Residents cry foul over naked trees

MBPP slammed for cutting down plants that provided shade on sunny days

GEORGE TOWN: Residents of Island Glades, Penang, are crying foul after the trees at their park were cut down and trimmed without their knowledge.

The 213 residents signed and sent a letter to The Star appealing for the matter to be highlighted.

In the letter, retiree P. Ramakrishnan, 80, on behalf of the residents, expressed dismay that a suggested dialogue session between the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and the residents around the Island Glades park was not held prior to the action.

“On July 19, the MBPP workers pruned and cut down some trees, then they returned on July 23 and further cut down more branches from the same trees.

“These trees now stand naked denying us the shade that we have been enjoying around this area.

“Those who exercise multiple times a week on the badminton court are now unable to have their daily exercise at the court due to the heat,” he said in a statement.

“Instead of creating an environment which is conducive for the residents, MBPP has made their lives miserable,” he said.

Ramakrishnan said this was not the first time such an incident had happened as the council had previously cut down the shady trees at the entrance leading to the park from Lorong Delima 3, where senior citizens used to sit and chat after their morning walk.

“There has to be a dialogue session to convey the reasons for MBPP’s actions. It will also help the residents air their grievances,” he said.

Ramakrishnan said the residents were not sure who had filed a complaint leading to the cutting of the branches and trees.

“If these complaints can be entertained, what about the unhappiness of the majority of residents who are affected by the MBPP’s action.

“We propose that in the future before any trees are cut by the council, a notice be put up to inform the residents that the MBPP would be cutting down the trees on a particular date and time.

“This will enable the residents to be present to voice out their concerns,” he said.

A spokesman for MBPP said the workers had carried out routine pruning on the trees.

“If there are trees that pose a danger, we will cut it but we always have a qualified arborist around during all scheduled pruning.

“They tell us which trees need to be pruned,” he said

Those who exercise multiple times a week on the badminton court are now unable to have their daily exercise at the court due to the heat. P. Ramakrishnan