KLANG: The Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) will be asked to explain why it had chopped down several trees at a recreational area in the city.
Selangor local government and tourism committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim said investigations will be carried out to seek answers as to why MBDK had felled the trees.
“I will ask for a report from the mayor and find out the reason as to why MBDK had to cut down so many trees at one go,’’ said Ng when contacted.
Local residents, especially senior citizens, who frequented the park next to the Sultan Sulaiman Stadium, were both shocked and angry when the trees were chopped down earlier in February.
Not only do senior citizens exercise at the park, they also gather at the benches under the shady trees to socialise.
Senior citizen Roy Abdullah who comes to the park daily with his wife to exercise, said retirees who frequent the park have picnics there following every festival.
“We select a day and have a ‘makan’makan’ around the benches in the shade of the trees.
“Now that will not be possible as the trees have been chopped down,’’ he said.
Another retiree, who only wanted to be known as Kathy, said the trees have been there for decades and the place has lost its serenity without them.
“Even if they replant, it will take years for the new trees to grow. But it looks like there is not going to be any replanting as they have left behind the stubs,’’ she said.
According to sources, the council chopped down the trees because fallen twigs and branches had clogged the drains, resulting in an overflow whenever it rains.
Another park visitor Jean Sivakumar who goes there to exercise daily said if the councils had carried out regular pruning of the trees and maintenance of drains, the problem would not have occurred in the first place.
“The solution is not to chop down so many trees at one go. Did MBDK get any expert advice before doing this?” asked Jean.
In an earlier interview, 75-year-old G. Maniam, had said trees were important for good health and creating a happy environment in parks frequented by seniors like him.
Harun Idris, 43, had said the trees looked healthy and sturdy.
Ng meanwhile, agreed that trees played a pivotal role in recreational areas as they provided fresh air and shade.
“Trees are assets and should not be arbitrarily chopped down as it takes a long time for new trees to grow,” he added.
When contacted immediately after the tree-felling exercise, an MBDK official said there were complaints about the trees from a nearby school and park users.
“The trees posed a danger to a nearby school,’’ she added.
