Be more refined in pruning trees
WITH reference to “‘Tree killers’ at work in Penang” (The Star, Jan 10), I support fully the call to local authorities to be more sensitive and refined in their pruning techniques.
Whoever the contractors were, it should be obvious by the sight of their boorish handiwork how much they know about botany or care about the trees unfortunate enough to be marked out for their chainsaw massacre.
It is heart-wrenching to see lush, green trees that have taken so many years to grow – and which are so vital to our environment – turned into wretched mutilated stumps overnight.
In all the pruning work I’ve seen in the city, never have I seen anyone approaching a “professional” supervising the work.
Don’t the local authorities, whether MPPP or JKR, have any one suitably qualified? Can’t they ask the Botanic Gardens for help? Or would anyone with a crane and a chainsaw suffice?
CH’NG HAN WEI,
Batu Feringghi, Penang, The Star
Treat our trees with loving care
AS a resident of Penang, I was so happy to read StarMetro North front-page story ‘Tree Torture’ on Tuesday.
That story highlighted the hacking of trees by a private contractor and the lack of supervision over such an important project which has far reaching implications.
The majority of visitors to Penang come here not to look at new concrete housing and highrises.
They want to enjoy the traditional architecture, the food and the scenery which includes the beautiful trees that line our streets.
Now, these trees — which are one of the most important elements that set Penang apart from other cities — are fast disappearing.
The increasing destruction of trees is evident almost every day.
Many businessmen are now destroying trees illegally to make way for advertising signs which are eyesores. This is such an oversight.
Destroy the trees and you destroy the heritage and birthright of future generations to enjoy.
As trees vanish, I guarantee, so will the tourists to Penang.
LEWIS, Penang.The Star
Friday January 13, 2012, The Star
Where are the experts?
It’s a bad job, says writer
ALLOW me to comment on StarMetro North story ‘One hack of a job’ which appeared on Tuesday.
State exco member Lim Hock Seng, who is chairman of Public Works, Utilities and Transport, said in his reply that the contractor ‘did not do pruning often so it was not practical to just trim a bit’.
To me, this is a silly and unacceptable explanation. It means it is acceptable practice by a contractor to do massive cutting of tree branches even to the extent of them becoming ‘bald.’ No wonder this has been practised by the Public Works Department and Penang Muni-cipal Council (MPPP.)
On MPPP president Patahiyah Ismail’s statement in the second story titled ‘Tree pruning necessary’ on Wednesday that the council sought advice from experts before executing pruning projects, I am sorry I don’t think so.
From my observations when council workers carry out massive cutting or pollarding of roadside trees, the huge branches cut down are still healthy.
There are no ‘so-called’ experts around to give advice, just manual workers doing the job cutting at their pleasure.
Branches are left by the roadside or pavement for a day to three sometimes, before being removed forcing pedestrians to walk on busy roads, thus endangering themselves.
Maybe, this is in keeping Penang green and clean. I have brought (this issue) to Patahiyah’s attention by e-mail. She directed her landscape officer to reply with a silly explanation.
I have also forwarded pictures at Edgecumbe Road, Pulau Tikus, taken on July 1 last year, to Patahiyah. Note the massive cutting on July 20 last year as well as the bald tree in the latest picture taken on Wednesday. This tree is now dead.
Is this advice from experts? What a disappointment from the statements of both parties.
AB YEE, Penang
