim to discuss the project’s postponement with Singapore. “When we looked at the financial situation of the country we thought that we couldn’t go ahead (with the HSR),” he told reporters.

“But having studied it and the implication of unilaterally discarding the contract, we decided we may have to do it at a later date, we may have to reduce the price. But (the) reduction of the price is very difficult as far as we can make out. So it has to be deferred.”

September 2018

Singapore Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan (left) and Malaysian Economic Affairs Minister Azmin Ali exchange documents in Putrajaya on Sep 5, 2018

Image Credits: CNA

Both countries signed a new deal to officially consent to delay development of the HSR until the end of May 2020. Under the new arrangement, the HSR’s express service would begin by Jan 1, 2031, instead of Dec 31, 2026.

By the end of January 2019, Malaysia had to pay abortive costs amounting to around S$15 million to halt the campaign.

Furthermore, according to a joint declaration by both sides on the issue, Singapore’s negotiated costs in complying with the HSR Bilateral Agreement will also be borne by Malaysia if they did not continue with the project by May 31, 2020.

May 2020

Following Dr Mahathir’s resignation as prime minister, the two countries reached a consensus to delay the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore HSR project until the end of 2020.

Khaw Boon Wan, then Singapore’s transport minister, said that Singapore yielded to the suspension considering the context of international ties, but clarified that it would be the last extension of the suspension period.

November 2020

Malaysian Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz

Image Credits: Bernama

Tengku Zafrul Aziz, Malaysian finance minister, said the Malaysian government wanted to continue the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore HSR project as it was likely to generate a good ripple effect on the national economy. He stated, however, that this was also contingent on ongoing negotiations with Singapore.

December 2020

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin communicated via video-conference about the action plan forward.

Shortly after, Malaysian media claimed that without Singapore’s participation, Putrajaya could pursue the project. Therefore, instead of Jurong East in Singapore, the track could end in Johor in Malaysia.

January 2021

The concept design for Malacca station along the KL-Singapore HSR

Image Credits: MyHSR

We bid farewell to the highly anticipated HSR goal that could cut down travelling time between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur by train to 90 minutes.

Taxi and private-hire car drivers facing income drops are looking to call it quits in the ‘new normal’

Earlier this month, the latest quarterly labour market data revealed that Singapore residents’ employment situation is recovering. But according to National Trades Union Congress secretary-general Ng Chee Meng, the general health situation will be a significant factor in determining how the economy will recover from its dip this year.

For some taxi and private-hire car drivers facing massive income drops, it might be too long a wait. There is no doubt that Singapore has come a long way in battling the virus. While we’ve made notable progress is the reopening of the economy, many livelihoods are still affected.

More than 50 per cent reduction in income

Image Credits: todayonline.com

Kirsty Foo, a ComfortDelGro taxi driver who relies mainly on street hails and regular customers, is one who’s feeling the pinch. The 60-year-old lady who used to take home about S$3,000 before COVID-19 is only earning about S$1,000 after deducting rent, petrol, and parking charges.

Others are turning to alternative platforms to add to their lost income.

Gojek driver Mr Soon had to take up delivery work and temporary night shifts at Pizza Hut during the circuit breaker period because his then income could not even cover his vehicle rental. The 50-year-old shared that he was only earning a base rate of S$4 an hour at Pizza Hut.

Though Mr Soon’s earnings have improved to S$2,000 now and he has stopped working at Pizza Hut, one-third of his wages come from additional gigs via Lalamove and Gogovan.

Both Ms Foo and Mr Soon, including many interviewed drivers, are pondering over calling it quits in this ‘new normal’. Considering the long hours, income, and sustainability, it’s not hard to understand why.

Bound by existing taxi or car rental contracts

Image Credits: SBO.sg

But it’s not easy for some since they have to keep to existing taxi or car rental contracts. Although Ms Foo has recently taken a course on e-commerce and is keen to have a go at it, her written agreement with ComfortDelGro ends only in September 2021.

Similarly for Mr Soon, his one-year contract with a partner of Gojek’s rental initiative GoFleet will only end in 2021. Terminating the contract is out of the question since he will have to forfeit a S$1,500 security deposit. There is also an early termination penalty of up to six months of his rental fees. All in all, he could lose over S$15,000 to void the pact.

Phase 3 won’t bring about substantial changes

Image Credits: The Business Times

Mr Soon also mentioned that Singapore entering phase 3 will not bring about remarkable improvements to the business. Though he agrees that demand will increase, he adds that as long as all workers continue to work from home and Singapore has no tourists; it will never be the same.

Another driver, Andy, temporarily left Prime Taxi in May considering the cut in his pay. The 38-year-old who has to support his wife, four children, and in-laws, said it made no economic sense for him to continue. Since 90 per cent of his income comes from airport pick-ups and regular business travellers, the closed borders have greatly affected him.

