HSR to Serve as a Growth Catalyst for Malacca

The state government of Malacca expects the High-Speed Rail (HSR) service from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore to be a catalyst for growth for Ayer Keroh and other nearby areas.
“We discussed the matter at the weekly exco meeting here and the state will embark on connectivity projects, including realising the ring-road projects and monorail connection to the heart of the city,” said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron.
In fact, relevant authorities had already been given the directive to prioritize linking the upcoming HSR station in Ayer Keroh to various destinations in the historic city as well as ensure that the infrastructure are ready by 2026.
“We don’t want to see visitors stuck in traffic gridlock once the project is completed. We need to prepare the blueprint and expedite the road and rail link projects,” he said.
Idris expects to see an economic boom in Ayer Keroh as commercial projects compete for sites near the HSR service, which would reduce travel time from Kuala Lumpur to Ayer Keroh to just 30 minutes and make commuting to Singapore hassle-free.
“The state expects KLties or even Singaporeans to live in Malacca and commute daily to work,” he said.
“Soon, people can have nasi lemak here for breakfast at 7.30am and reach Kuala Lumpur before 9am.”
In fact, Idris has tasked the State Economic Development Unit (UPEN) to manage the commercial projects and land bank in Ayer Keroh.
“The types of commercial projects should be monitored as Ayer Keroh and Sungai Rambai could see rapid growth after the announcement made on the HSR,” he said.
“The onus is now on UPEN to see that only projects benefiting the locals should be considered in areas close to HSR stations.”
Expecting real estate prices to increase in areas near the HSR stations, Idris has told UPEN to come up with a mechanism to control any overpricing and property glut.
“The HSR service will also create more business and job opportunities for the locals,” he added.
Local property agent Allen Ho said real estate prices in Ayer Keroh are already high. As such, owning a home near the HSR station would be impossible for mid-income earners.