28 trees identified as high-risk, says DBKL

KUALA LUMPUR: The Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL)-appointed certified arborists have identified 28 trees in the city as high-risk in its latest periodic inspection.

DBKL said these trees would be felled soon, following scheduled checks on trees 30 years or older, or those with a circumference exceeding 1.5m, around Kuala Lumpur since 2019.

“So far, a total of 175 trees have been identified as high-risk, where most of the trees exceed 50 years old. Out of this number, 147 trees have been felled.

“Our latest tree inspection in February had identified 28 high-risk trees in the city and they will be felled soon,” it said in a statement yesterday.

DBKL added that these high-risk trees were identified through the use of resistographs, Picus sonic tomographs or visual assessments to detect damaged or decayed branches or roots, leaning or unbalanced tree structures, and cracks in branches and tree bases.

“High-risk trees refer to those with a high potential for structural failure and falling.

“Remedial actions such as pruning, crown reduction, selective pruning as well as felling will be taken if necessary,” it added.

DBKL also said it utilised the DBKL Shade Tree Management Plan that was published in January 2019.

“This plan was formulated with various agencies such as the National Landscape Department, Malaysian Arborist Association, Forest Research Institute Malaysia, Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia, Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia.

“Tree risk assessment involves three stages by taking into account the physical condition of the trees.

“If the physical condition of the trees is unsatisfactory, further assessment will be conducted.”

On May 7, a large 50-year-old tree fell on Jalan Sultan Ismail here, killing one man and injuring two others besides damaging 17 vehicles and disrupting monorail services.

DBKL clarified that the fallen tree was located on private land, with maintenance being the landowner’s responsibility.

For matters related to the latest incident, claimants may call 03-2617 9509 (Finance Department) or 03-2617 9236 (Legal and Prosecution Department).