General : Root Rot, Cavity Contributed To 90-year-old Tree Collapse – MBPP

The 90-year-old Angsana tree on Jalan Macalister collapsed at around 9am, causing significant damage. Root rot and a cavity in the tree's base, exacerbated by soil compaction and limited space for the roots, were determined to be the primary causes of its collapse. Penang Island city council (MBPP) Mayor A Rajendran stated that the tree had 30% root rot and 40% cavity decay, factors that significantly increased the risk of structural failure when combined with the height of the tree and ongoing infrastructure works.

Fortunately, an elderly couple and their grandchild were traveling in an SUV that was struck by the fallen tree, but they sustained only minor injuries. The road was reopened at 2.20pm after MBPP cleared the debris. MBPP had assessed all mature and aged trees along Jalan Macalister in 2024, identifying 13 for removal, all of which have since been taken down.

The last tree maintenance work was performed on January 29 this year, and a remote sensing study conducted last year found the trees to be in good condition with no warning signs. This year, 179 high-risk trees have been approved for removal, with 148 already taken down so far. Rajendran emphasized that MBPP remains committed to prioritizing the safety of trees, particularly those affected by infrastructure work and restricted rooting conditions, and instructed the appointed contractor to expedite the removal of trees with potential collapse risks along Jalan Macalister based on certified arborists' assessments.