BRANCH-ING OUT INTO NEW TERRITORY
OVER time, the vacant lot where a building once stood in Jalan Besar, Kuantan, bore witness to a large tree growing from the ground floor bathroom.
With high branches forming a green arch over the back alley of shoplots between Jalan Mahkota and Jalan Besar, the years have seen the branches touching the roof of the second floor of the rear shoplot across from it.
Chan Meng Sing, 82, the owner of Chan Chew Photo Studio in Jalan Mahkota, said: “The tree is so big that the branches touch the back of the shoplot.
“I am afraid burglars might use the branches to climb into the shop,” said Chan, whose shop has stood there before independence in 1957.
Chan said that he had complained about the matter to the Kuantan Municipal Council (MPK).
He claimed that the council was unable to take action as the tree was growing on private property.
He said he was unable to contact the owner of the private property, whom he claimed was a Singaporean.
He said his only consolation was crime was not frequent in the area and expressed gratitude to the police for doing a good job.
“However, it is still prudent to deal with the matter (growing tree) soon.
He said this was necessary to deter criminals.
ACTIONLINE:
An MPK representative said it was imperative for Chan to lodge a complaint with the council as they could still take action although the tree was growing on private property.
“If a tree growing on a private land causes problems and inconvenience to others (shop owners), MPK can act on their complaints and trace the owner.” She said the council could direct the owner to prune or cut the tree.
Another representative confirmed that MPK would send their staff to check on the tree soon.