DBKK steps up tree inspections, maintenance
Published on: Wednesday, May 29, 2024
DBKK workers pruning the branches of a tree.
Kota Kinabalu: City Hall (DBKK) is taking proactive measures to improve the management of more than 18,000 mature trees around the city.
To date, a total of 18,756 mature or old trees are under the supervision of DBKK and all of them will continue to be monitored closely according to the schedule that has been set.
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Following heavy rains and strong winds that often hit Kota Kinabalu recently, DBKK’s Landscape Department has intensified tree inspections, establishing a monthly timetable for inspection and maintenance.
“In addition to assessing each tree’s health, pruning of branches is being conducted as part of efforts to identify trees at risk of falling,” DBKK said in a statement, Tuesday.
While tree trimming is conducted according to a schedule, the focus is on mature trees along main roads, it added.
The city administrators have also given assurances that the care, monitoring and maintenance of the trees are conducted following best arboricultural practices to ensure they do not endanger people or property.
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Kota Kinabalu City has identified a total of 18,756 mature or old trees, all of which are closely monitored.
DBKK said it has also developed a comprehensive Mature Tree Management Plan, which includes mitigation strategies to tackle high-risk trees.
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Among the comprehensive actions to be implemented immediately includes standardising the stock inventory, acquiring new machinery and boosting workforce numbers.
Staff will also receive training in tree trimming skills under the established guidelines, with the aim of enhancing tree inspection actions conducted by certified arborists.
DBKK said these measures will not only reduce the risk of falling trees but also safeguard the aesthetic and ecological value of the city.
DBKK added that they will always continue efforts in preserving the sustainability of the environment and increase safety levels for the residents of Kota Kinabalu.
Meanwhile, DBKK, through its Enforcement Department, will activate “Ops Tunda” (Towing Ops), which is to tow and move and issue compounds on abandoned or obsolete vehicles that have been abandoned for a long time in public places; whether on the side of the road, on the shoulder of the road as well as in residential and commercial areas.
For the record, a total of 1,038 notices on abandoned/obsolete vehicles have been issued throughout 2020 until now, and 83 vehicles have been towed in the same period, through Ops Tunda conducted by the DBKK’s Enforcement Department.
DBKK stated that vehicle owners who default, fail or do not cooperate will face legal action under the Kota Kinabalu City Hall (Anti-Litter) By-Laws, 1984 (Amendment 2005).
It provides for car towing action and a compound not exceeding RM500 for continuous/repeated offences or, if convicted, may be fined not exceeding RM10,000 and all related costs will be borne by the vehicle owner.
All Kota Kinabalu residents are reminded not to leave vehicles parked in public places, on the shoulder of the road or on the side of the road for a long time to obstruct traffic and cause a dirty environment.
Ops Tunda will be implemented from time to time to improve the orderliness, cleanliness and safety of the city environment.
For more information, the public can contact the DBKK Enforcement Department at 088-527800.
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