Menora Tunnel: The construction of the West Ipoh Span Expressway (WISE) is seen as an opportunity for local residents to generate economy as well as help reduce traffic congestion along the North-South Expressway (PLUS), especially during festive seasons. Noradidah Mokhtar, 60, a homestay operator in Gopeng said the WISE alignment would provide a more comfortable travel alternative for road users from the north who want to go on holiday in and around Perak as the route connects attractive transit locations in the state such as Kellie’s Castle and the TT5 Tin Dredge.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Noradidah Mokhtar emphasized the positive impact WISE would have on the tourism industry in Perak, noting the proximity of tourist destinations such as Gopeng to the WISE location. “The tourist destination in Gopeng takes seven kilometres from the WISE location, this will have a positive impact on the tourism industry in Perak, only need a lot of tourism signage to make it easier for them to get to the respective location,” she said. Additionally, she highlighted the highway’s goal of easing traffic congestion along the Menora Tunnel route, which frequently experiences heavy traffic during peak hours.

The WISE project, with a construction cost of RM6.2 billion, aims to reduce traffic congestion along the PLUS Highway from Gopeng to Kuala Kangsar by up to 40 percent. Scheduled for completion in 2028, the 60.88-kilometre privatised highway will feature six intersections, including two in Kuala Kangsar, one in Jerlun, one in Siputeh, and two in Gopeng.

Meanwhile, Azizee Ishak, a 37-year-old tourist van driver, expressed optimism that the new highway would facilitate and expedite tourist travel, particularly during school holidays and festivals. “It’s like I’m taking tourists from Kuala Lumpur to Penang, so everyone already knows that the northbound area will go through the Menora Tunnel, many trucks are also using that route and it will be congested. With the new route, it is hoped that it will speed up the journey,” said Azizee, who recounted being stranded for two hours on the current route.

Private sector worker Sazairizan Mohd Zain, 38, who has relied on the PLUS Highway since 2016, is grateful for the alternative route provided by WISE, which will ease her commute from Gopeng to Taiping. “I was once trapped for six hours because of a trailer accident near the Menora Tunnel that resulted in the death of five Universiti Sultan Azlan Shah (USAS) students and the incident happened when I was about to go to work and I was late for work,” she shared. She noted that frequent disruptions, such as damaged trucks, complicate travel and pose safety risks, reinforcing the need for an alternative like WISE.

Muhamad Hijan Jamaluddin, a 26-year-old kerepek business entrepreneur, explained how the road’s hilly structure near the Menora Tunnel results in slow-moving traffic, particularly for heavier vehicles like his delivery truck. “If I want to deliver ‘kerepek’ in the north, I usually use the PLUS route because it is quick and easy, but the truck I drive usually moves slowly when ‘climbing’ the Menora Tunnel area,” he said. This slow movement can cause traffic jams, impacting overall traffic flow. Muhamad Hijan also pointed out that congestion is exacerbated by accidents and highway maintenance activities.