A DAP assemblyperson has alleged that 200 trees in the island’s south-west post were poisoned by unscrupulous people.

Teh Yee Cheu (DAP-Tanjung Bungah) said the trees were found near Tropical Garden, in Teluk Bahang.

Baffled by the discovery, Teh raised the issue in his written question at the Penang legislative assembly.

In his reply, state executive councillor for environment, welfare and caring society Phee Boon Poh (DAP-Sungai Puyu) confirmed the matter, saying the trees were located on a 1.5 hectare of private property.

According to checks by the South-west District Office, the incident involved Lot 732 and 733, Mukim 2, he said.

“Holes were drilled into the unfortunate trees, and chemicals were entered to kill them, the trees died an unnatural death, murdered by unscrupulous people,” Phee said when winding up his speech on Budget 2017.

“We are investigating the matter, and no stones will be left unturned, we promise stern action against the culprits,” he added.

Phee listed the implications which may arise from the poisoning of trees.

“The rich biodiversity of the area will be destroyed, there is possibility of landslides due to the dead trees, and water pollution from the poison or chemicals used to kill the trees,” he said.

Phee said the issue was raised at the District Action Meeting Committee and a probe is ongoing.

The state Agriculture Department has been roped in to probe the allegation about which chemical was used to kill the trees, he added.

The Penang Island City Council landscape department have been called in to probe if there are elements or activities of violation of earthwork conditions which can lead to landslides, Phee stressed.

“I have also directed the State Forestry Department to send its rangers to investigate if there has been a violation of conditions for cutting trees which are more than 12 inches in diameter,” he quipped.

“If the probe finds there are elements of wrongdoing on the part of the land owner, appropriate action will be taken according to existing law to curb similar incidents,” Phee vowed.