FROM KOTA KINABALU TO KIMANIS AND KENINGAU: 138 KM THROUGH THE CLOUDS OF CROCKER RANGE.

This is the most famous horror road in Sabah — every Sabahan driver has a story about it.

Jalan Kimanis-Keningau Highway is 61 km, connecting Kimanis (West Coast) to Keningau (Interior). It was an old logging road, opened as a highway in 2006, and it goes up to 1,371m through Crocker Range National Park.

About 138 km from Kota Kinabalu to Keningau via Kimanis-Papar road. The Kimanis-Keningau Highway itself is only 53 km but cuts straight through Crocker Range National Park - it's Malaysia's highest highway, steep, misty and full of hairpin bends. 

It is known as the steepest highway in Malaysia — gradient 10% to 25%, with thick fog, 6.5 km of fog-zone yellow lines, emergency ramps, and almost no street lights on the old route.

Wikipedia

Because of that, 3 different horror layers exist there:

1. The Gravity Hill / Bukit Magnet at KM44

The most famous mystery. At KM44 Jalan Kimanis-Keningau, if you turn off your engine and put your car in neutral, your car will slowly move uphill by itself. Even a water bottle or tin can will roll uphill.

In the old days, people thought this area was ‘keras’ and mystical because of a penunggu. Some called it Bukit Magnet.

A UMS geologist, Dr Felix Tongkul, later explained it is an optical illusion — a reverse gravity hill. The area that looks higher (1048 m) is actually 2 metres lower than the valley area (1050 m). Your eyes see it as uphill, but it's actually downhill, so the car rolls.

But old folks say it's not science; it's the spirits of the Crocker Range pulling you. Whether it's an optical illusion or not, no one dares to test it alone after midnight. 

Locals still don't drive there at night. The road without a ghost story feels incomplete. If you drive Kimanis-Keningau at night, you don't just fight the fog and the steep bends. You drive through stories. 

2. The Real Horror — Accidents

This road is genuinely deadly. Lorries overheat, brakes fail, and cars fall into ravines. KM40, KM42, KM44, and KM45 are black spots where fatal crashes happen almost every year — trailers overturning, 5 family members dead in one car, and lorries crashing due to brake failure.

The fog at Batu 16 is so thick you can't see a deep pothole until you hit it.

That's why many old drivers say the accidents are not just because of the steep road but because they were disturbed.

3. The Ghost Stories Drivers Tell

These are the stories you hear at Oyong Restaurant or Dimie Mountain Resort stops:

a) The Woman with the Bakul

A lone Dusun woman carrying a rattan basket (bakul) standing in the middle of the road at 2 am in the fog. When you stop, she disappears. Some say she is a victim of an old landslide.

b) The Hitchhiker at KM42

Drivers pick up a woman in white near Kimanis who asks to go to Keningau. She is quiet in the back seat. When you reach Keningau roundabout and look back — seat empty, but wet footprints.

c) The Old Logging Road

The old road (before the new highway) is darker — trees cover it even in daylight. Truck drivers say their lorry water-cooling tanks boil for no reason, and they hear someone pushing their lorry from behind on the steep climb.

d) The White Lady of the Fog

The summit near the Dimmie Resort, always thick with fog. Lorry drivers who do the Kota Kinabalu-Keningau run talk about a woman in white standing by the emergency ramp. She looks like she's asking for help, then disappears in the side mirror. Some say she's linked to the many fatal accidents on this highway. In the Sabah version, she's a Pontianak-beautiful from far, terrifying up close. 

e). The Hantu Tinggi in Crocker Forest.

Before the highway was sealed, the whole range was deep forest. Locals near old houses like Kinarut Mansion believed in Hantu Tinggi – a ghost that disguises itself as a tall tree in the forest. On the Kimanis side, hunters still say if you hear someone calling your name in the jungle but see no one, don't answer. 

That is why people say, 'If you drive Kimanis-Keningau at night, don't stop at KM44, don't pick up anyone, and if your car feels like it's being pulled uphill by itself—just press the accelerator and don't look back.'

However, we travelled from Kota Kinabalu to Kimanis-Keningau. We drove in daylight, so I only got beautiful clouds and good photos at Sook and Keningau. But my Keningau friend, who travelled with us, laughed and said, "You should try at 2.00 a.m. abang, then you'll meet the real owner of the road."

