New trees will be planted to replace those felled at Medan Ipoh. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star
SUITABLE shade trees will be purchased to replace those felled at Medan Ipoh, says mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin.
Ipoh City Council (MBI), he said, was in the process of getting suitable trees which would be planted in the same location.
“It will take some time, as we need to go through some processes, including technical meetings, appointment (of contractor) and getting the trees.
“The number of trees will be based on the suitability at the location, taking into consideration space and obstructions like road, fire hydrants and other items.
“Based on our planning, the replanting of the trees is expected to be done in the middle of July,” he said when contracted.
Some 10 Khaya senegalensis or African mahogany trees in the area had been felled at the end of last year.
The trees were between 20 and 25 years with an average height of 25m.
Rumaizi said MBI had received numerous complaints from the public about fallen branches and the risks posed.
“There had been a few cases where fallen branches had damaged vehicles and injured people.
“With the rainy weather and strong winds during the monsoon season, the trees were at risk of being uprooted.”
There had been cases, he said, where MBI had to pay compensation for damaged properties.
He added there had been 212 complaints received from the public about fallen trees in 2023.
“About 85% of these involved the Khaya senegalensis.”
Rumaizi said the trees’ root system could not take hold thoroughly, especially when planted near roads, drains and buildings.
“The trees have a fibrous root system, unlike a tree with taproot that can function to support the weight of the trees,” he said, adding that the roots were also damaging drains and roads.
