Kuala lumpur: Incidents of fallen trees in Malaysia are no longer isolated to the rainy season and now require systematic preventive measures, according to the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM). Statistics show that 26,001 cases of fallen trees were recorded nationwide from 2021 to June of the previous year, resulting in 50 fatalities and 243 injuries.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, JBPM Director-General Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad highlighted that emergency calls related to fallen trees remain consistently high, with between 4,400 and 5,200 cases per year. In the first half of 2026 alone, 1,912 cases were recorded. He emphasized that although the number of cases has not consistently increased, fallen trees continue to pose a significant risk to public safety.
Recent incidents underscore the severity of the problem. The Maran UMNO Youth chief was among four people who died in a fallen tree incident on Jalan Lama Bentong on August 3, while a 43-year-old man lost his life when his car was crushed by a tree near the Singapore Embassy on July 19.
Nor Hisham identified thunderstorms with strong winds and heavy rain, particularly during the monsoon transition phase, as primary factors contributing to tree falls. Additionally, the physical condition of trees, including age, disease, decay, and weak root systems, also play a significant role.
A Penang City Council investigation found that a 90-year-old angsana tree fell due to rotting roots and other structural issues. Nor Hisham noted that tree falls usually result from a combination of weather, physical condition, and maintenance factors.
JBPM advocates for regular tree safety audits, especially in high-risk areas such as main roads, schools, hospitals, and public parks. These audits should be conducted by local authorities or responsible agencies and involve qualified experts. Inspections should assess trunk, branch, canopy, and root conditions, among other factors.
High-risk trees identified through audits should be addressed immediately through pruning, treatment, or controlled felling to mitigate threats to public safety. Nor Hisham emphasized that regular audits can help identify early signs of structural failure, reducing risks to life, property, and public pathways.
While tree management falls under local jurisdiction, JBPM is prepared to cooperate by sharing incident data and coordinating preparedness for adverse weather. Nor Hisham suggested that local authorities fully utilize JBPM's data on fallen tree locations to identify recurrent incident areas and strengthen preventive measures such as mapping high-risk areas and coordinating actions before monsoon seasons.
Nor Hisham confirmed that JBPM has adequate personnel, machinery, and equipment for handling local fallen tree incidents. The agency collaborates with local authorities, the Royal Malaysia Police, the Malaysian Civil Defence Force, utility companies, and related agencies to expedite tree removal and ensure safety.
He also advised the public to stay informed about weather forecasts and warnings from METMalaysia through their official channels.