Govt to explore long-term tree care solutions - DPM

The government is studying the long-term care of trees, especially older ones, instead of just cutting them down, said Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Zahid, who is also the rural and regional development minister, said the federal and state governments, through local authorities, are coordinating to preserve older trees with high value.

“From a practical standpoint, we need to see how long-term efforts can be made to ensure these trees are not cut down.

“It should involve specific methods to ensure the trees remain and do not pose a danger to the surrounding community or people passing the area,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters after opening the 2024 History and National Unity Convention titled “Tracing History: Building National Unity” in Shah Alam, Selangor, today.

Zahid was commenting on an incident in George Town, Penang, yesterday where uprooted trees crushed a car, killing a man and his daughter who were tourists from China.

Earlier today, the Fire and Rescue Department said it received 2,575 emergency calls related to fallen trees between January and July this year, with Selangor recording the highest number.

In a statement, it said there were 441 cases of fallen trees in Selangor, followed by 321 in Perak and 264 in Sarawak, with eight fatalities, 27 injured, and 37 who survived unscathed.

Child exploitation case

Meanwhile, regarding the ongoing child exploitation case related to Global Ikhwan Service and Business Holdings (GISBH), Zahid said government agencies are working to manage the welfare of the rescued children.

“We leave it to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to address criminal aspects, and the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) and state religious departments to handle matters of faith or beliefs.

“Welfare is under JKM (Social Welfare Department), and this aspect is important to provide continuity for these children.

“In my opinion, the Education Ministry or Higher Education Ministry can address educational aspects for these children, especially in academics or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes, to ensure they have their own future and are not bound by what they experienced in the organisation,” he said.

On July 11, the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department raided homes allegedly linked to GISBH in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, rescuing 201 boys and 201 girls, aged between one and 17 years old, who were allegedly subject to physical abuse, emotional abuse, and sexual assault.

- Bernama

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