KUALA LUMPUR – Kuala Lumpur City Hall must cut down all “high-risk” trees in the capital, ordered Federal Territories minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
The action is to be taken immediately, she said in a statement following this afternoon’s storm that felled another tree, on Jalan Pinang here, a week after a similar incident occurred on Jalan Sultan Ismail, killing one person and injuring another.
“I have ordered DBKL to take immediate action to cut down trees that pose a high risk in Kuala Lumpur.
“At the same time, DBKL has also been ordered to improve its tree management plan and set new guidelines for old or high-risk trees… to prevent similar incidents from recurring in the long term,” Zaliha said, adding that the guidelines were to be ready in July.
“To ensure that the environment is cared for, DBKL will also fine-tune a programme to replace trees around the city and ensure that they are strong and stable for the long term.”
A storm over the city today felled a tree on Jalan Pinang near Menara Prestige and Kuwait Finance House, causing temporary closure of the road to facilitate clearing work.
Videos and photos on social media showed the fallen tree on top of a car during the downpour and heavy winds that began at about 3pm.
According to RTM on X, work to clear the tree and branches was completed by 6.45pm, and Jalan Pinang was reopened to traffic.
The Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department, meanwhile, said the fallen tree on Jalan Pinang had caused damage to eight vehicles – three cars and five motorcycles.
DBKL however, said the tree, of the Ficus species, had damaged four cars instead, making it a total of nine vehicles affected.
“The tree fell on Pocket Park, Jalan Pinang, and blocked the entire road. As of now, no injuries or loss of life has been reported.” – May 13, 2024