KUALA KANGSAR: The first rubber tree planted in Malaysia, estimated to be 146 years old, is now said to be worth almost RM200,000.
Kuala Kangsar Municipal Council (MPKK) secretary Saiful Azli Mohamed Nor said the rubber tree, or its scientific name Hevea brasiliensis, requires maximum care with maintenance and treatment costs of between RM3,000 and RM5,000 a year.
“The current value of this rubber tree is RM194,183 and it is included in the list of heritage trees of the Kuala Kangsar Municipal Council.
“It’s turning 146 years old, so this tree does not have enough energy reserves to repair its own structure from any damage,” he told Bernama recently.
Grand Dame: The 146-year-old rubber tree grew from one of 22 seedlings brought in from Kew Gardens, England in 1877. — Bernama
According to Saiful Azli, the tree is pruned once a year at a cost of RM1,000 to RM3,000 depending on the difficulty of the work while RM500 to RM1,000 is spent on fungicide and fertiliser.
“Health evaluation and advanced assessment are done every two years with an estimated cost of between RM500 and RM2,000 depending on the current condition of the tree,” he said.
In 1877, a total of 22 rubber seedlings were brought into the country from Kew Gardens, England.
Of the 22 seedlings, nine were sown in Kuala Kangsar.
Saiful Azli declined to speculate on the tree’s remaining lifespan.
“However, we are trying to maintain the life of this rubber tree by giving it proper treatment and care,” he added.
