The felling of 35 trees at a playground at USJ2 in Subang Jaya, Selangor, was due to safety concerns, says Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ).
In a statement, MBSJ said the shady trees made the area too dark, raising worries among park-goers.
“A variety of foreign tree species were also found at the playground that were planted by residents,” it said.
The statement was issued in response to an Aug 15 StarMetro report titled “Upset over healthy trees felled in Selangor” that highlighted concerns among residents after the trees were cut down by MBSJ.
There were also concerns from residents that the tree felling had destroyed habitats for birds, causing a reduction in their population.
Responding to the concerns, MBSJ said it had carried out maintenance of the felled trees.
“A mediation session involving residents was also held and a replanting activity has been scheduled by the end of the year.
“We remain committed to ensuring safe green spaces for the welfare of local communities,” it said.
In a social media post on Aug 1, Subang MP Wong Chen had said MBSJ agreed to replace the felled trees.
The city council, he said, had also explained that the trees in USJ2 were cut for public safety.
The StarMetro report on Aug 15 also touched on similar issues taking place in Klang, namely in Taman Melawis and a recreational park next to Stadium Sultan Sulaiman.
Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) Landscape and Recreational Department deputy director Azzura Zainal was quoted saying the city council must have had a good reason for felling the trees.
Selangor local government and tourism committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim had said the two city councils would be queried on the tree-felling operations.