Ref: UtusanTV: Misteri Jalan Keningau - Kimanis

The Dimmie Pendalaman Resort, the famous pit stop at Mile 8, Crocker Range National Park, is about halfway between Papar and Keningau. It's one of the only 3 official stops on the steepest highway in Malaysia. A must-stop for all lorries to cool their brakes and refill water-cooling tanks. 

KENINGAU, SABAH

The interior Division of Sabah, between Tambunan and Tenom. Our Yayasan Jantung Malaysia Health Screening was held at Sek. Keb. Sook, Keningau, in 2015. 

Ref: 2015: Keningau, Sabah. 

The main community hall in Keningau. It was named after Tan Sri Joseph Kurup, the founding president of PBRS, long-time MP of Pensiangan and former Deputy Chief Minister of Sabah. He passed away in April 2024. 

About 40-50 km south from Keningau town, one of the biggest primary schools in the interior division. 

The Keningau roundabout monument, with the sirung (traditional Dusun hat) and spears - a symbol of the interior Dusun culture. Anyone who visits Keningau will take a selfie here. This is the heart of town. 

The winding roads and steep gradients tested our driving skills, but the breathtaking views made it worthwhile. As we navigated through the misty Crocker Range, we could feel the weight of the stories that lingered in the air. Each hairpin bend seemed to whisper tales of the past, reminding us of the road's notorious reputation.

We encountered thick fog that rolled in unexpectedly, reducing visibility to mere meters. It was a stark reminder of the dangers that lurked on this highway. Despite the challenges, we pressed on, fuelled by a mix of adrenaline and curiosity about the legends that surrounded this infamous route.

As we approached the various landmarks, we couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. The Gravity Hill at KM44 was particularly intriguing, and we shared a laugh about the optical illusion that had captivated so many before us. The stories of the ghostly figures and tragic accidents added an eerie charm to our journey, making it an unforgettable experience.

By the time we reached Keningau, we were exhausted but exhilarated. The trip was more than just a drive; it was a journey through history, mystery, and the stunning landscapes of Sabah.

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

16 October 2026: 3:47 a.m.

JAMBATAN TAMPARULI - THE LEGEND OF SULONGKOI

Tamparuli, a small town in the heart of Sabah, Malaysia, in the Tuaran district, is known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. Nestled amidst lush greenery and rolling hills, this charming town offers a unique blend of traditional and modern influences.

Visitors to Tamparuli can explore its vibrant local markets, where fresh produce and handmade crafts are abundant. The town is also famous for its iconic Tamparuli Bridge, a picturesque spot that attracts both locals and tourists alike.

For those seeking adventure, the surrounding areas provide opportunities for hiking, exploring waterfalls, and experiencing the diverse wildlife of Borneo. The warm hospitality of the locals adds to the town's appeal, making it a perfect destination for a relaxing getaway or an immersive cultural experience.

Whether you're wandering through its quaint streets or enjoying the breathtaking views, Tamparuli promises a memorable journey filled with discovery and charm.

It is famous for the Tamparuli Suspension Bridge, a popular tourist attraction and even more iconic after the creation of the "Tamparuli Bridge Song" by Justin Lusah in the 70s. 

The Legend of Solungkoi

This story began around the 1930s - 1950s, when the British wanted to build a new bridge to connect the North and West Coast of Sabah.

The engineer in charge was named Robinson. The problem was, no matter how many times they built it, the bridge kept collapsing, swallowed by the current of the Tuaran River.

The village shaman, an old woman called Odu-odu, was called in. She said the bridge was built on a sacred site, and its guardian — a water spirit called Tombuakar / Tonduakar / Ombuakar — was angry.

The spirit demanded a human sacrifice — a beautiful maiden — to be buried alive under the bridge's foundation as compensation.

This is where the love triangle comes in.

At that time, Robinson had fallen in love with a very beautiful Dusun girl named Solungkoi. Their love story was well-known in the local community.

But there was a local young man named Intang who was also obsessed with Solungkoi. When his love was rejected, Intang wanted revenge. He was the one who manipulated Odu-odu and Robinson to choose Solungkoi as the sacrifice, because there was no other girl more beautiful at that time.

The Betrayal

Robinson was torn — between his career and his lover. In the end, he chose to sacrifice Solungkoi.

