Fate of PJ’s majestic mahogany hangs in the balance
WHAT is believed to be the last remaining mahogany (Khaya grandifoliola) tree in Section 17, Petaling Jaya, Selangor has an uncertain fate.

The recent spate of falling trees in cities across the country, most of which involved big non-native trees, compounded by the current heavy rain and strong winds, has gotten the public concerned.

Some have been urging the local authority to act fast.

The mahogany is a much loved tree among residents in the neighbourhood.

This non-native mature shade tree, also known as an African mahogany, can grow up to 30m high.

Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) councillor Terence Tan, said there was no decision yet on the fate of the mahogany tree.

“Some residents have proposed that we carry out work to release the concrete surrounding the tree.

“As the tree grows, it could break the drain and affect the road next to it,” he said.

A check by StarMetro yesterday revealed that the tree’s invasive root system had cracked the surface of the concrete walkway.

Tan said they would consult the MBPJ Landscape Department on possible ways to save the tree.

“It is a beautiful tree, easily 40 to 50 years old.

“There is periodic trimming, but we will also look at what we can do with the base (of the tree),” he added.

Tan said panic had struck residents in the neighbourhood after the sudden surge of falling trees in Kuala Lumpur.

“Some requested that trees up to 3m tall get chopped down, but we cannot go around felling trees; we need to find a balance to assure the public and manage safety,” he said.

In February last year, in a StarMetro report titled “Stumped by tree felling”, some Section 17 residents shared how they stood for hours under the 275cm-circumference mahogany tree to save it from being felled.

They had called on MBPJ to enforce the Tree Preservation Order.

Under the Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act 172), the Order is to protect big and mature trees from being cut or damaged if the girth of the trunk exceeded 0.8m.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Skudai asset management division’s land planning and development unit head Dr Mohd Suhaizan Shamsuddin said non-native trees like mahogany were introduced into Malaysia during the British colonial era.

“The mahogany tree has grown in tropical and semi-tropical climates.

“Several studies have been carried out on trees planted before independence.

“Now, heritage trees over 20 years face increasing threats to their growth and pose risks to the public, particularly in urban areas,” said Mohd Suhaizan, who was also a landscape architect.

He said the mahogany tree could still be saved, but this would involve funds to modify existing infrastructure to maintain its life and sustainability.

“An important consideration is soil characteristic, where the root space for the growth and spreading of large trees need to be stable.

“We must also understand the existing root functions to support the growing tree’s canopy,” he said.
Section 17,mahogany,tree fall,Terence Tan
WHAT is believed to be the last remaining mahogany (Khaya grandifoliola) tree in Section 17, Petaling Jaya, Selangor has an uncertain fate.