ArrowArtboardCreated with Sketch.Title ChevronTitle ChevronIcon FacebookIcon LinkedinIcon Mail ContactPath LayerIcon MailPositive ArrowIcon Print
International relations

Why Malaysia's plan for 'Asia's Eurostar' went off the rails

High-speed rail between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore fell prey to politics

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, left, failed to reach an agreement on the "Asian Eurostar" project with his Singaporean peer Lee Hsien Loong. (Source photos by AP and Reuters) 

BANGKOK -- The coronavirus pandemic has warped the world's idea of distance. A bridge of just 1 kilometer separates Singapore and Malaysia but the distance may as well be a light year, as both countries have closed their borders since March 2020.

But from May 17, travel between the two countries will be allowed for family funerals and visits to the seriously ill. Why are they moving forward at a time when infections are again rising in Malaysia?

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.

Discover the all new Nikkei Asia app

  • Take your reading anywhere with offline reading functions
  • Never miss a story with breaking news alerts
  • Customize your reading experience

Nikkei Asian Review, now known as Nikkei Asia, will be the voice of the Asian Century.

Celebrate our next chapter
Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

Find out more