One night, during a tapai (rice wine) drinking feast, Solungkoi was made drunk and taken to the bridge unconscious.

When she woke up, her hands and feet were already tied, about to be lowered down to the bridge's piling to be buried alive.

Before she was buried, Solungkoi managed to scream her curse:

"THE TAMPARULI BRIDGE WILL NEVER BE STRONG AS LONG AS ROBINSON'S LIFE AND BLOOD ARE NOT ALSO IN THIS BRIDGE!"

The Mysteries That Remain Until Today

The bridge became strong. After the sacrifice, the British iron bridge built in 1933 has remained intact until today, even after countless major floods.

Solungkoi's name plate. Regretting his actions, Robinson is said to have carved Solungkoi's name on an iron plate and attached it to the piling where she was buried. Divers who have dived under the Tamparuli River bridge claim the plate can still be seen today, but its exact location is kept secret for safety reasons.

Robinson's suicide. Out of remorse, Robinson eventually killed himself by letting himself be drowned by Tombuakar — only then was Solungkoi's curse lifted.

Locals also make a distinction: the Tamparuli Hanging Bridge (the wooden, shaky one for pedestrians and a tourist icon) is NOT the same as the Tamparuli Iron Bridge where the Solungkoi sacrifice happened. Many people think they are the same.

That's why there is the famous Sabah song "Jambatan doh Tamparuli" composed by Justin Lusah in the 70s — a song about a girl in high heels crossing the shaky bridge. Behind the cheerful melody lies the tragic story of Solungkoi.

Until today, locals still believe Solungkoi's spirit is the guardian of the bridge, and her whispers can be heard whenever there is a tragedy or accident in the area.

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

16 October 2026: 1:34 a.m.

Why does Singapore still retain Malay as its National Language, and why is Singapore’s national anthem also in Malay?

Singapore retains Malay (Bahasa Melayu) as its national language, and its national anthem, Majulah Singapura, is sung exclusively in Malay to honour the country's indigenous heritage, acknowledge its geographical context in the Malay Archipelago, and promote multiethnic unity. 

Even though Chinese Singaporeans make up the demographic majority and English is the primary language of business and education, Malay holds a unique, constitutionally protected status. 

The structural reasons for this policy are outlined below:

Why Malay Is the National Language

Why the National Anthem is in Malay

Factor	Description
Indigenous Recognition	The Constitution of Singapore explicitly recognises Malays as the indigenous people of the Island. Retaining Malay as the national language is a symbolic commitment to protect their heritage and culture.
Geographical & Regional Realities	Singapore is located in the heart of the Malay world, bordered by Malay-majority nations like Malaysia and Indonesia. Embracing Malay at Independence in 1965 reassured its neighbours of Singapore's integration into Southeast Asia.
Racial Neutrality & Inclusivity	Selecting the language of the majority Chinese population (Mandarin) could have caused domestic friction among minority groups and regional anxiety. Malay served as an ethnically neutral choice for nation-building.

The national anthem, "Majulah Singapura" (Onwards Singapore), was composed in 1958 by Zubir Said as an official theme song for the City Council. 

When Singapore attained self-government in 1959, Deputy Prime Minister Dr Toh Chin Chye led the search for a state anthem. He insisted that the anthem be brief and written in Malay because: 

• Universal Appeal: A Malay version was seen as an indigenous expression that would appeal to all races, serving as a cultural bridge rather than favouring the immigrant majority. 
• Historical Integration: At the time, Singapore was planning for political merger with the Federation of Malaya (which occurred from 1963 to 1965), making a Malay anthem highly practical and politically unifying.

Contemporary Usage and Legal Protection

The national anthem is strictly governed by the National Symbols Act 2022. By law, it must be sung using the original Malay lyrics to preserve its historical meaning and respect. 

While official translations exist in English, Mandarin, and Tamil for comprehension, the actual singing of the anthem—along with military parade commands—remains entirely in Malay. 

On the online forum Quora, users widely agree that keeping the anthem and national language in Malay avoids alienating minority ethnic groups, maintains regional harmony, and anchors Singapore to its pre-colonial roots. 

The Biography of Zubir Said (1907–1987)

Zubir bin Said, affectionately known as "Pak Zubir" or "Mr Mari Kita", was a legendary self-taught composer who wrote Singapore’s national anthem, Majulah Singapura. 

