RESIDENTS of Section 2 Flats in Bandar Baru Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur, are concerned about the risks posed by overgrown trees located just metres from their residential blocks.
The Block E residents are calling for the trees to be felled to prevent potential accidents.
The residents fear that the trees, which have grown dangerously close to the five-storey buildings, could fall during a downpour or strong winds, posing a serious risk to life and property.
Seroja management corporation (MC) handles Block E1 to E12 of the flats.
Lim says tree branches have fallen onto car roofs, damaging vehicles they land on.
Seroja MC treasurer Lim Cheng Hock said besides the residents’ fear of trees falling, they were concerned about tree roots damaging the concrete drains.
“Every now and then, branches fall onto car roofs, damaging vehicles.
“If a tree were to fall on a residential block, it would be disastrous as the trees are very large.”
Lim said tree roots had caused significant damage to the drains at various locations.
“The roots have protruded above ground, damaging parts of the concrete drain.
“Despite the visible roots, the trees are not deeply rooted.
The five-storey Block E of the Section 2 flats in Wangsa Maju risks having trees falling on it.
“Although there hasn’t been an incident of a tree falling in the area, we don’t want to wait for that to happen,” he added.
Section 2 of Wangsa Maju consists of 113 residential blocks with 3,400 units, housing a population of approximately 15,000.
Lim said 12 blocks of residential units in Block E were at risk.
“Some trees were planted right next to the buildings, while others are in the middle of carparks.
“We hope Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) can assess the trees near the buildings and, if they pose a risk, have them removed,” he said.
Lim also drew attention to illegal extensions by residents and uncollected rubbish in the area.
Kuala Lumpur advisory board member Andre Lai said overgrown trees not only affect Wangsa Maju but other residential areas in Kuala Lumpur too.
“Communities like this need the help and expertise of the local authorities to tackle these issues.
“I will speak to the relevant departments in DBKL to find a solution for the overgrown trees and see if a gotong-royong can be organised here.”
