GEORGE TOWN: Several hazardous trees along major roads on Penang island will be felled before the onset of the wet season.
Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said the trees along Jalan Burma, Jalan Kelawai, Jalan Utama and Jalan Macalister would be removed before the end of September.
“This will be done as the inter- monsoon phase approaches, when the highest amount of rainfall is expected.”
Rajendran said the trees had stability problems and were no longer considered safe.
“We have tried to save as many trees as possible, but now we cannot take any risk of further tree- falling incidents.”
Rajendran said 148 of the 179 trees approved for removal this year had been felled as of Aug 9.
“These are trees identified as hazardous through satellite sensing technology and confirmed by arborists.
“All the remaining 31 trees will be removed by Sept 15.
“Besides these trees, we are also inspecting others to assess their condition and take further action where necessary,” he added.
Rajendran said many trees in the urban centre were ageing, with some more than 100 years old.
Road-widening and drainage works had also affected the root systems of trees growing along roadsides, compromising their stability and increasing safety risks, he added.
MBPP currently has two arborists with 25 and 15 years of experience monitoring tree health, while another staff member is undergoing training.
The move comes after numerous tree-falling incidents in Penang.
On Aug 9, three people were injured after a large tree fell onto their car along Jalan Macalister.
On July 2, a 130-year-old Angsana tree along Jalan Batu Gantung fell during a storm, damaging the compounds of two houses and three cars. The tree was believed to have been weakened by termite infestation.
In May 2024, a giant tree fell across Jalan Macalister during a storm, damaging five cars and narrowly missing a woman driver and her son.
In April 2021, a giant tree fell onto Jalan Perak, killing the 53-year-old male driver instantly.
