Interesting Facts About the Menora Tunnel
On September 24, 1987,
HRH Sultan Paduka Seri Sultan Azlan Muhibuddin Shah Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Yusuf Izzuddin Ghafarullahu-lahu Shah
who was the Sultan of Perak at the time, officially opened the Ipoh to Changkat Jering highway. This 55-kilometer highway project cost $360 million.
The construction of this highway has greatly benefited the public to this day, as it shortens the journey from north to south by 30 kilometers. The highway actually began operations on August 31, 1986, in conjunction with the country's independence day celebrations that year. It was the second toll highway in Perak after the Slim River to Tanjung Malim stretch. This construction project aimed to develop the country's tourism industry while also boosting the economy of the state of Perak itself.
This 55-kilometer highway project would not be complete without two tunnels, one 880 meters long and the other 830 meters long, known as the Menora Tunnel. The two tunnels are not equal in length due to the cutting angles of the entrances, exits, and curves, which are the factors behind their different lengths despite being side-by-side. The Menora Tunnel is located beneath the Keledang Range in the state of Perak. Today, these tunnels, each approximately 800 meters long, are part of the North-South Expressway. The Menora Tunnel has not escaped various mystical tales, mystery stories, and horror legends, much like the situation on the Karak Highway since they were opened to the public. Sometimes it is associated with wandering pontianaks, a yellow Volkswagen, and scooters. However, this is the reality of our people, who enjoy sharing such myths to add flavor to their conversations. Because this tunnel is located in the Keledang Range, the highway route below is quite steep and has sharp curves in both the north and south directions. This highway is also dubbed the 'death stretch' due to the statistics of fatal accidents that frequently occur there throughout the year. Therefore, drivers are advised to always use a low gear when descending after passing through the tunnel on the highway.
