Nearly 5,000 fallen tree incidents reported last year, Parliament told

PETALING JAYA: Close to 5,000 instances of fallen trees were recorded last year, says the Housing and Local Government Ministry.

Minister Nga Kor Ming said 4,828 cases were recorded with Selangor, Perak and Johor accounting for the highest number of cases according to statistics from the Fire and Rescue Department.

Selangor recorded 953 cases followed by Perak (575) and Johor (523).

Nga said 1,085 cases of fallen trees were also recorded as of April this year.

“The ministry urges the public to notify their respective local councils if they find trees that present risks and require immediate action,” he said in a written parliamentary reply today.

Nga said victims of fallen trees can make compensation claims from local councils.

“However, each claim is subject to the investigation findings of the insurer appointed by respective local councils,” he added.

Nga was responding to a question by Siti Mastura Muhammad (PN-Kepala Batas) who asked about the frequency of fallen trees and compensation received by victims.

The minister viewed cases of fallen seriously, highlighting the risks presented by older trees in urban areas.

He said the Town and Country Planning Act is used by the ministry and local councils to tackle the issue.

Nga explained that this empowers local councils to plan and protect greenery under their jurisdiction.

“The Act states that all trees with a circumference exceeding 0.8m cannot be cut down unless permitted by the local councils,” he said.

Among the conditions permitting said trees to be cut are those that are dying or already dead and presenting risk hazards.

He also proposed for each local council to have at least one qualified arborist to ensure efficient tree monitoring and maintenance.

Nga was responding to Lee Chean Chung (PH-Petaling Jaya) who asked about steps taken by local councils towards the risk of falling trees on road users.

Just this year, several casualties were reported due to fallen trees.

On May 7, a tree that was over 50-years-old fell on Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur killing one man and injuring two others.

The incident damaged 17 vehicles and disrupted monorail services.

On April 4, a 48-year-old man died after a tree fell on his car along Jalan Senawang-Paroi near Taman Rashidah Utama, Negri Sembilan.

The victim died on the spot.