Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye has criticized Kuala Lumpur City Hall for its inadequate tree management following recent incidents of falling trees in the city.

The chairman of the Alliance of Safety Community attributed these incidents to insufficient safety inspections and improper procedures in handling trees in public areas.

He stated that weather conditions should not be used as an excuse and urged the city hall to implement a comprehensive plan to ensure the health and safety of trees, especially older ones.

Comparing old trees to "senior citizens," he emphasized the importance of regular inspections to address potential health issues and hazards.

"Old trees are like 'senior citizens'; they tend to have health issues and need proper management and care. They should be inspected frequently, at least once a year, and ideally more often. They should be checked for diseases and the condition of their roots. Some tree roots have been cut down for pedestrian pathways, but over time, these roots weaken and can cause the tree to fall," he said.

Lee suggested involving arborists in assessing tree health and emphasized the need to remove unhealthy trees to prevent risks to the public. However, he stressed the importance of replanting trees afterward, as they provide benefits such as shade and support for the ecosystem.

The criticism comes after another tree-related incident in Kuala Lumpur, where a tree fell on Jalan Pinang, damaging a police vehicle escorting Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh's convoy. This incident occurred a week after a fallen tree on Jalan Sultan Ismail resulted in the death of a man and damage to 17 vehicles.