Nothing to crow about in Sec 14, PJ
THE quiet evenings at a residential neighbourhood in Section 14, Petaling Jaya in Selangor, are being disturbed by loud cawing from a flock of crows.

Section 14 Residents Association’s former chairman Selva Sugumaran said each day at dusk, the crows came to rest on Angsana tree branches at a playground in Jalan 14/8.

Several trees along Jalan 14/4 in Section 14 of Petaling Jaya have been lopped off, causing crows to migrate to a park close to residential houses. (Inset) Angsana trees at a playground in Jalan 14/8 are now where crows roost at night. — Photos: LOW LAY PHON/The Star

“The birds are very loud and it is distracting residents here.

“We never had this problem until several trees along Jalan 14/4 were lopped off.

“The tree trunks are still there but since there are no leafy branches anymore for the crows to rest there, they have migrated to trees closer to our houses.

“I have lodged complaints with Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) over this menace,” he said, adding that there was also a cleanliness issue from bird droppings.

The long-time resident said crows had been a frequent sight in the surrounding area for many years.

“The crows used to congregate on trees along Jalan Utara, but when the trees were chopped down to make way for the one-way loop, they shifted to Section 14, to trees facing the row of restaurants and shops on Jalan 14/4.

“I heard that the restaurant operators had complained that the crows were loud and their droppings messed up the area, posing a health hazard,” said Selva.

In March, acting on the complaints, MBPJ chopped off the tops of the trees, forcing the crows to move once again.

Selva says clearing trees just shifts the crow problem.

Selva complained that MBPJ should take more effective measures to solve the problem instead of just chopping down trees.

“The Angsana trees are about 35 years old and they should be protected.

“I suggest MBPJ try other methods, such as shooting the crows, removing their nests or placing decoys of other bigger birds such as eagles to scare them off,” he added.

When contacted, former MBPJ Health and Environment director Dr Chitra Davi N. Vadivellu said reflectors could be placed on trees to prevent crows from roosting.

“The birds generally stay away from shiny materials.

“We could place such objects on the trees to prevent them from resting on the branches.

“The cleanliness of the area is important.

“When the drains are dirty, especially in front of or behind restaurants, it will also attract crows and rodents.

“We need a clean city to control pests,” she said.

At press time, MBPJ had not responded to StarMetro’s request for comments.
crow menace,mbpj
Instead of chopping down trees, MBPJ urged to utilise other measures to control noisy birds.