“If the airport is not open, our slice of the cake is only that big,” Andy commented.

Thankfully, Prime Taxi approved the suspension of his five-year contract signed in September 2019 without forfeiting his S$4,000 security deposit. Andy is currently doing deliveries for Lalamove using a rental car which he pays for S$1,400 a month (less than S$50 a day).

Extra hours & lesser revenue forcing drivers to job hop

Image Credits: The Straits Times

Peter Quek, a ComfortDelGro taxi driver, estimates that he will have to work an extra 15 to 20 hours a week to match the amount he earned last year.

His projection of collecting S$55,300 in fares for 2021 is a 30 per cent reduction from the amount made in 2019. This is even after factoring in the S$9,000 Self-Employed Person Income Relief Scheme (SIRS) paid out this year.

The 44-year-old man who had sent out more than 100 job applications this year said, “That’s why I am desperate to get a new job. I am not looking out for another SIRS. I am looking for something more permanent and long term.”

Grab driver William Ong, 48, is also searching for new job opportunities after his monthly income fell from about S$3,500 to S$1,500. He pointed out that there are no surge fares during the usual morning peak hours, but he would still drive a passenger from Serangoon to town in the morning on standard rates.

Drastic changes to incentive schemes

Image Credits: Grab

But COVID-19 is not entirely at fault. Many private-hire car drivers highlighted the drastic changes to incentive schemes as factors for a reduced income.

Grab driver Mr Ong said that such bonuses used to make up 45 per cent of his S$4,000 monthly income but have since become insignificant. Another driver on both the Grab and Gojek platforms, Mr Maverick Tsao, revealed that incentives used to form 25% of his earnings in 2019, but is now barely hitting 10 per cent of it.

With all that said, some cabbies are still optimistic about the gradual reopening of the economy. 52-year-old ComfortDelGro taxi driver Frankie Chew remarked, “Singapore is already opening up and people are coming out. The most difficult challenge (during the circuit breaker period) has already passed, so we will definitely be able to pull through.”

You can buy these cars in Singapore with a budget of only S$80K

Are you thinking of buying a brand new car but don’t quite have a high budget to spare? Yes, we get how some people think that cars fall into the category of wants rather than needs. But if you really think having a car is necessary and have at least S$80K to spare, why not?

But before you make that payment, be completely aware that other than the upfront payment, there are other costs tagged to driving. We’re referring to petrol prices, ERP charges, parking fees, and more. Let’s not forget maintenance fees and car insurance.

If you’ve taken into account the long-term costs, let’s take a look at these five cheapest car types you can buy even with a budget of only S$80K.

#1: Perodua Bezza 1.3 Premium X (A)

First up on our list, we have the Perodua Bezza 1.3 Premium X (A). The lowest recorded price was previously S$54,999 apparently. At the time of writing, it currently costs S$64,999.

The engine is made by Toyota so you will be assured a smooth driving experience. If you often find yourself storing your belongings behind the boot before driving, you will find the roomy boot space a lifesaver.

#2: Perodua Myvi 1.3X (A)

Next up, slightly pricier than the Perodua Bezza 1.3 Premium X (A) is also another series launched by Perodua in 2019. The Perodua Myvi 1.3X (A) hatchback costs S$67,999.

Its specs and features are similar to the Bezza. It has a reasonable boot space of 277 litres and a superb fuel consumption figure of around 17km per litre. For those with a little more budget to spare, you can power-up with the Perodua Myvi 1.5 (S$71,999) instead.

#3: Mitsubishi Attrage

The bronze medal goes to the Mitsubishi Attrage. To be exact, the Mitsubishi Attrage 1.2 CVT Style (A) is the model to look out for. It is priced at S$69,999, similar to the Mitsubishi Space Star 1.2 CVT Style (A).

Those who struggle to navigate around tight spaces will find the Mitsubishi Attrage driver-friendly. That’s all thanks to its fabulous turning radius! With an impressive fuel efficiency of 13.5km per litre, it wins first place for being a fuel-efficient car.

#4: Nissan Note 1.2 (A)

Making into our list at fourth position is the Nissan Note 1.2 (A), a hatchback that costs S$74,900 at the time of writing. You may have come across even lower pricing before because the rock-bottom figure recorded was S$67,888.

Anyway, it has a spacious interior so you will be guaranteed comfort during your drive. While its fuel efficiency stands at 19.6km per litre, some drivers have reviewed otherwise. With that said, its Automatic Stop/Start function manages energy efficiently so that’s one bonus point.

#5: Honda Fit 2020 1.3 (A)

As you’ve probably anticipated the price to rise as we go, we have the new Honda Fit 2020 1.3 (A) to end our list of cheapest cars to buy in Singapore. It costs approximately S$77,000, ranging between different dealers.

