FOLLOWING the recent downpours that have caused fallen trees and broken branches in the state, both the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) are committed to inspecting and monitoring trees at risk of falling.
According to state Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye, the MBPP and MBSP have submitted an investigation and monitoring report on large and old trees in their respective areas.
“On the island, based on the Penang Tree Inventory System (PeTIS), which stores tree inventory data, it is estimated that there are 40,000 trees in total, including 314 large trees that are over 90 years.
“Through this system, high-risk trees can also be identified, and targeted action can be taken immediately.
“On top of that, MBPP performs maintenance works periodically according to arboricultural practices,” H’ng said during a press conference held on May 22.
H’ng also shared that MBPP has appointed contractor with the expertise to carry out basic risk assessment and maintenance works at Jalan Macalister, Jalan Utama, Jalan Burmah, Jalan Kelawei, and Jalan Perak.
It is learned that so far, risk assessments have been conducted on a total of 561 trees out of 1,195 trees, with 131 trees categorised as unhealthy.
Therefore, stage-three risk assessments using ‘Piscus Sonic Tomograph and Resistograph’ equipment need to be done.
Apart from that, H’ng also said that there are approximately 115,706 trees under the administration of the MBSP.
H’ng added that the MBSP had carried out site inspections and marked a total of 96,586 trees.
“This year, a total of 23 trees have been identified as being at risk and eight out of 23 trees were felled. The remaining 15 trees will be soon felled by the contractor.
“In addition, internal inspections and monitoring have been carried out by the Landscape Department and MARRIS contractors,” H’ng said while adding that a new tree will be planted as a replacement.
Professional arborist Mohd. Zulfadli Mat Yasin, who was at the site, explained how to use the ‘Piscus Sonic Tomograph & Resistograph’ equipment to identify damage in trees.
“The duration of reading depends on the size of the trees; some can take an hour and more, depending on the risk levels.
“The equipment is used to identify internal damage in trees that cannot be seen with the naked eye. From the outside, the tree may appear to be in good condition, but we will not know its internal condition,” Mohd. Zulfadli said.
The work involving Jalan Macalister, Jalan Utama, Jalan Burmah, Jalan Kelawei, and Jalan Perak is expected to take up to two months to complete.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud