The line was to have eight stations, with one in Singapore's Jurong East .
Singapore's Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan, in a statement on June 1, said the Republic has "requested the Malaysian government through diplomatic channels to clarify Malaysia's position on the project".
Mr Khaw said should Malaysia cancel the project, Singapore will study the implications and exercise its rights - including any right to compensation for expenses - in accordance with the terms of the bilateral agreement signed in 2016.
Malaysia had earlier indicated that there was a RM500 million compensation payment to be made if the deal was cancelled.
Mr Khaw, who is also Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure, added: "Singapore continues to support the HSR project and to fulfil all its obligations under the agreement." Malaysia has said that Dr Mahathir will personally handle negotiations with Singapore, and that it was not completely shutting the door on the rail link.
Dr Mahathir met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday, and said Malaysia had sought yen credit from the Japanese government as part of measures to resolve its debt problem. Japan has agreed to study Malaysia's request for the soft loan, said Dr Mahathir, but said that the amount was not discussed.
Malaysia and Japan also agreed to keep the Strait of Malacca and the South China Sea free for navigation for all countries."Japan is willing to cooperate with any country to support this concept with Malaysia. I am resolved to further strengthening cooperation conducive for regional peace and stability, including in the maritime safety area," Mr Abe said at a joint press conference with Dr Mahathir.
After the event, Mr Abe presented Dr Mahathir with a Japan World Cup team jersey printed with Dr Mahathir's name and the number 7 to show he is Malaysia's seventh prime minister.
Dr Mahathir presented Abe with a book on himself, and said it would enable Mr Abe to know him better.