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Pepper Estate residents live in fear as towering trees loom over homes

GEORGE TOWN: Residents of Pepper Estate Road 5 are living in fear due to the towering trees looming over their homes.

They are particularly anxious during heavy rain or strong winds.

Housewife R. Kalaivani, 50, recounted a harrowing incident four years ago when a large branch crashed into her kitchen while her son was in a baby walker.

Despite numerous reports to authorities, no action has been taken.

"We're being passed around with no solution in sight. I dread to think what will happen if the tree is uprooted," she said.

With most residents being elderly, they are worried about their safety, especially as unpredictable weather raises the risk of falling branches.

Tan Yeam Hock, 82, said that a group of them had sought help from the Kebun Bunga assemblyman's service centre, but to no avail.

"What's the point of acting only after a tragedy strikes?" he asked.

Lim Lian Choon, 68, who once had a branch damage her roof, is frustrated:

"I can't sleep when it rains or the wind blows hard. Why isn't anyone helping? Is a tree more important than a life?"

Goh Kooi Hua, 80, echoed these concerns, calling for urgent action.

"They knock on our doors during elections, but now we're left alone," she lamented.

Pepper Estate, developed in the 1970s, spans 29.6 acres and has a significant elderly population at risk due to the looming tree hazards.

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