DBKL To Chop Down 28 'High-Risk' Trees Following Recent Fatal Incident
The city hall said it has been taking measures to identify aged and high-risk trees since 2019.
By May Vin Ang — 13 May 2024, 12:23 PM
Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has identified 28 high-risk trees in the city centre and scheduled them for removal
According to the New Straits Times, following last week's incident of a large tree falling on Jalan Sultan Ismail, DBKL has released a statement saying it has been taking measures to identify aged and high-risk trees since 2019.
It said its certified arborists have been conducting routine inspections of trees aged over 30 years old and with a circumference exceeding 1.5m.
DBKL said it had identified 175 high-risk trees, mostly aged over 50 years. Out of those, 147 trees have already been cut down, while 28 are slated for imminent removal.
On 7 May, a fallen large tree damaged structures around Jalan Sultan Ismail, including several vehicles, resulting in the death of one person.
Image via Aswadi Alias/New Straits TimesDBKL said high-risk trees are those with a high potential for structural failure and collapse
"These are identified through the use of resistograph, picus tomograph, or visual assessments to detect tree defects, such as damaged or decaying branches or roots, leaning or unbalanced tree structures, and cracks in branches and tree bases.
"Further actions, such as pruning, crown reduction, selective pruning, and felling, will be undertaken as necessary," it said.
On 7 May, a motorist was killed by the uprooted tree that fell on Jalan Sultan Ismail.
DBKL clarified that the fallen tree was designated for preservation, but since it was located on private land, maintenance fell under the responsibility of the landowner.
DBKL officers conducting an inspection at the site of the fallen tree.
Image via Hairul Anuar Rahim/New Straits TimesNonetheless, DBKL said it intends to improve its tree management plan and develop new guidelines for dealing with aged and high-risk trees
The city hall also reiterated that monitoring of high-risk trees is continuously carried out, with a focus on ensuring public safety while also considering environmental preservation and conservation.
