GEORGE TOWN: A decades-old tree with a circumference of more than 2m has been felled after an inspection found its trunk to be hollow.
The tree, along the busy Jalan Macalister, was cut down in sections by contractors on Friday (Aug 28), with passers-by able to see the massive trunk reduced to logs.
Mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said the move was necessary following a recent falling tree incident in the area, which prompted the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) to inspect trees identified as posing a risk.
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"MBPP has identified trees along several major roads, including Jalan Macalister, Jalan Perak and Jalan York, for urgent inspection.
"The trees are assessed using instruments such as the resistograph and Picus tomography system to detect internal decay and weaknesses that may not be visible externally," he said.
He added that most of these trees have exceeded their life span and have started decaying.
Trees that have progressively slanted or become unstable as their root systems are unable to expand could also pose a threat and will be removed, he said.
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Rajendran said the work was part of an urgent 21-day operation to inspect and address potentially hazardous trees along the affected roads.
He added that the inspection would enable MBPP to determine if trees required pruning, monitoring, or removal based on their condition and level of risk.
On Aug 9, three people were injured after a large tree fell on their car along Jalan Macalister.
The incident occurred at about 9am in front of 218 Macalister Hotel, leaving the vehicle crushed under the fallen tree trunk.
