KOTA KINABALU: Precautionary measures are being taken by the Kota Kinabalu City Hall to ensure all of its 18,756 trees are in good shape.
Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah disclosed that inspections are carried out on a regular basis, particularly on mature trees, emphasising the importance of this exercise in preventing untoward incidents.
“We have a scheduled programme to check all mature trees within our jurisdiction.
“Those with weak branches will be trimmed, and trees that are considered too old or pose a danger will be removed,” he said at the city hall’s Kaamatan Festival on Saturday.
Sabin added that there have been 15 incidents of fallen branches due to winds in the last two days, with 13 reported on Friday alone.
“Thankfully, no casualties or injuries were recorded, and to date, there have been no public claims for damage to vehicles or property caused by fallen trees,” he affirmed.
Kota Kinabalu is home to about 100 trees that are a century old, including the rainforest tree outside Wisma Muis in Sembulan that has earned heritage status.
Earlier this month, a 47-year-old man died when a large tree fell in downtown Kuala Lumpur on Jalan Sultan Ismail.
Less than a week later, another tree fell nearby in front of Menara Prestige in Jalan Pinang.
Similar incidents were reported in George Town, Alor Setar and Nilai this month.