Life Stage / Attribute	Details
Early Life & Rebellion	Born on July 22, 1907, in Bukittinggi, West Sumatra. His mother died when he was seven. His village-chieftain father strongly opposed music, viewing it as haram (forbidden). Defying his family, a young Zubir taught himself to play a homemade bamboo flute, guitar, and drums.
Migration to Singapore	In 1928, at age 21, he fled to Singapore on a cargo vessel. He was lured by a friend's promise of a land with "glittering lights, coffee with milk, and butter" and a desire to escape cultural restraints.
Golden Age Film Career	He started as a violinist for a bangsawan (Malay opera) troupe before becoming a recording supervisor for His Master's Voice (HMV). From the late 1940s to 1964, he worked as a head composer and arranger for Shaw Brothers and Cathay-Keris Film Productions, scoring music during the "Golden Age of Malay Cinema".
Prolific Output	Despite never having a formal education in Western music notations, he composed over 1,500 songs, prioritising authentic Malay roots over imported Western rhythms.
Major Compositions	Beyond the national anthem, he composed Semoga Bahagia (May You Achieve Happiness), which remains Singapore's official Children's Day song.
Accolades & Legacy	He was awarded the Public Service Star (Bintang Bakti Masyarakat) in 1963. He passed away from liver failure on November 16, 1987, at age 80. Today, the street 1 Zubir Said Drive (home to the School of the Arts) is named after him.

Why Military Commands Are Still Given in Malay

Fact / Reason	Explanation
The Constitutional Mandate	As established by the Constitution, Malay is the sole national language of Singapore. Using it for state machinery—including the military—is a direct reflection of its symbolic supreme status over the other three official languages (English, Mandarin, and Tamil).
Historical Lineage	Singapore’s early defence units, such as the Singapore Volunteer Corps (SVC), operated under British Malaya commands. Furthermore, during Singapore's brief merger with Malaysia (1963–1965), military protocols were heavily standardised in Malay. Keeping the commands post-independence provided institutional continuity.
Operational Uniformity	In a highly multiracial conscript army (National Service), having a single, unified language for drills ensures absolute clarity. Shouting commands in multiple languages during a crisis would create chaos. Using Malay places all recruits, regardless of ethnic background, on a completely neutral and equal playing field.
Operational Privacy	While less critical today, historically, using a distinct set of localised commands separated Singapore's operational drills from generic British standard English commands, giving the young military a distinct national identity.

If you attend a military parade or witness training within the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), Singapore Police Force (SPF), or Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), you will hear shouting like "Sedia!" (Attention!) or "Cepat Jalan!" (Forward March!). 

The retention of Malay for all official foot drill and military commands is driven by several operational and historical factors:

While formal commands on the parade square are strictly issued in Malay, the everyday language of instruction, tactical planning, and general military communication in the SAF is conducted in English.

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

15 October 2026: 2:09 p.m.

PAHANG DALAM CATATAN DUNIA 1,577 TAHUN LALU

Source: Kisah Sejarah Malaysia dan Nusantara

Sebuah catatan Cina yang berjudul Sejarah Selatan (Nánshǐ 南史) merekodkan enam tarikh diplomatik antara Pahang dan Cina antara 449 hingga 466 Masihi. Nánshǐ (南史) merupakan sebuah karya sejarah Cina yang mencatat sejarah empat dinasti selatan. Liu Song (劉宋, Liú Sòng), Qi Selatan (南齊, Nán Qí), Liang (梁, Liáng) dan Chen (陳, Chén), dari tahun 420 hingga 589 Masihi. Karya ini disusun oleh Li Yanshou (李延壽, Lǐ Yánshòu) pada zaman Dinasti Tang.

Terjemahan bebas petikan tentang Pahang dalam manuskrip:

“Kerajaan Pohuang, pada tahun ke-26 era Yuanjia (449 Masihi), rajanya, Shelipoluobamo (Seri Poluo? Warma) mengutus seorang utusan untuk mempersembahkan 41 jenis hasil tempatan. Maharaja Wen kemudian mengeluarkan titah rasmi yang mengurniakan gelaran Raja Kerajaan Pohuang kepadanya.

