MCCC Pahang proposes 2km tree-free zones along high-risk roads
The call follows the deaths of four family members whose vehicle was crushed by a fallen tree on the Old Kuala Lumpur-Genting Highlands road.
KUALA LUMPUR: The government should review safety along roads that cut through forested areas following the tragedy that claimed four lives when a vehicle was crushed by a fallen tree on the Old Kuala Lumpur-Genting Highlands road.
Malaysia Community Crime Care (MCCC) Pahang chairman Daniel Khoo said more comprehensive preventive measures were needed to stop similar incidents, including considering tree-free zones of up to two kilometres on both sides of routes identified as high risk.
He said the proposal would ensure that trees felled by age, heavy rain or strong winds would not land on the road and endanger motorists.
"Roads such as the route to Genting Highlands are used daily by thousands of vehicles including tourists, local residents, buses and lorries. Their safety must be a priority.
"We cannot act only after a tragedy. It is time the government looked at long-term solutions to prevent deaths that can be avoided," he said.
Four members of a family, including Maran UMNO Youth chief Mohd Radzi Rahimi, died when their four-wheel-drive vehicle was crushed by a large tree while travelling on the road.
Daniel said that with tree-free zones in place, falling trees would collapse into the forest rather than onto the road.
"We are talking about human lives. Do not wait until more people become victims before firmer action is taken," he said.
He clarified that the proposal was not to fell all trees, but to target specific areas identified as high risk based on geography and the frequency of fallen tree incidents.
He also urged state governments, the Public Works Department (JKR), the Forestry Department and local authorities to conduct periodic safety audits of large trees near major roads, and to use technology such as drones, digital mapping and arboriculture experts to identify ageing or unstable trees.
"We cannot rely solely on public complaints. Inspections must follow a schedule because a tree that looks sturdy may not be safe," he said.
"The cost of prevention may be high, but it is far smaller than the priceless loss of life."
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