When trees turn deadly: Rethinking urban tree management

THE recent tragedy on Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur, in which a 43-year-old motorist lost his life after a large tree fell onto his vehicle, has once again raised difficult questions about the safety of Malaysia's urban environment. Seven occupants of another vehicle were also hospitalised after the incident ("Tree crash along Jalan Tun Razak leaves one dead, seven family members hospitalised", Sunday Star, July 19; online at bit.ly/4pvNp89).

In response, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has launched a technical investigation together with the Malaysian Society of Arborists to examine the tree's condition, root system, soil, maintenance history, and environmental factors.

While many have attributed the incident to heavy rain and strong winds, extreme weather alone is rarely the sole cause of such accidents. Healthy, well-maintained trees are generally resilient. The real issue is whether our cities have robust systems to identify and manage trees that pose a risk before tragedy strikes.

Malaysia prides itself on being a "Garden Nation", and rightly so. Trees reduce urban temperatures, absorb carbon dioxide, improve air quality, and enhance mental well-being. However, mature trees also require specialised care. As trees age, they may develop internal decay, weakened root systems, fungal infections, or structural instability that are not immediately visible from the outside. A tree that appears healthy can, in reality, be dangerously compromised.

This is where local councils must move beyond reactive maintenance towards proactive urban forestry management. Tree inspections should not rely solely on visual observations after public complaints. Instead, councils should maintain an inventory of every mature roadside tree, recording its species, age, health condition, maintenance history, and risk level. Geographic Information Systems (GIS), drones, and modern diagnostic tools such as sonic tomography and resistograph testing can detect hidden decay before a tree becomes hazardous.

Several countries have demonstrated that urban tree safety and environmental sustainability can coexist. Singapore, for example, has developed one of the world's most comprehensive urban tree management systems. Its National Parks Board conducts systematic inspections of millions of roadside and park trees, particularly those located in high-risk public areas. Trees are assessed according to species, age, environmental exposure, and structural condition, with high-risk specimens inspected more frequently. Technology and certified arborists play a central role in decision-making rather than relying solely on routine pruning.

Similarly, cities such as Melbourne in Australia and London maintain publicly accessible tree inventories, allowing authorities to prioritise maintenance based on scientific risk assessments rather than responding only after incidents occur. These cities recognise that preserving mature trees requires continuous investment, specialised expertise, and long-term planning.

Malaysia could adopt several practical improvements. First, local councils should establish mandatory inspection cycles based on tree age and location. Trees near schools, hospitals, major roads, and public transport corridors should receive more frequent assessments than those in low-risk areas.

Second, every council should employ or engage certified arborists to oversee tree health rather than relying solely on general landscaping contractors.

Third, digital reporting platforms could enable residents to report leaning trees, exposed roots, or dying branches, creating a partnership between the public and local authorities.

Importantly, the solution is not indiscriminate tree felling. Following high-profile incidents, public pressure often leads to widespread cutting of mature trees. Such actions may reduce immediate risks but ultimately create hotter cities, poorer air quality, and diminished biodiversity. The objective should be to remove only those trees that are scientifically assessed as unsafe while preserving healthy trees that continue to provide significant environmental benefits.

The Jalan Tun Razak tragedy should become a catalyst for reform rather than another isolated news headline. Urban trees are essential to creating liveable cities, but they must be managed with the same level of professionalism applied to roads, bridges, and public buildings.

The question is not whether our cities should have mature trees – they absolutely should. The question is whether we are willing to invest in the expertise, technology, and governance necessary to ensure that these valuable assets remain safe for everyone.

In the end, the greatest lesson is simple: tree management is no longer just an environmental issue, it is a matter of public safety. By learning from international best practices and strengthening our own systems, Malaysia can continue to enjoy greener cities without compromising the lives of those who live, work, and travel beneath their canopy.

R. MURALI RAJARATENAM

Bangsar Park, Kuala Lumpur