“Pada tahun ke-28 era Yuanjia (451 Masihi), kerajaan itu sekali lagi mengutus seorang utusan untuk mempersembahkan ufti.

“Pada tahun ketiga era Xiaojian (456 Masihi) di bawah pemerintahan Maharaja Xiaowu, kerajaan itu sekali lagi mengutus pegawai kanannya, Zhuna Pozhi, untuk menyampaikan surat rasmi kepada maharaja serta mempersembahkan hasil tempatan. Zhuna Pozhi kemudian dilantik sebagai Jeneral Zhenwei.

“Pada tahun ketiga era Daming (459 Masihi), kerajaan itu mempersembahkan burung kakak tua berwarna merah dan putih.

“Pada tahun kelapan era Daming (464 Masihi) dan tahun kedua era Taishi (466 Masihi) di bawah pemerintahan Maharaja Ming, kerajaan itu sekali lagi mengutus utusan untuk mempersembahkan ufti.

“Maharaja Ming melantik kedua-dua orang berikut sebagai Jeneral Longxiang: Zhuxuluoda, pegawai kanan Kerajaan Pohuang ketika itu, dan Zhuna Pozhi, bekas pegawai kanan yang telah dianugerahi gelaran Jeneral Zhenwei.”

Ayuh belajar Cina sama-sama.

1. 婆皇國，元嘉二十六年，國王舍利婆羅跋摩遣使獻方物四十一種，文帝策命之為婆皇國王。

Pinyin: Póhuáng guó, Yuánjiā èrshíliù nián, guówáng Shèlì Póluóbámó qiǎn shǐ xiàn fāngwù sìshíyī zhǒng, Wéndì cè mìng zhī wéi Póhuáng guó wáng

Pecahan frasa:

婆皇國 (Póhuáng guó) — Kerajaan Pohuang

元嘉二十六年 (Yuánjiā èrshíliù nián) — tahun ke-26 era Yuanjia

國王 (guówáng) — raja kerajaan

舍利婆羅跋摩 (Shèlì Póluóbámó) — Shelipoluobamo, nama raja dalam transkripsi Cina

遣使 (qiǎn shǐ) — mengutus seorang utusan

獻 (xiàn) — mempersembahkan

方物 (fāngwù) — hasil atau barangan tempatan

四十一種 (sìshíyī zhǒng) — 41 jenis

文帝 (Wéndì) — Maharaja Wen

策命 (cè mìng) — mengurniakan gelaran melalui titah rasmi

之 (zhī) — kepadanya

為 (wéi) — sebagai

婆皇國王 (Póhuáng guó wáng) — Raja Kerajaan Pohuang

2. 二十八年，復遣使貢獻。

Pinyin: Èrshíbā nián, fù qiǎn shǐ gòngxiàn.

Pecahan frasa:

二十八年 (èrshíbā nián) — tahun ke-28

復 (fù) — sekali lagi

遣使 (qiǎn shǐ) — mengutus seorang utusan

貢獻 (gòngxiàn) — mempersembahkan ufti atau barangan kepada istana

3. 孝武孝建三年，又遣長史竺那婆智奉表獻方物，以那婆智為振威將軍。

Pinyin: Xiàowǔ Xiàojiàn sān nián, yòu qiǎn zhǎngshǐ Zhúnàpózhì fèng biǎo xiàn fāngwù, yǐ Nàpózhì wéi Zhènwēi jiāngjūn.

Pecahan frasa:

孝武 (Xiàowǔ) — Maharaja Xiaowu

孝建三年 (Xiàojiàn sān nián) — tahun ketiga era Xiaojian

又 (yòu) — sekali lagi

遣 (qiǎn) — mengutus

長史 (zhǎngshǐ) — pegawai kanan atau pegawai pentadbiran

竺那婆智 (Zhúnàpózhì) — Zhuna Pozhi, nama dalam transkripsi Cina

奉表 (fèng biǎo) — menyampaikan surat rasmi kepada maharaja

獻方物 (xiàn fāngwù) — mempersembahkan hasil tempatan

以 (yǐ) — melantik atau menjadikan dalam struktur ayat ini

那婆智 (Nàpózhì) — Napo Zhi, bentuk pendek nama pegawai tersebut

為 (wéi) — sebagai

振威將軍 (Zhènwēi jiāngjūn) — Jeneral Zhenwei, gelaran ketenteraan

4. 大明三年，獻赤白鸚鵡。

Pinyin: Dàmíng sān nián, xiàn chìbái yīngwǔ.

