Langkawi Maglev Plan Stalls as Korean Partner Pulls Out

The proposed high-speed maglev rail project in Langkawi will not proceed after the Korean investor decided against moving forward with the plan.

Kedah State Executive Councillor for Industry and Investment, Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Haim Hilman Abdullah, said the decision followed a comprehensive feasibility study carried out by the company last year.

He said the state government agreed that implementing such a large-scale project too early would not necessarily benefit all stakeholders.

The project was first announced on April 29, 2024, when Permodalan Kedah Berhad (PKB) signed a memorandum of understanding with South Korea’s Royal Eco Train Development (RETD), with Q-plex as the Malaysian strategic partner.

The plan envisioned a modern rail system and integrated commercial hub, with a six-month study led by Korean experts.

Haim Hilman noted that while the maglev project has been shelved, the Korean company is still exploring other investment opportunities in Kedah, including transit-oriented development and commercial projects.

He stressed that timing is crucial, and investments must be based on real needs and careful planning. A modern rail system in Langkawi could be revisited in the future if population growth and rising tourist arrivals create sufficient demand.

In the meantime, he revealed that new investors have already received approval for high-impact commercial and residential projects in Langkawi, with details to be announced soon by the Menteri Besar.

Source: Sinar Harian