KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 1,085 cases of uprooted trees were recorded from January to April this year, the Dewan Rakyat was told.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said that last year, a total of 4,828 cases of uprooted trees were recorded.
Of the total, the highest number of cases were recorded in Selangor with 953 cases, followed by Perak (575 cases) and Johor (523 cases).
"Following this, the ministry encourages the public to collaborate with local authorities to report and gain suitable support services if there are cases of trees that pose a danger and require immediate action.
"Victims involved in accidents due to uprooted trees can also submit compensation claims through the local authorities.
"However, each claim submitted will be subject to the outcome of the investigation conducted by the insurance company appointed by the respective local authorities," he said in a parliamentary written reply.
Nga said this in response to Dr. Siti Mastura Muhammad (PN-Kepala Batas) on guidelines for tree planting along roads under the supervision of the government and local authorities, as well as the frequency of uprooted trees that have caused accidents from 2020 to 2024.
Commenting further, Nga said the government remains committed to developing sustainable and environmentally friendly urban areas.
In line with the National Landscape Policy, which aims to make Malaysia The Beautiful Garden Nation, he added that a comprehensive, functional, safe, and biodiversity-rich urban landscape development and management continue to be prioritized to realize the government's aspirations for the well-being of the people.
"Following this, the ministry, through the National Landscape Department and local authorities nationwide, has implemented the National Greening Programme by planting shade trees to provide shaded urban areas, integrating therapeutic aspects, and addressing the impacts of climate change, among other initiatives."