GUA MUSANG: A tualang tree estimated to be more than 100 years old and long regarded as a landmark along the Gua Musang-Kuala Krai route was felled on Thursday (Feb 5) to make way for the Central Spine Road (LTU) Package 2A project near Kampung Sungai Bayu.
LTU Package 2A project coordinator Fizal Irwan Abdul Wahid said felling works began at 9.15am and took nearly three hours, involving more than 40 personnel members from the project consultant, main contractor and subcontractors.
He said the roughly 60-metre-tall tree, with a trunk circumference spanning three arm-lengths, was removed following approval from the Forestry Department as it stood directly on the LTU 2A alignment.
"The operation was carried out in a controlled manner, including traffic management to prevent any untoward incidents. The work was fully completed by noon,” he told reporters at the site.
For villagers, however, the loss went beyond logistics and safety protocols.
"This tree was our signpost,” said Mohd Sopian Che Seman, chairman of the Federal Village Development and Security Committee for Mukim Relai Utara.
"When people saw it, they knew they had arrived in Sungai Bayu,” he said, admitting that the felling of the tree was an emotional moment for residents, but one they accepted in the name of progress.
"We let it go for development, and we hope the LTU Package 2A project will be completed on time and truly benefit those who travel this road,” he added.- Bernama
