A recent social media post shows the “Ipoh tree” at Railway Station Square in Ipoh, Perak, looking dry and completely leafless.
This has led to speculation that the tree has died.
So, is this iconic tree really dead, as many are now suggesting?
VERDICT:
FALSE
The base of the tree remains green, indicating that it is still alive, says Perak executive councillor Sandrea Ng.
The housing and local government committee chairman said the Ipoh City Council (MBI) Parks and Landscape Dept inspected the tree on Jan 1 and found it showed signs of growth stress following upgrading works at the square.
"The issue is believed to be linked to an unsuitable drainage system, where runoff water from surrounding paved areas flows into and accumulates at the planting site, causing the roots to become waterlogged.
"According to MBI, previous excavation works revealed that the soil structure at the site is overly wet and not conducive to healthy root growth.
"The situation is aggravated during the year-end monsoon season, when frequent rainfall results in prolonged water stagnation," she told the media on Tuesday (Jan 13).
In 2023, The Star reported that only two Ipoh trees remained standing in public spaces in the city.
One can be seen at the Railway Station Square, while the other is located at Persiaran Sultan Azlan Shah in Taman Lapangan Terbang.
Ng said if replacement of the tree becomes necessary in the future, it must involve comprehensive site rehabilitation rather than merely planting a new tree.
She said this would include excavating the area, removing construction debris, replacing it with a suitable soil mix and improving the drainage system.
"MBI also noted that the Ipoh tree is a forest species that requires ample space and a natural environment to grow healthily.
"While another Ipoh tree planted at the Ipoh Airport field is thriving because of its open surroundings, the one at the square site is limited in space and surrounded by structures, posing challenges to long-term growth," she added.
Ng said that from a public safety standpoint, the Ipoh tree produces highly toxic sap, making it unsuitable for widespread planting or use as an ornamental tree in public parks.
As such, Ng said planting is restricted to the square as a symbolic feature rather than for broader urban landscaping.
"MBI has reaffirmed its commitment to responsible urban landscape management based on technical assessments, public safety considerations and long-term sustainability.
"The public is urged to rely on official channels for accurate information to avoid misunderstandings," she added.
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