The imminent closure of Raffles Country Club (RCC) - slated for July 31 this year - has caused much anxiety to its golfing members.

Another Government-acquired golf club - Jurong Country Club - was closed much earlier but, to date, remains essentially a vacant piece of land pending the status of the high-speed rail project.

With the announcement on the Malaysian side that it is not keen to proceed with the HSR project, the compulsory acquisition of RCC should be reviewed, especially as the club is still operational till the end of July (Scrapping of high-speed rail okayed by KL Cabinet; May 31).

The proposed financial compensation for members is also not sufficiently attractive for the club's senior members. It may not be enough to pay for an alternative golf club membership, not to mention the financial loss suffered by older members as the membership used to cost as much as $100,000.

The Government and RCC must, with some urgency, review the circumstances in light of the new Malaysian government's position.

If there is any financial compensation from the aborted project, RCC should consider reinstating some of its assets and facilities, which had been pared down in anticipation of its closure.

Most club members of RCC are Singaporeans who have contributed and still are contributing to the economic well-being of the country.

The interest of these people, including many seniors who enjoy their retirement years playing golf after working for decades, should be considered.

Raymond Koh Bock Swi