Malaysian property and utility firm, YTL Corp, has proposed an RM8 billion (US$2.2 billion) high speed rail link to neighbouring Singapore, a report said today.

Francis Yeoh, YTL's managing director, said the Malaysian and Singapore governments have been informed of the plan.

The New Straits Times newspaper said potential partners providing technology for the ambitious project could either be Japanese, German or French companies.

"Every single fund manager loves this project and a lot of consumers want it. It's the perfect alternative to air and (road) transport between the two hubs and will integrate them," Yeoh was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

"This is not a dream ... It can be done if there is a will to do it. It will help move the economy ahead."

325 km in 90 minutes

The proposed rail link is from Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur to the island republic covering 325 km (200 miles) in 90 minutes.

Currently, there is a rail service to Singapore but it takes about seven hours. Malaysia and Singapore are linked by a causeway.

Yeoh said construction would take about three years and if it was approved, YTL would go to the global market to raise the needed finance.

YTL owns a majority stake in ExpressRail Link, a high speed train which links the capital to Kuala Lumpur International Airport, about 45 miles (70 kilometres) to the south.