Penang directs the MPSP and MBPP to look into old trees

GEORGE TOWN: In order to prevent trees from falling, the Penang government has directed the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) to keep an eye on and check trees, particularly old, high-risk trees.

H’ng Mooi Lye, the head of the State Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee, stated that his team also sent a note directing the two local authorities (PBT) to conduct routine inspections.

After officially launching the Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal (TSN) upgrading project here today, he told reporters, “The MBPP and MBSP need to send their weekly reports on the condition of the trees, especially aged ones, to me so that we can ensure that all trees are safe and will not pose a danger to the public.”

He clarified that the MBPP and MBSP have hired contractors to prune tree branches so that they do not break and threaten road users, in addition to constantly monitoring trees to make sure that no unfortunate accidents occur.

In Penang, we recognise how delicate the issue of trees can be. It is true that we are not allowed to cut trees at random under the Local Government Act.

We simply need to check the trees that are fairly old—more than 80 or 100 years old—to make sure they are in a safe state,” he added.

On Jalan Macalister here on Saturday, a fallen tree caused damage to five cars, but no one was hurt or killed.