Residents of Bungaraya Condominium gathered at the Shah Alam Commissioner of Building's offices today to seek government intervention regarding the alleged illegal cutting down of trees in the area by their own management.

They claimed the Bungaraya Condominium management has cut down almost 22 trees in the area since the beginning of the month, amidst protests by some 30 residents.

They alleged the management has refused to take heed of their outcry.

However, when the residents gathered outside the Commissioner of Building's offices today to submit a memorandum appealing for his department's help, there was no one to receive them, save for two receptionists.

Jacob George, Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam Selangor (CASSA) president, who was also present, previously received complaints from the residents about the tree cuttings that were being carried out earlier this month.

"This (cutting of trees) was totally unwarranted and unexpected in light of global warming and the federal government's intention to push for green throughout the whole country," he told Malaysiakini outside the Building Commissioner's office in Shah Alam.

Residents were reportedly informed by their management that the trees had to be cut down due to "ant problems".

"Then we were told the branches had to be cut down as leaves were falling into the swimming pool, and also because the roots were growing towards the pool parameters.

"Couldn't they have just attached a net to catch the leaves?" one resident asked.

Although some 20 residents, who had gathered to hand over a memorandum, assured reporters they had no problems with the trees being felled, they questioned leaving the roots growing.

"If the roots really are getting nearer to the pools, why not cut the roots? Why cut off the trees and leave the roots (intact)?" she asked.

In their memorandum, they asked the commissioner to call for an extraordinary general meeting with the management, citing "destruction of the environment" as an immediate concern.

The commissioner has the power to issue an order to stop the tree-cutting, Jacob said.

However, after waiting for about 30 minutes, those who had gathered noticed that no one was present in the office.

Although Jacob had scheduled a meeting with the commissioner, there were no staff members present, save for two receptionists, who said the department had gone out on a lawatan (trip).

"Today, you can see the unprofessionalism of some government offices.

"The prime minister has on several occasions requested the rakyat (citizens) to find solutions to consumer-related issues by submitting memorandums to (relevant) parties.

"However, (based on today's meeting), what is its impact?" Jacob asked.

The memorandum was eventually handed over half an hour later to a representative of the division, along with detailed police reports, and 128 signatures, petitioning for the tree cutting to be stopped.

Last week, gangsters had shown up during a meeting the residents had organised with the management.

The management was unavailable for comment at the time of writing.