SHAH ALAM, May 9 — Selangor’s local authorities have been ordered to prune old trees to prevent them from posing a danger to the public if they should collapse, as was the case along Jalan Sultan Ismail in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday (May 7).
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said the matter would be discussed during the Selangor State Executive Council (MMKN) meeting tomorrow.
“Tree-cutting work must be carried out to prevent incidents, especially during heavy rains or strong winds.
“This is a phenomenon which should be taken seriously, especially by the local authorities, to ensure the safety and well-being of the surrounding populace,” he said.
Amirudin was speaking to the press during the Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated) or MBI’s Muhibah Aidilfitri event at the Setia City Convention Centre yesterday.
The Gombak MP is confident that all local authorities in Selangor have learned from their experiences in handling numerous instances of falling trees caused by heavy rains around Shah Alam several years prior.
“Dozens of trees collapsed, and it was fortunate that no lives were lost. That is why I believe they have learned from that incident and have taken further steps, but reminders ought to be continually reiterated,” he said.
In the evening incident on Tuesday, a 26-year-old man was seriously injured while a 47-year-old man was killed when a large tree collapsed near the Monorail station along Jalan Sultan Ismail.
The tree damaged 17 vehicles and the station, temporarily suspending operations at the Bukit Nanas, Raja Chulan, Bukit Bintang, and Imbi Monorail stations.
By 5pm yesterday, Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd and the Kuala Lumpur City Hall completed their cleaning and repair works, allowing the services to resume.
