These trees along Jalan Jelatek have been tagged for inventory purposes and will be assessed if they should be removed or transplanted.
RESIDENTS along Jalan Jelatek fear that the canopy of trees lining the entrance to their homes will be chopped down in the name of development.
The residents noticed that over 100 trees along the stretch have been tagged “Duke III” since last month and are worried they will have to make way for the construction of the highway which is scheduled to begin in July.
The Seri Maya, One Jelatek and Kampung Warisan condominiums are situated along the stretch.
A Seri Maya condominium resident, who only wanted to be known as Din, said he was sad to see the tags round the trees.
“With the number of tree-felling incidents reported in the media, one would assume they would be felled because of the highway.
“The developer of the condominium had planted beautiful trees by the roadside to create a cool and calm environment.
“I am not against the highway but these trees should be preserved and cutting them down should be a last resort,” he said.
A representative of Kampung Warisan claimed no geological study was done.
“We only learned about the Setiawangsa-Pantai expressway project, previously known as Duke Phase 3 in February although it was approved in January last year.
“We were not consulted and have many concerns regarding its safety, benefits, and adverse impact on the environment and quality of life.
“We have also written to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and Duke developer Ekovest Sdn Bhd but our concerns have not been addressed.
“Several trees within Kampung Warisan have also been tagged,” he said, adding they have put up notices in bright pink over the tags, warning that transgressors would be prosecuted.
An Ekovest spokesman said the trees were tagged as part of am inventory exercise for the Duke Phase 3 survey corridor which is ongoing.
“Once the documentation is complete, we will see whether it is absolutely necessary to remove each tree for the construction of Duke 3.
“A report will be submitted to DBKL before obtaining a permit to remove or transplant the affected trees.
“The trees will be assessed by an arborist for their health and suitability for transplantation to a suitable location.
“We will be charged a fee for each removed or transplanted tree and it will go into DBKL’s fund to maintain green lungs in Kuala Lumpur.”
When asked if any geological or environmental impact assessment has been done, he said a report was still in progress.
Former DBKL advisory board member and social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said tree felling – legal and illegal – has been happening in many places under the name of development, redevelopment as well as road and drain upgrading.
“Trees may stand in the way of development but that does not mean we should cut them at the slightest excuse.
“Can DBKL guarantee new trees will be planted in the same area after the development is completed?
“Or will the place become a concrete jungle? he asked, adding DBKL must plant more trees to green the city.
“All development projects should also include adequate landscaping,” he added.
Peka Selangor/Kuala Lumpur (Peka Selangor) committee member Karin Lee said it should be compulsory for all developers or contractors with the intention of felling trees to consult stakeholders first.
“The people in the surrounding areas know best about the trees and would be directly affected by their removal.
“Felling should be the last resort and perhaps we should get expert advice on how the trees can be adapted to suit the development project.
“Trees play an important role in enhancing quality of life in urban areas.
“They improve air quality by acting as natural air filters removing dust, smoke and fumes from the atmosphere while releasing oxygen,” said Lee.
She added that Peka Selangor wanted local councils to adopt more constructive efforts to care for and preserve mature trees.
