THE uprooted tree that fell and killed a man on Jalan Sultan Ismail this afternoon is over 50 years old according to Dr Zaliha Mustafa.

The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) said the tree was monitored by Menara IMC and was inspected by arborists registered with City Hall every two years.

“Sometimes trees appear healthy on the outside, but internally they are not, which is why it’s critical to establish proper guidelines.

“Menara IMC liaises directly with City Hall’s landscape department to conduct checks,” she was quoted as saying in reports during a visit at the scene with mayor Datuk Kamarulzaman Mat Salleh.

Dr Zaliha said there was a need for guidelines on the maintenance of the old trees in the city to avert future mishaps.

“It is high time, given the uncertain weather. These trees may look strong, but something needs to be done to ensure public safety.

“We expect to work on the guidelines the soonest possible,” she was quoted as saying.

A 47-year-old man was killed when the tree fell on his car on Jalan Sultan Ismail during a heavy thunderstorm in Kuala Lumpur today afternoon.

The Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department said the falling tree claimed the life of a 47-year-old man but rescuers had safely extracted another man who was injured in the incident.

“The 47-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics and the 26-year-old man who was injured was taken to hospital,” said operation commander Fatta M. Amin. – May 7, 2024.