Pecahan frasa:

大明三年 (Dàmíng sān nián) — tahun ketiga era Daming

獻 (xiàn) — mempersembahkan

赤白 (chìbái) — merah dan putih

鸚鵡 (yīngwǔ) — burung kakak tua

5. 大明八年、明帝泰始二年，又遣使貢獻。

Pinyin: Dàmíng bā nián, Míngdì Tàishǐ èr nián, yòu qiǎn shǐ gòngxiàn.

Pecahan frasa:

大明八年 (Dàmíng bā nián) — tahun kelapan era Daming

明帝 (Míngdì) — Maharaja Ming

泰始二年 (Tàishǐ èr nián) — tahun kedua era Taishi

又 (yòu) — sekali lagi

遣使 (qiǎn shǐ) — mengutus seorang utusan

貢獻 (gòngxiàn) — mempersembahkan ufti

6. 明帝以其長史竺須羅達、前長史振威將軍竺那婆智並為龍驤將軍。

Pinyin: Míngdì yǐ qí zhǎngshǐ Zhú Xūluódá, qián zhǎngshǐ Zhènwēi jiāngjūn Zhú Nàpózhì bìng wéi Lóngxiāng jiāngjūn.

Pecahan frasa:

明帝 (Míngdì) — Maharaja Ming

以 (yǐ) — melantik dalam struktur ayat ini

其 (qí) — kerajaan itu / miliknya

長史 (zhǎngshǐ) — pegawai kanan

竺須羅達 (Zhú Xūluódá) — Zhuxuluoda, nama pegawai

前 (qián) — bekas / sebelumnya

長史 (zhǎngshǐ) — pegawai kanan

振威將軍 (Zhènwēi jiāngjūn) — Jeneral Zhenwei

竺那婆智 (Zhú Nàpózhì) — Zhuna Pozhi, nama pegawai

並 (bìng) — kedua-duanya

為 (wéi) — sebagai

龍驤將軍 (Lóngxiāng jiāngjūn) — Jeneral Longxiang, gelaran rasmi ketenteraan

#Pahang #PahangTua #CatatanCina #SejarahPahang

Manuskrip dibaca dari kanan ke kiri.

C&P

14 Oktober 2026: 12:14 p.m.

MY PHOTO: HISTORICAL AND INTERESTING PLACES (PAHANG)

1998: HUTAN LIPUR LENTANG / SELESA HILL HOMES

My wife's office family day, the classic 90s family day spot at Hutan Lipur Lentang at Bentong, Pahang, on 18 July 1998. 

Today, it is known as Taman Eko Rimba Lentang, a forestry department recreational forest right off the KL-Karak Highway (KM 42) at Lentang, Bentong. 

The Selesa Hill Homes at Bukit Tinggi before Bukit Tinggi became Colmar Tropicale. In 1998, Selesa Hill Homes was the go-to for government/company families back then. 

Today, it still stands at Kampung Bukit Tinggi, Bentong. The golf resort operation is gone. 

The area around it has exploded – it's now part of the Berjaya Hills with Colmar Tropicale, Japanese Village, and The Chateau all within 2-3 km. So no longer isolated like in my 1998 photo of just hills and apartments. 

2012: HULU DONG, PAHANG

Mukim Hulu Dong in the Raub District of Pahang. Hulu Dong is a hidden gem famous for durian orchards, especially Musang King. 

The town is also famous for the Black Tragedy, which made it its most infamous town in Malaysia. It's the Mazlan Idris murder case on 2 July 1993, one of Malaysia's most shocking criminal cases. Happened in Kampung Peruas/Kampung Lata Jarum in Hulu Dong. 

Police found the body of Mazlan Idris, State Assembly for Batu Talam, Pahang, on 22 July 1993; his body was dismembered into 18 parts, partially skinned. 

Maznah Ismail @ Mona Fandey, her husband, Mohamad Nor Affandi Abdul Rahman, and their assistant, Juraimi Husin, were found guilty of murder and sentenced to death by hanging. All three were hanged before dawn at Kajang Prison in 2001. 

