Trees due for a trim as they are growing too close to electricity lines in Pandan Perdana

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THE roots of overgrown trees in Pandan Perdana, Ampang, are causing damage to houses and posing a danger to its occupants.

Pandan Glades Rukun Tetangga chairman Terence Ee said the roots had damaged the driveways and underground pipes of many houses.

“My neighbour Oon Chooi Fah had to repair his underground pipes twice in the last 12 months because of the damage caused by the roots,” he said.

“The trees can be found along Jalan Perdana 6/3, 6/5, 6/7, 6/10 and 6/12.

In need of trimming: Some trees along Jalan Perdana 6/14 are growing too near to electricity lines and into homes.

“One tree in Jalan Perdana 6/12 is close to an electricity pole,” he said, adding that he has been complaining to the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) since February last year but no action has been taken so far.

“However, MPAJ officers have visited the area to check on the trees a couple of times,” he said.

Yap Soon Peng had to repair his house and driveway which was damaged by the roots.

“The tree outside my house is about 12.19m tall and the branches have grown into my compound. The branches are likely to break and fall on my house during a storm.

“I have lodged three complaints so far since April last year.

“My latest complaint was on Nov 1 and I was told by the officer that the application to chop down the tree is awaiting approval,” he said.

MPAJ councillor Dorothy Cheong said there were many standard operating procedures to follow before action was taken.

“I have been following up with the council and was told that tree-trimming work is carried out every three years unless it was a critical case.

“It is cost-saving to trim all the trees at one go rather than attending to it case by case.

“However, the MPAJ officer have studied the trees and deemed it safe.

“Upon receiving a complaint on trees, the officer will check and determine whether to take action immediately or wait until the tree-trimming exercise. In this case, a tree-trimming exercise in Pandan Perdana is due next week.

Dorothy advised the residents to be patient as work to trim the trees is in progress.