GEORGE TOWN: In the march towards urban modernisation, trees are often seen as the first casualty. But for the Penang LRT Mutiara Line project, the urban canopy has been made a central pillar of its environmental commitment.
A mission is currently underway to manage the thousands of trees lining the project’s 23.7km corridor. While approximately 2,100 existing trees must be removed for infrastructure, they are not being cleared indiscriminately.
Under a stringent conservation mandate, more than 6,700 new trees will be planted — a replacement ratio of three to one — alongside a specialised rescue mission to transplant 86 prized trees identified for preservation.
Among the transplanted trees are big-leaf mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), prized for their timber used in musical instruments such as guitars and violins. Several pink mampat (Cratoxylum formosum), known for their striking purple-pink blossoms, are also included, along with familiar species such as rain trees and angsana trees.
Arborist Karwina Abu Bakar said the 86 trees marked for transplanting have been growing along the stretch from Komtar to Permatang Damar Laut for about 20 to 40 years.
“Factors such as the feasibility of forming a root ball, site accessibility for machinery, and the absence of underground or overhead utilities like high-voltage cables are taken into account before any relocation is approved,” she said.
The transplanting process involves careful pruning followed by a hardening period of one to two months to allow new shoots to stabilise. Trenching works are then carried out to prepare the root system, and the tree is secured using a ball-and-burlap method to keep the soil around the roots intact during relocation.
“The actual lifting process requires heavy machinery, including cranes of up to 60 tonnes, and is usually carried out at night to minimise traffic disruption,” she explained.
Once transplanted, contractors must monitor the trees for two years, with intensive care during the first six months. Trees must be watered regularly but waterlogging must be avoided as the roots are sensitive. Root stimulants and wound treatment coats are also applied.
Contractors are bound by a performance bond of RM2,500 to RM100,000 per tree, depending on size.
“The bond is only returned if the tree survives the two years after transplanting. If a tree does not survive, an arborist must explain the cause. Only valid and justifiable reasons will allow for the bond to be refunded,” said Karwina.
On new tree planting, Karwina said about 6,780 trees of at least 2m tall will replace those that were allowed to be felled. The selection focuses on native species with non-invasive root systems to avoid damage to road structures, complying with Public Works Department (JKR) guidelines.
“Larger trees are planted farther from LRT pillars, with canopy spreads of 7m to 9m at maturity. Medium-sized species are used along tighter stretches,” she said.
Selected species include flowering trees such as the golden shower tree (Cassia fistula), known for cascading bright yellow blooms; Thai crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia floribunda), with vivid purple-pink flowers; and the Indian cork tree (Millingtonia hortensis), noted for fragrant white blossoms. Leafy varieties include merawan (Hopea odorata) and kelat (Syzygium polyanthum).
Karwina said each stretch of the alignment will have its own charm and character, with commuters experiencing changing colours and forms from flowering trees along the route — reflecting the diversity of culture, food and nature that Penang is known for.
The approval process for tree management along the Mutiara Line is subject to a stringent, multi-layered procedure overseen by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP).
Mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said the process begins at the pre-submission stage, requiring comprehensive environmental and site studies including detailed tree surveys and arborist reports.
“Every tree within the project footprint is properly assessed for its health, stability and ecological value,” he said.
All applications, including detailed tree removal or transplanting plans, are channelled through the One Stop Centre (OSC) Committee. The MBPP Landscape Department plays a key role in evaluations alongside technical agencies such as JKR and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage.
Rajendran stressed that tree cutting would only proceed after fulfilling all conditions, including obtaining OSC approval.
“Tree management in urban projects is not just about clearing land. It involves balancing development needs with environmental preservation and ensuring the safety of the public,” he said.
Source: The Star
