Gigantic worry over towering tree

RESIDENTS of Kampung Baru Jinjang Selatan want Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to take action to address the threat posed by a tree in the residential area.

The tree, which is more than 50 years old according to the residents, is located in the compound of an unoccupied house but towers over the roofs of four houses, including a pre-school in Lorong Jambu Merah.

Kepong community service centre head Yee Poh Ping said the tree was already in the compound when the houseowner moved in years ago.

“It is only after a huge storm in Kepong on Sept 19 that he realised the danger posed by the massive tree, which now covers the whole of his roof,” he said.

The storm, according to Yee, hit areas in Jinjang Selatan and Bandar Sri Damansara, causing several big trees to topple and damage vehicles parked along the roads.

He said DBKL had yet to fell the tree despite residents’ complaints.

“We have lodged complaints about this to DBKL since 2021, but we were told that such a big task would take a long time to complete.

“In June 2022, DBKL workers cut only a small part of the tree and said they did not have proper machinery to cut down the whole tree.

“The danger posed by the tree still persists.

“I hope DBKL can address the issue before any untoward incident occurs,” Yee added.

Loke: It is DBKL’s responsibility to ensure the safety of residents living in the area.Businessman Loke Choy Seong, 55, who owns Tadika Junior Bersama, said the residents were unable to resolve the problem due to the high cost involved.

“DBKL is refusing to chop the tree down because it is located within the compound of a house.

“It is DBKL’s responsibility to ensure the safety of residents living here,” he added.

Loke is also concerned about the possibility of the tree attracting termites, which could damage adjacent houses.

Tadika Junior Bersama president, who wanted to be identified only as Tan, said residents had noticed bees flying around the large tree.

Tan: It is unsafe for children to play outside as the tree could fall at any time.“Every time we see bees flying, we close the windows immediately,” she added.

“Fortunately, no children in the preschool have been stung.

“It is unsafe for the children to play outside as the tree could fall at any time,” said Tan.

When contacted, DBKL said it would investigate and take action on the matter soon.