We do realise that while having our lunch at Patin Sangkar, Hulu Dong in 2012, on our way back to KL from Kota Bharu, Kelantan, we were literally a few hundred metres from one of the most infamous crime scenes in modern Malaysian history. 

12/10/2012: Our outbound KL - Kota Bharu, the old Federal route 8, and the trunk road before LPT were completed. Kuala Lipis was the state capital of Pahang from 1898 to 1955 before Kuantan took over. 

KL > Raub > Kuala Lipis > Gua Musang > Kuala Krai > Kota Bharu. 

2013/2015: Lebuhraya Pantai Timur (LPT) – an interstate controlled-access highway running parallel to the northeastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. 

The East Coast Expressway begins from the eastern end of the Kuala Lumpur–Karak Expressway at Karak, Pahang, then runs through Lanchang, Mentakab, Temerloh, Chenor, Maran, Sri Jaya, Gambang, Kuantan, Jabur, Cheneh, Chukai, Kijal, Kerteh, Paka, Dungun, Bukit Besi, Ajil and Telemong, ending in Kampung Gemuruh near Kuala Nerus in Terengganu.

This is the second longest expressway in Peninsular Malaysia, after the North-South Expressway Northern Route.

The rolling hill with the split carriageway in the photo above is the classic CSR/Lingkaran Tengah Utama view that cuts from Mempaga up to Raub and Kuala Lipis. 

2013: DURIAN AT SG.JERIK, MARAN, PAHANG

Sg Jerik at Maran has always been one of the main durian stops if you're coming back from Temerloh/Maran towards Karak. Kampung Durian, D24, and now a lot of Musang King from that area too. 

2014: SUNGAI PAHANG AT CHENOR

My memories are at Chenor Jetty near Sungai Pahang, the longest river on the Malay Peninsula, 459 km in length. It flows from the confluence of Sungai Jelai and Sungai Tembeling at Kuala Tembeling all the way to Kuala Pahang at the South China Sea. 

Chenor is located about 55 km from Temerloh, under Maran District. The main crossing is now the Sultan Ahmad III Bridge or Chenor Bridge, 530 metres near Chenor, opened in 2006. 

2016: RESTORAN ADIK MANJA

An abandoned restaurant, one of Malaysia's most popular urban legends / haunted road stories. Built in the early 1990s under a different name, it was then taken over and renamed Adik Manja. 

The restaurant is empty and dead by day but allegedly comes to life at late night. People driving late at night from KL/Gambang to Kuantan claim to see the restaurant is lively and full of customers eating. The next day when they pass again in daylight, it's just the abandoned, roofless, bush-covered ruin, as in my photo – no lights, no people. 

2018: CAMERON HIGHLANDS

A 1,500 m high plateau in Pahang, surrounded by forest-clad peaks rising to 2,032 m. Founded by a British geologist and surveyor, William Cameron, in 1885, it was developed as a hill station in the 1930s. 

It has three mukims - Ringlet, Tanah Raa dan Ulu Telom. It is famous for tea (BOH Tea since 1929), strawberries, vegetables, and flowers.

Wikipedia: Cameron Highlands

2001-2007: GENTING HIGHLANDS

Hill station on the peak of Mount Ulu Kali in the Titiwangsa Mountains. Founded by Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong on 27 April 1965. The main attraction is Resorts World Genting. 

My memories at Genting:

2001: Attending a meeting at the Gentign View Resort on 17-18 February 2001. The building still exists today but is surrounded by condos. 

Wikipedia: Genting Highlands

2002: Attending the "ISO Training" for the staff and members of the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia, from 25 to 27 May 2002 at Awana Golf & Country Resort.

2007: Attending a seminar at Genting International Convention Centre on 11 May 2007.

2013: MARAN, PAHANG - BANDAR AYAM KAMPUNG

Maran is located in the centre of Pahang, between Kuantan and Temerloh. Formed in January 1981, from Pekan district plus Mukim Bukit Segumpal, Chenor, Kertau, and Temerloh were combined to form the new Maran District. 

"Bandar Ayam Kampung" means "Village of Chicken Town" – known as an agricultural town and famous for ayam kampung. 

2014: LANCANG, KUALA GANDAH AND BUKIT RENGIT

Lanchang is a small town in the Temerloh District of Pahang. About 32 km from Temerloh town, between Raub and Mentakab, accessible via the Lanchang interchange of the East Coast Expressway. 

