KUALA LUMPUR (July 25): The Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has implemented a periodic monitoring mechanism to evaluate high-risk and aged trees, particularly along the main roads of the capital.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa stated that the assessment of high-risk trees is conducted in three stages, with the first being visual inspections by non-arborists based on work experience and knowledge in arboriculture.

"The second stage involves a Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) conducted by certified arborists using standards set by the International Society of Arboriculture.

"The third stage evaluates the structural condition of the tree using a specialised tool called a resistograph and the services of a tree climber to assess every part of the tree," she said during a question and answer session in the Dewan Negara Thursday.

She added that first-stage assessments are conducted every 10 months, while the second and third stages are carried out at locations with a history of tree failures and a high number of aged, high-risk trees, including high-traffic public areas and densely populated with valuable properties.

Dr Zaliha clarified that DBKL's VTA inspections allow for a comprehensive and detailed assessment of the health and growth of tree parts such as roots, trunks, and canopies.

She was addressing a question from Senator Datuk Mohd Hisamudin Yahaya, who asked about DBKL's methods for regular monitoring of high-risk and aging trees in the capital.

In response to an additional question from Mohd Hisamudin about establishing a green area trust fund, Dr Zaliha explained that the fund, which aims to improve the quality of the nation's green spaces, should not depend solely on government contributions but should also receive support from the private sector and public donations.

"If this fund is established successfully, our efforts to increase green spaces and open areas in Kuala Lumpur, using the formula of 20 square metres per resident, in line with the aspirations of the Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2040, may be achieved faster," she added.

She also informed the Dewan Rakyat that DBKL is reviewing Sections 9 and 10 of the Financial Procedure Act 1957 (Act 61) concerning the establishment of such a trust fund, which involves the management of public funds.

She explained that the fund will be managed in accordance with Malaysia’s Treasury Circular WP 10.4 and the established procedures for handling trust funds, similar to other trust funds created by government agencies.

Furthermore, Dr Zaliha noted that the Task Force Committee on High-Risk Tree Management in the capital has identified suitable tree species to replace high-risk trees.

“We are considering not only the types of trees but also the land where they would be planted, including soil types and other factors. This will be detailed in the task force's plans, taking into account the current and frequently changing weather conditions,” she said.

She was replying to the additional question from Senator Datuk Salehuddin Saidin regarding the ministry’s plan to plant smaller trees to reduce the risk of property damage and injury to the public.

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