adminKUALA LUMPUR: The court’s decision ordering Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to pay RM824,180 in compensation to the families of victims who died due to falling trees sends a clear signal to all local authorities (LAUs) on the importance of prioritising public safety.
Chairman of the Safe Community Alliance Organization Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the decision was important because it outlined the responsibility for maintaining safety that local authorities must shoulder in ensuring that public facilities and infrastructure under their jurisdiction are well maintained at all times.
He said the tragedy, which is not the first of its kind, highlights critical issues regarding consistent maintenance efforts in urban areas.
“While planting trees and beautifying the city are commendable initiatives, the efforts must be accompanied by consistent inspections, risk assessments and timely maintenance.
“Without proper care, roadside trees, especially old or weak ones, can become a serious hazard, especially during storms, heavy rain or strong winds,” he said in a statement today.
Lee stressed that local authorities’ responsibilities go beyond tree management and include the care of potholes, damaged footpaths, non-functioning street lights, unstable structures and other public facilities.
He said any negligence in maintenance could expose the public to unnecessary danger and lead to preventable injuries or loss of life.
In this regard, Lee urged local authorities to adopt a more proactive approach to risk management.
Among his recommendations are conducting regular assessments of tree health and structure, identifying high-risk areas along busy roads and implementing preventative pruning or removing dangerous trees.
He also called for the establishment of rapid response teams during extreme weather conditions and the strengthening of accountability mechanisms through proper maintenance records.
“The decision also sends a clear message, namely that when negligence leads to harm, the affected party has the right to seek justice through the courts.
“Let this decision be a stern reminder to all local councils nationwide to review their maintenance systems, strengthen enforcement and prioritise public safety,” he said.
He said prevention must always take priority over compensation because no amount of money can replace the loss of life.
Yesterday, the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court ordered the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur to pay compensation totaling RM824,180 to Gooi Ling Sim, 61, and Phun Kok Hoi, 63, after their son Phun Mun Lap, 30, died due to a fallen tree at a road divider maintained by DBKL.
The incident occurred while the victim, who worked as a crane driver, was riding a motorcycle to work on March 22, 2023, causing him to suffer serious injuries and die at Selayang Hospital on March 24, 2023.
— BERNAMA