The Bukit Rengit is the southern gateway to Tengku Hassanal Wildlife Reserve, the winding road up to Bukit Rengit, as in my photo above.  

Institut Biodiversity at Bukit Rengit is PERHILITAN'S training institute for the Department of Wildlife and National Parks staff. Inside the Institute there's Villa Rengit, where I and my colleague stayed during our health screening at Kampung Bolok Hulu in Lanchang in May 2014. 

Villa Rengit – the guest villas / asrama for Inst. Biodiversity

Kuala Gandah - National Elephant Conservation Centre, established in 1989 inside Krau Wildlife Reserve, managed by PERHILITAN. A base for the Elephant Relocation Team, which since 1974 has been rescuing problem Asian elephants whose habitats are being lost to cultivation or development and relocating them to suitable habitats such as Taman Negara. 

2015: TEMERLOH

Temerloh, Bandar Ikan Patin, located in Central Pahang, where the East Coast and West Coast meet. Famous for Ikan Patin (silver catfish) masak tempoyak. A catfish in fermented durian gravy, with tempoyak pieces. 

2017: KUANTAN, PAHANG

The capital of Pahag, located near the mouth of the Kuantan River. The administrative centre was officially relocated to Kuantan on 27 August 1955 from Kuala Lipis. 

Started as a small trading settlement along Sungai Kuantan, part of the old Chih-Tu empire in the first century. 

My post is in front of the big KUANTAN sign across the river; that's Taman Esplanade – a 1 km long trail that runs alongside the Kuantan River. Located at Jalan Besar, beside the Kuantan River, near the MPK HQ. Many flocked here to take photos of the Kuantan sign, which is across the Esplanade itself. 

'Teluk Cempedak' literally means "Cempedak Bay", also known as Palm Beach, in Kuantan about 5 km east from Kuantan town centre. 

We stopped by for dinner after our health screening at Kuantan Parade from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. – work at the mall for one week, then evening lepak by the beach. 

Kuantan Parade

Kompleks Teruntum

The Kuantan Parade (where we had our events) and Kompleks Teruntum are basically next to each other in central Kuantan. Our team from Yayasan Jantung Malaysia covering the Parade for Health Screening would have passed the Kompleks Teruntum daily. 

Kompleks Teruntum was built in the early 1980s. Kuantan Parade was developed post-1995 by PASDEC. 

WELCOME TO PAHANG

Pahang, the largest state in Peninsular Malaysia, is a treasure trove of memories and experiences, with each district offering its unique charm and stories.

Bentong
From the lush greenery of Bentong, where family days at Hutan Lipur Lentang were filled with laughter and joy, to the bustling Selesa Hill Homes, memories of gatherings and community spirit linger. The transformation of this area into a vibrant hub with attractions like Colmar Tropicale showcases how time changes landscapes while preserving cherished memories.

Raub
Raub, with its rich history and the infamous Black Tragedy, serves as a reminder of the darker chapters in our past. Yet, it is also a place of hidden gems, like the durian orchards of Hulu Dong, where the sweet aroma of Musang King durians fills the air, creating a delightful contrast to the sombre history.

Temerloh
Known as the "Bandar Ikan Patin", Temerloh is a culinary haven. The taste of Ikan Patin masak tempoyak is a memory that evokes warmth and nostalgia, reminding us of family meals and gatherings that celebrate local flavours.

Kuantan
Kuantan, the capital of Pahang, is a blend of modernity and tradition. The iconic Kuantan sign and Taman Esplanade are perfect spots for capturing memories with loved ones. The evenings spent at Teluk Cempedak, enjoying the beach and local delicacies, are moments that remain etched in the heart.

Cameron Highlands
The cool climate and breathtaking views of Cameron Highlands offer a serene escape. Memories of tea plantations, strawberry picking, and the vibrant flower gardens create a picturesque backdrop for family outings and quiet reflections.

Genting Highlands
The excitement of Genting Highlands, with its theme parks and entertainment, brings back memories of laughter and adventure. Whether attending meetings or enjoying leisure time, the vibrant atmosphere is unforgettable.

Each district in Pahang holds a special place in our hearts, weaving together a tapestry of experiences that reflect the beauty and diversity of this remarkable state.

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

14 October 2026: 12:25 a.m.