One of two Ipoh trees left in the city at Persiaran Sultan Azlan Shah in Taman Lapangan Terbang, Ipoh.
IPOH: The Ipoh City Council has confirmed that it will continue to preserve the Ipoh Tree - the city’s namesake - as a symbol of local heritage, but only in a very limited number due to safety concerns.
Ipoh Mayor Zamakhshari Hanipah said currently only two Ipoh trees (Antiaris toxicaria) are maintained under the council’s jurisdiction.
The two trees are currently found at the Ipoh Railway Station Square, and the recreational park near the Sultan Azlan Shah airport.
“The tree at the square has been replaced several times due to root decay, believed to have been caused by the hard surface area and limited grassy soil, which led to water pooling and poor root health.
“However, the tree at the recreational park near the airport is growing in a more natural environment with ample soil coverage, requiring minimal maintenance due to its healthy root condition,” he said.
On July 3, The Star reported that once a powerful symbol of the city’s identity, the Ipoh Tree from which the city draws its name, is no longer widely recognised especially among the younger folk.
Perak Heritage Society deputy president Prof Dr Richard Ng had said the tree’s connection to the city name, and its cultural meaning, has faded with time.
Zamakhshari said the council has avoided planting the Ipoh tree in other public recreational parks such as Taman Sultan Abdul Aziz, Gunung Lang Recreational Park, and Dr Seenivasagam Park, due to the tree’s high toxicity.
He said the sap of the Ipoh Tree is highly poisonous, and could be fatal if ingested or touched, particularly posing a danger to children.
“As a result, this species is not suitable for planting in public spaces or family-friendly locations.
“The planting of the tree is carried out only in a controlled and symbolic manner, to preserve the historical identity of Ipoh City,” he added.
In 2023, The Star had reported that only two Ipoh trees remain in public spaces in the city, where the one located near the airport is estimated to be around 20 years old, with a height of about 12m.
The Ipoh City Council had said the one located at the square was planted in February 2018 to replace a 100-year-old Ipoh tree that fell during a storm in April 2017.
On Aug 31, 2022, an Ipoh tree at the Dr Seenivasagam Park fell due to rot in its roots. That tree was estimated to be at least 30 years old.
