Felled Angsana trees could fetch up to RM100,000 each
GEORGE TOWN: Motorists have been unknowingly driving past millions of ringgit worth of timber, a value realised only after about 170 century-old trees had to be felled because they had become road hazards.
Each felled Angsana tree, with a gross weight of about 20 tonnes, can yield timber worth up to RM100,000, depending on its size and qualities such as the length and diameter of the logs.
When shown photos of roadside logs being lifted away by crane, Kedah Timber Association president Amin Mokhtar said Angsana is a medium hardwood that is relatively uncommon because it is not a jungle tree.
“It is what we call a landscaping tree. The wood is valued because it is beautiful.
“It has some of the finest timber patterns and is highly prized for making furniture, cabinets and art pieces.
“Around the world, when you hear of wood called narra or amboyna, it comes from Angsana trees,” he said, adding that the logs are a potentially valuable resource rather than waste to be discarded.
Amin said cutting the trunks into 2m or 3m sections to facilitate transport would significantly reduce their value.
“That’s why you see logs transported in full length on trailers,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) said the felled trees could soon find a second life as benches, tables or other landscaping features.
MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said the council is assessing the condition of the trunks to determine which could be sold, reused or recycled.
“Depending on the condition and suitability of the wood, tree trunks with commercial value will be tendered for disposal.”
Rajendran said 46 trees had been felled during operations in August and September, with the trunks currently being kept at an MBPP facility pending assessment and the tender process.
“About 80% of the tree trunks have cavities or are hollow inside. Therefore, any disposal or reuse is subject to the condition of the trunk and the tree species,” Rajendran said.
He said MBPP is exploring ways to give suitable timber a new lease of life through recycling and repurposing, particularly for small-scale projects.
“Where feasible, we will reuse some of the logs for small-scale projects such as making benches, tables and other landscaping materials.
“The condition, species, diameter and length of the timber will determine whether it can be reused or has commercial value,” he added.
Rajendran said the council would seek guidance from the Forestry Department on the expected market value of the timber before putting the logs out for tender.
“Those that cannot be reused will be disposed of at MBPP facilities in Batu Maung,” he said, adding that the disposal would be carried out by a third party appointed through a tender process.
