Works ministry orders tree inventory along federal roads after Bentong tragedy

The works ministry has ordered a tree inventory along federal roads following the tragedy in Bentong in which a family died when a tree fell on their vehicle.

Deputy Works Minister Ahmad Maslan said the inventory would form the basis for risk assessment, the setting of maintenance work priorities, and the coordination of action with local authorities and related agencies.

He said inspections of slopes and geotechnical aspects would also continue to be strengthened, particularly at high-risk locations and throughout the rainy season, to allow mitigation measures to be carried out more effectively.

"The proposal to expand the maintenance scope to include monitoring of mature vegetation and slope conditions from a geotechnical aspect, especially during extreme weather and the rainy season, is in line with the government's continuous efforts to strengthen road user safety," he told FMT.

Ahmad said the Public Works Department (JKR) already carries out periodic inspections and monitoring of federal road assets, including slopes, based on set guidelines, specifications and technical procedures to identify risky locations, assess risk levels and enable prompt mitigation and maintenance.

Earlier, he explained that the maintenance of trees within federal road reserves located in local council administrative areas falls under the jurisdiction of the local authorities, based on Sections 101(b) and 101(cc) of the Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171) as well as previous court decisions.

From a legal standpoint, he said, local councils have a duty of care to take reasonable steps to prevent risks to public safety arising from trees, including along federal roads.

However, he added, JKR also carries out branch pruning and tree felling at locations identified as risky, subject to coordination with the relevant authorities.

"This step does not change the division of responsibility under the law, but is instead a proactive measure by the government to reduce risks to road users," he said.

JKR also welcomed cooperation from all stakeholders, including local councils, technical agencies, premises operators, local communities and the public, to channel early information on risky trees so inspection and maintenance can be carried out promptly.

Earlier, Bentong MP Young Syefura Othman was reported urging JKR and maintenance concession companies to strengthen cooperation with certified experts to conduct periodic technical assessments of mature trees and slopes along federal roads.

In the incident at about 12.30pm, Maran Umno Youth chief Edy Radzi, his wife, child and sister-in-law died after a tree fell on their vehicle.