SAM is Enraged over Attempts to Murder Trees in Wangsa Maju

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) urges the authorities concerned to take strict action and impose heavy penalty against vandals who tried to kill 17 trees in a park in Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur recently.

SAM is deeply disappointed with this irresponsible act and calls for immediate investigation to be carried out by the local authorities to identify the culprits.

According to the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), the trees were found damaged with parts of the tree trunks completely girdled, which involves the removal of the bark from around the trunk, causing their slow death.

DBKL lodged a police report subsequently. The species of the damaged trees were Tabebuia, Batai, rain tree and acacia, most of which are between 15 and 20 years old.

SAM urges DBKL to do their very best to rehabilitate and save the damaged trees although it is reported that the process is difficult and the success rate is low.

SAM is disappointed with this tragedy as it will affect the park environment and shelter for the public. The safety and wellbeing of the public is at stake, public property will be damaged and traffic will be congested if the trees die and fall.

SAM is deeply concerned with this heinous crime and calls for immediate action to be taken and heavy penalty to be imposed on the wrongdoers.

Media Statement, 16 December 2015