The root of resilient cities

Shady: A photo from a decade ago of a road in Kuala Lumpur lined with beautiful shade trees – but are they a danger too? — Filepic/The Star

ON May 7, a 50-year-old tree fell in Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, due to sudden heavy rain and strong winds. Sadly, this led to a loss of life, several injuries, and significant property damage. WWF-Malaysia extends our heartfelt sympathy to the affected families and expresses profound sorrow over this event.

Following this incident, as well as a few others within the past week, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is enhancing its Shade Tree Management Plan and preparing new guidelines for managing old and high-risk trees, expected to be completed by July this year. Apparently 175 high-risk trees – mostly over 50 years old – have been identified, with 147 already cut down. Inspections by certified arborists have reportedly identified 28 more high-risk trees slated for removal. In response, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that 100 trees must be planted for every one cut in Kuala Lumpur.