Looking at the fuel consumption, it’s a pretty good sight at 19.6km per litre. Compared to the Perodua Bezza 1.3 Premium X (A) and Perodua Myvi 1.3X (A), it has one of the highest number of airbags at six. It also offers a keyless engine start.

GrabCar fined S$10,000 for risking the personal data of over 20,000 drivers and passengers

Last year, GrabCar informed the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) that profile data of 5,651 GrabHitch drivers were exposed to the risk of unauthorized access by other GrabHitch drivers through its app.

According to PDPC deputy commissioner Yeong Zee Kin, the cause of the breach was due to an app update on Aug 30, 2019. “The purpose of the update was to address a potential vulnerability discovered within the Grab app,” he said.

Risking the personal data of over 20,000 drivers and passengers

On Sep 10, the PDPC stated that the update risked the personal data of 21,541 drivers and passengers of GrabHitch. This includes profile pictures, names, and vehicle plate numbers.

But GrabCar managed to roll back the app to the previous version within about 40 minutes. They also took other corrective actions.

“Given that the organization’s business involves processing large volumes of personal data on a daily basis, this is a significant cause for concern,” PDPC said.

The technical details & insufficient robust processes

As per the PDPC’s findings, the app’s programming interface URL which allowed drivers to access their data had contained a “userID” portion. Manipulation to that particular portion could possibly allow access to other drivers’ data.

Mr Yeong said GrabCar had insufficient robust processes to manage changes to its IT system. As a result, putting personal data it was processing at risk.

“This was a particularly grave error given that this is the second time the (GrabCar) is making a similar mistake, albeit with respect to a different system,” he added.

Not the first time with a similar mistake in 2019

In 2019, GrabCar was fined S$16,000 after it sent out more than 120,000 marketing emails to customers containing the name and mobile phone number of another customer.

Grab explained that the incident was due to a mismatched database. Thus, each affected customer’s name and phone number was disclosed to one other individual.

The Grab spokesperson then said that to prevent a recurrence, they had immediately put in place more rigorous data validation and checks. This includes new processes that require a third person to perform sanity checks on data. They also promised to mask phone numbers in all their marketing campaigns.

Grab’s response this time around

To prevent this incident from happening again, Grab claims to have introduced more robust processes. This is especially so to their IT environment testing alongside updated governance procedures. They are also working on an architecture review of their legacy application and source codes.

Public Transport Council: No changes to bus and train fares this year

Last year’s fare review exercise had us pay 7% more for bus and train rides. While SMRT and SBS Transit had applied for the maximum increase of 4.4 per cent, the Public Transport Council (PTC) rejected granting any fare adjustments.

No changes to bus and train fares this year

In view of COVID-19 and its impact on the economy, there will be no changes to public transport fares this year.

“We recognise the exceptional economic circumstances faced by Singaporeans and have decided to keep bus and train fares unchanged to help ease the financial burden on commuters during this challenging period,” said PTC chairman Richard Magnus.

“Our priority will be to safeguard commuters’ interests while ensuring a financially sustainable public transport system that continues to meet the needs of Singaporeans in the years to come,” he adds.

“With this decision, the full fare adjustment quantum will be rolled over to the next FRE (fare review exercise) in 2021,” said the PTC. “In making its decision for 2021 FRE, the council will also continue to balance fare affordability and financial sustainability.”

Impact on public transport operators

Image Credits: TODAYonline

While commuters like us rejoice over the status quo in fares, transport operators like SBS Transit and SMRT are suffering.

“In its latest financial year, SBS Transit’s train segment reported a loss in tens of millions of dollars,” the council said. “For its latest financial year ended March 2020, SMRT Trains recorded a net loss of around S$20 million after tax.”

“Despite the drastic fall in whole-day ridership by around 75 per cent during the circuit breaker from April to June 2020, public transport operators had continued to run trains and buses largely at pre-COVID frequencies, to help commuters reach their destinations safely and smoothly,” said the PTC.

No adjustments to fares for low-wage workers and people with disabilities

The Ministry for Transport (MOT) also stated separately that it has accepted the PTC’s proposal to not adjust fares for low-wage workers and people with disabilities.

At the moment, low wage workers are enjoying up to 25 per cent off on adult fares. While those with disabilities have their fares pegged to senior citizens and pay S$64 for monthly concession passes.

Deadline to apply for public transport vouchers extended

Image Credits: sgCarMart

The public will now also have more time to apply for public transport vouchers at community centres and community clubs. This is because the application will be extended from Oct 31 to Jan 31 next year.

You can use the S$50 voucher to top-up fare cards or buy monthly concession passes. If your monthly household income from all sources per person does not exceed S$1,200, you will be eligible to apply for the voucher.

Low-income households under the ComCare Short-to-Medium-Term Assistance and Long-Term Assistance schemes do not need to apply. They can look forward to receiving redemption letters for the vouchers in the mail.