Stumps of the African mahogany trees at the Desa Sri Hartamas commercial area after the felling exercise between April and June. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
THE felling of several large trees in Desa Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur is necessary due to public safety concerns, says Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
In a statement to StarMetro, a DBKL spokesperson said 17 African mahogany (Khaya senegalensis) trees had been cut down around the commercial area between April and this month as a precautionary measure.
“The exercise was done because the trees were too tall and close to properties, with branches hitting building roofs. This could be a hazard as it is directly in the wind path.
“There were also multiple incidents where branches had snapped off, damaging public vehicles in the area,” said the spokesperson.
DBKL added that the tree roots had damaged the pedestrian walkways and it was difficult to identify signs of decay due to the thick branches and dense foliage.
“DBKL received an application from the Desa Sri Hartamas Owners and Traders Association on Jan 28 last year to look into the trees due to public safety concerns.
“A site visit was conducted and approval was obtained last December for the tree felling.”
DBKL added that the walkways and drains would be repaired after the exercise and new trees would be replanted at the site.
The felling of trees at the commercial area had irked some people who demanded an explanation from DBKL.
Edward Kok, a regular visitor to the area, said it was not right that mature and healthy trees were chopped down.
“Why not prune the trees instead of cutting them down completely,” he questioned.
Kok added that the trees were part of the neighbourhood’s identity and were an irreplaceable loss.
A Desa Sri Hartamas Owners and Traders Association spokesperson said while they had not requested for the trees to be cut down entirely, they were aware of the reason behind the exercise.
“DBKL arborists had analysed and evaluated the concerns and the nature of how these trees grow as well as the long-term effect.
“There had been several cases of trees and branches falling and the roots were damaging the pedestrian walkways and drains.
“We were informed that flowering Tecoma trees would be replanted,” the spokesperson added.
