Five deaths and nine injuries involving falling trees in KL since 2017, says PM’s Department

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 14 incidents involving fallen trees have been recorded since 2017, resulting in nine injuries and five fatalities, says the Prime Minister’s Department’s Dr Zaliha Mustafa.

“These unfortunate events have led to nine injuries and five fatalities,” she said. She noted that three cases are still subject to ongoing inquiries and court proceedings.

In some instances, claims had been declined as the accidents took place in locales not within the purview of Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).

Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat, she said resolutions have been made for the five remaining incidents, with insurance companies addressing the consequences of these high-risk trees.

She also highlighted preventive actions initiated on Jan 1, 2019, including the enlistment of specialists for the risk assessment of potentially dangerous trees and the economic assessment of trees in Kuala Lumpur.

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“So far, we have assessed 1,488 trees, 133 of which were categorised as high-risk and have consequently been cut down. We’ve also inspected an additional 240 trees that have been cleared, with these activities projected to conclude by August this year, particularly concerning high-risk trees on private property,” she added.

As of June this year, a total of 22,283 trees have been planted.

Due to climate change, previous storms have frequently caused trees to collapse, crushing numerous vehicles and resulting in injuries to individuals.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that for every tree that needs to be felled in the city, 100 must be planted. He has issued this instruction to Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Kamarulzaman Mat Salleh.

“I have instructed the mayor that for every tree that had to be cut down, 100 new trees must be planted,” he said.