By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 28: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) is finalising a collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) to conduct a study on the health of trees within its administrative area following recent incidents of fallen trees caused by strong winds.
In a TVS report, MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the study would also assess suitable tree species for planting, taking into account safety, wind resistance, and compatibility with urban infrastructure.
“The recent severe storms affecting several areas in Kuching highlighted the need to improve the management and monitoring of urban trees, particularly in the face of climate change,” he told the media at the launch of the PawSafe Pets Fair 2026 here today.
He said professional expertise was needed as MBKS’ landscaping unit does not have sufficient manpower to assess all the trees within its administrative area.
“We want to identify healthy trees and suitable species for planting. We need to ensure that the trees can withstand strong winds and do not damage infrastructure,” he said.
Wee said the collaboration was currently at the final discussion stage and was awaiting Ministry approval before the study could begin.
He added that MBKS, together with relevant agencies, had carried out clean-up operations since the incident to ensure affected public routes could be reopened.
“We have been working since yesterday until about 1am to inspect the areas and clear routes in collaboration with the Fire and Rescue Department, Civil Defence Force, police and everyone who assisted,” he said.
Meanwhile, Wee said MBKS was also providing assistance to victims whose homes were damaged, including those who lost their roofs due to strong winds by assisting with registration and applications for aid through the District Office and Social Welfare Department. — DayakDaily
