Century-old trees outside Wisma Muis in Sembulan are well maintained, especially since it has been accorded the ‘heritage’ status.
KOTA KINABALU: Precautionary measures have been taken by the Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) to ensure all 18,756 trees in the city are in “good shape”.
Disclosing that inspections are carried out regularly, especially of mature trees, Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah said the exercise was vital to avoid untoward incidents from taking place.
“We have a scheduled programme for checking all mature trees within our jurisdiction.
“Those with weak branches will be trimmed, and trees considered too old or pose a danger will be removed,” he said at the DBKK Kaamatan Festival on Saturday (May 18).
Sabin added that in the last two days, they received a total of 15 reports of fallen branches due to strong wind, two were recorded on Saturday while the rest were reported the day before.
“Thankfully, no casualties or injuries were recorded, and to date, there have been no claims for damage to vehicles or property caused by fallen trees,” said Sabin.
He also said the Fire and Rescue Services Department and Public Works Department are conducting tree inspections.
There are about 100 trees in Kota Kinabalu alone, including the rainforest tree outside Wisma Muis in Sembulan believed to be 100 years old, which have been accorded “heritage” status.
Earlier this month, a 47-year-old man died when a large tree fell in downtown Kuala Lumpur outside the Concorde Hotel on Jalan Sultan Ismail. Two others were injured, several vehicles were damaged, and the monorail line was obstructed.
Less than a week later, another tree fell nearby in front of Menara Prestige on Jalan Pinang, damaging a police patrol car escorting Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
Similar incidents were reported in Penang, Alor Setar, and Nilai in May.
