Now You Know Why Genting Kelang Trees Were Cut

Courtesy: The Star Online

Jalan Genting Klang no more a green zone

THE residents of Jalan Genting Klang in Setapak are crying foul over the cutting down of trees in their area.

Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) personnel carried out the exercise a week ago and residents, shop owners and motorists say without the tall, shady green trees, the area is hotter and dustier.

The residents are also puzzled over the action as the area has been gazetted as a green zone by DBKL.

According to a resident, who does not want to be named, the tree cutting exercise goes against DBKL’s policy in keeping the city green.

“I am not sure about the reason for this but it is not right to cut such trees. The least DBKL could have done is inform the public before resorting to such a drastic act.

“If they plan to widen or upgrade the roads, they should have taken all aspects into consideration and tried to maintain at least a few of the trees.

“It is a shame to chop down the trees that had grown so tall,” he said with exasperation in his voice.

He also added that a similar exercise was carried out along Jalan Gombak, Gombak and that the 100 year-old trees were cut for road widening purposes.

More at The Star Online

I highlighted this in an earlier post. Now that we know why, is our Mayor is going to put a stop to such blatant disregard for the environment? The MP has already written a memorandum to Mr Mayor and hopefully such acts would not happen again in future.

I wonder why don't they just dig up and move the trees? Not that these Yellow Flames have huge root balls. Why don't they just dig them up and move then inland further. Am sure City Hall has good horticulturists to teach them how.

These trees were planted on a huge budget years ago when someone wanted Kuala Lumpur to be the (now forgotten!) Garden City of Lights.

Now they are just lobbed off leaving the ugly stumps along roads? Will someone be hauled up to answer for this stupidity? I certainly hope City Hall will have some sense when they want to beautify the city.

Green the city you must but you also need to plan for the long term. You just can't plant trees today without considering whether you are going to widen the road in five years' time.