Ipoh City Council prioritises tree safety and maintenance

The Ipoh City Council (MBI) emphasises the importance of regular tree inspection and pruning of large trees to ensure public safety.

Datuk Rumaizi Baharin, Ipoh Mayor, highlighted MBI’s commitment to maintaining a safe and shaded environment across the city, including areas along major roads.

Proactive tree management

“MBI, through our dedicated department, actively monitors trees under our jurisdiction, particularly mature trees,” explained Datuk Rumaizi.

“We prune branches and ensure the base of the tree remains strong to withstand strong winds and prevent them from falling and endangering the public.”

This focus on tree safety comes in the wake of recent incidents in Kuala Lumpur where falling trees resulted in casualties and property damage.

Datuk Rumaizi elaborated on MBI’s tree maintenance efforts in 2023. MBI, along with appointed contractors, conducted maintenance on a total of 9,946 trees.

This included felling 2,066 dead, damaged, leaning, or diseased trees and pruning the branches of over 7,880 others.

“We maintain a comprehensive tree inventory in collaboration with the National Landscape Department and certified arborists,” Datuk Rumaizi noted.

“This inventory facilitates risk analysis of the recorded trees.”

Targeted tree replacement

DR Seenivasagam Park serves as an example of MBI’s thorough approach.

Here, over 220 large-sized shade trees have been meticulously inspected, with data collected on tree size, health, cavities, and holes in trunks.

“This data allows MBI to conduct risk assessments and identify potential dangers posed by falling trees to vehicles, property, or infrastructure,” explained Datuk Rumaizi.

Furthermore, MBI is committed to replacing Khaya Senegalensis trees, particularly those located in residential areas, businesses, and along major roads.

“This is crucial as 90% of fallen trees recorded were of this species,” Datuk Rumaizi stated. “These trees lack a strong taproot, grow excessively large, and are prone to rot.”

By prioritising proactive maintenance, data-driven risk assessments, and targeted tree replacement, the Ipoh City Council demonstrates its dedication to creating a safe and sustainable urban environment for all its residents.

Source: Bernama