GEORGE TOWN, May 14 — Joshua Woo Sze Zeng, a DAP assemblyman, has urged the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) to develop a comprehensive master plan for the care and maintenance of ancient trees in the city. This call comes in response to recent incidents of trees uprooting and causing damage along public roads and buildings. Woo emphasized the importance of proactive measures such as scheduled pruning and maintenance to ensure the safety of public areas and roads.
He highlighted incidents such as a tree falling along Macalister Road, damaging vehicles and property, as well as another incident on April 26 where a tree fell and damaged cars at Lebuh Raya Scott in Pulau Tikus. While acknowledging the significance of these ancient trees in the city’s landscape, Woo stressed the need for MBPP to prioritize the safety of Penangites. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between his service center team and MBPP to monitor and prune trees, particularly those along key corridors in Pulau Tikus.
Woo reiterated that while preserving these trees is essential, the council should not hesitate to remove any trees deemed dangerous to ensure public safety.
