Penang council to axe trees; road widening project to go ahead despite objections
No reprieve: The trees lining Jalan Masjid Negeri are set to face the axe soon
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) will proceed with its plan to cut and transplant trees in Jalan Masjid Negeri for a road widening project despite objections from several NGOs.
MPPP Engineering Department deputy director A. Rajendran said the project was needed to cope with the estimated 10% to 15% increase in traffic after the second Penang bridge is completed in September next year.
He said the project, which also includes the upgrading of the drainage system in the area, was scheduled to start in two weeks and be completed in 2014.
"The project costs about RM7.5mil, inclusive of cutting down and transplanting the trees, and building an elevated U-turn heading to Jalan Yeap Chor Ee from Jalan Masjid Negeri," he said at a press conference at the project site yesterday.
Rajendran said the council had to cut down the trees that are decaying, termite-infested and those with exposed buttress roots based on the report prepared by an appointed arborist.
He said some 20 diseased trees posed a danger to road users.
"We will try to save or cure 44 out of 88 trees that were intended to be cut down.
"After the completion of the road widening project, shrubs will be planted along the stretch," Rajendran said, adding that the council would hold a dialogue with the Malaysian Nature Society, Friends of Penang Botanic Gardens, Consumers Association of Penang and Sahabat Alam Malaysia today.
Penang MCA advisor Datuk Koay Kar Huah voiced support for the NGOs' stand.
"It will be very arrogant of MPPP to proceed as it appears to be a unilateral decision as the residents were not consulted.
"Wakil rakyat must realise that they must hear the voices of the masses," he said in a statement.
-The Star-
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