PETALING JAYA: Malaysia and Thailand have agreed to set up a joint special committee to fine-tune matters related to the proposed High Speed Rail (HSR) project linking Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

       The Transport Minister who had a bilateral meeting with his fellow counterpart from Thailand, Saksayam Chidchob, said that the committee would be discussing the finer points related to planning, route and other technical aspects of the proposed HSR project.

       "Following the visit by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob who met Thailand’s Prime Minister in February this year, we have also initiated talks on a proposed HSR project linking Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, as mooted by our respective prime ministers.

       "Saksayam and I have agreed to set up a joint special committee headed by the Transport Ministry secretary-general and the permanent secretary of the Thailand Ministry of Transport," he said in a Facebook post on Tuesday (May 17).

       Ismail Sabri, during his first official visit to Thailand in February, had said both governments agreed to carry out a feasibility study for an HSR route between Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok.

       Dr Wee also thanked Saksayam for the Thai government's cooperation in successfully launching the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) between both countries in March 2022.

       "I wish to thank Saksayam for Thailand’s cooperation with Malaysia in successfully launching the VTL between our countries in March 2022, even though it was just a few days before we reopened our borders on April 1.

       "We have pledged to work hand in hand to revive our aviation industry," he said.