Tree maintenance has been carried out on more than 270 trees across the Ampang Jaya municipality under an ongoing initiative to enhance public safety.
Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) said the works focused on large, ageing or unstable trees that could endanger motorists and pedestrians.
The project has been carried out along Jalan Pandan Ilmu, Jalan Pandan Indah, Jalan Pandan Utama, Jalan Bukit Indah Utama, Jalan Memanda and the Ampang Point commercial area.
MPAJ deputy president Hasrolnizam Shaari said the works, carried out in stages since the end of last year, involved 275 trees of various species including raintrees, flame trees, ficus and mahogany, at locations identified as high-risk.
He said the works focused on areas with heavy public activity, including major roads, parking areas, public spaces and locations with council assets.
The programme, he said, was aimed at reducing hazards posed by unstable trees, which could damage infrastructure, disrupt traffic and endanger public safety.
“We value these trees because it takes many years for them to mature.
“However, with the current weather conditions, public safety must take priority.
“A fallen tree can damage property, disrupt daily activities and even lead to legal issues, including compensation claims.
“That is why MPAJ is taking proactive measures to minimise risks before incidents occur.
“The council hopes the public understands that these matters are being looked at comprehensively in terms of service delivery and public safety,” Hasrolnizam told StarMetro.
Among the sites assessed was Jalan Kerja Air Lama, near a stray cat rehabilitation centre.
“Previously, the area was not heavily frequented by the public, but that has changed,” he said.
“Visitor numbers have increased, and we do not want to take the risk of branches breaking or trees falling, which could threaten lives and damage public assets.
“MPAJ is not saying the trees are unsafe or problematic. Rather, we are assessing their condition and suitability to minimise risks.”
Hasrolnizam said this in response to questions over the recent felling of two raintrees believed to be nearly 100 years old at Jalan Kerja Air Lama.
He said every tree removed would be replaced with more suitable species which were smaller, easier to maintain and better suited to their surroundings without compromising the landscape’s function.
“Trees that do not pose a risk to the public, property or council operations will be retained and maintained,” said Hasrolnizam.
In a statement, MPAJ said it was empowered under Section 101(1)(b) and (cc)(i) of the Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171) to remove, dispose of and prune trees within its administrative area.
It said the works formed part of the council’s statutory responsibility to maintain public spaces and manage safety risks.
MPAJ added that the programme also addressed tree root systems that could damage drains, pedestrian walkways and other public infrastructure.
Technical inspections and assessments were done before any work was carried out, taking into account each tree’s physical condition, overall health, risk level and records of previous fallen-tree incidents, the statement added.
It said pollarding (pruning involving the removal of a tree’s upper branches) was used in certain locations on trees deemed suitable for retention as an alternative to felling them.
MPAJ said the programme would be followed by tree replanting, as well as greening and landscape enhancement works.
The exercise comes as local authorities step up tree inspections and maintenance following several fatal tree-fall incidents and cases of property damage over the years.
The latest incident took place on Saturday, when a 43-year-old man died after a tree fell and crushed the car he was driving near the Singapore Embassy along Jalan Tun Razak.
In 2023, two men were killed when a tree uprooted during a storm and fell onto their vehicles along Jalan Bukit Belacan in Kampung Lembah Jaya Utara, Ampang.
In May 2024, a massive tree along Jalan Sultan Ismail in Kuala Lumpur collapsed during a thunderstorm, crushing 17 vehicles.
A 47-year-old man died after becoming trapped inside his car, while several other road users were injured.
In March, the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court ordered Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to pay more than RM824,000 in damages to the parents of a motorcyclist who died after being struck by a fallen tree along Jalan Kuching in 2023.
The court ruled DBKL had failed in its duty to properly inspect and maintain the tree.
