KLANG: Local residents who frequent the park next to the Sultan Sulaiman Stadium here are perplexed with the Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) for felling some trees there.
Council sources said the trees were cut because one of its workers had informed the relevant department that small branches were falling into nearby drains and clogging the water flow.
Harun Idris, 43, who exercises there said not only were the trees indiscriminately chopped down, but he reckoned experts were not involved in the decision to do so.
“The trees look healthy and strong and recreational places must have trees.
“Even if the trees required some cutting, the way to do it must be ascertained by an arborist so that there will not be any damage.
“But here what we see is just workers coming and chopping the trees,’’ he added.
Harun added that the council should practice regular pruning as well as regular cleaning of the drains as opposed to arbitrarily chopping down the trees when mishaps occur.
A 64-year-old woman, who wanted to be known as Jackie, said the park was a pivotal point for senior citizens and retirees to gather every morning to socialise.
“That may not be possible now as there is no longer any shade for us to leisurely sit and chit chat.
“This had been a place for relaxation and to while the time away for many senior citizens for years,’’ said Jackie.
She added that with the felling of the trees, the peace and tranquility of the place had disappeared.
For 75-year-old G. Maniam, trees are important for good health and creating a happy environment in parks frequented by seniors like him.
He too opined that the council should have carried out regular maintenance work instead of initiating drastic action when things happen.
“It is very sad that such beautiful trees have been destroyed,’’ he added.
When contacted, an MDBK official said she will revert after liasing with the relevant department.
No response was received at press time.
