Malaysia confronts deadly consequences of Kuala Lumpur’s neglected urban forest
- The Malaysian metropolis is home to tens of thousands of trees, but just 21 tree surgeons – and they’re struggling to keep up
Residents treasure the city’s many tree-lined roads, some of which trace their history back to the late 1800s when it was founded.
But appreciation for the green bursts of colour and respite they provide from the tropical heat in a heavily urbanised city has been tempered by a spate of treacherous tree knock-downs during heavy storms.
The worst on May 7 uprooted a large, old rain tree that had been a landmark on the city’s inner ring road, killing a 47-year-old motorist and blocking the busy thoroughfare, as well as an elevated monorail track along the route.
Since then, more storms have toppled trees, causing fear among the public over their safety and leading to calls for more preventive measures from the authorities.
Speaking to This Week in Asia, Saifful Pathil, one of Kuala Lumpur’s 21 certified arborists, said that the small number of experts in the field is an impediment to making sure the trees are safe.