Manjung: Management of trees along federal roads falls under the responsibility of local authorities (PBT), but the Public Works Department (JKR) and maintenance concessionaires are ready to work with PBTs to improve road safety, said Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the matter is stipulated under Section 101(b) of the Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171), which empowers PBTs to plant, prune or remove trees within their administrative areas, including trees located on federal road reserves within PBT jurisdictions. Dr Ahmad Maslan clarified that JKR's role does not include tree planting, as they focus on road furniture and signage. He emphasized that their concession agreements only allow for tree removal once a tree has fallen.

The Deputy Works Minister commented following a media report quoting Bentong MP Young Syefura Othman. The MP urged JKR and maintenance companies to collaborate with certified experts for assessments of mature trees and slopes along federal roads, especially after a tragic incident involving four family members killed by a falling tree on the FT68 Bentong-Kuala Lumpur Old Road.

During his visit to the Manjung District Engineer's Office, Ahmad Maslan received briefings on the organisational structure, division functions, and progress of infrastructure projects in the district. He highlighted the need for continuous monitoring and cooperation between the Ministry of Works (KKR), Perak JKR, and district JKR to ensure projects and maintenance meet required standards and timelines.

He reiterated KKR's commitment to strengthening technical service delivery and infrastructure development at the district level to maximize benefits for the public. The Ministry aims to enhance monitoring and coordination with JKR to maintain public infrastructure at optimal levels for safety and comfort.