DBKL to install 400 sensors to boost early tree risk detection

 

Vehicles plying Jalan Bandar Baru Sentul in Kuala Lumpur. NSTP FILE PIC, FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY

KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) plans to install 400 tree-monitoring sensors at key locations in the capital, pending approval from Sirim.

The move is aimed at strengthening early risk detection following the recent tree fall incident along Jalan Tun Razak.

DBKL said the devices would be installed in stages, starting with identified hotspots, to monitor tree conditions and provide early warnings of changes that could affect stability.

The sensors are designed to track factors such as soil condition, moisture levels, structural movement, and the impact of adverse weather, including heavy rain and floods.

"Data from these sensors will help DBKL identify trees that require further inspection and enable early preventive action before risks become more serious," it said.

The first phase is expected to cover four locations, namely, Jalan Bangsar, Dataran Merdeka, Jalan Ampang, and Jalan Raja Chulan.

The initiative is part of DBKL's medium-term preventive measures to enhance urban tree management and reduce the risk of similar incidents in high-traffic and high-footfall areas.

It was reported that a 43-year-old man died after a tree fell and crushed the car he was driving near the Singapore Embassy along Jalan Tun Razak last night.

Another vehicle carrying seven occupants, aged between two months and 57 years, was also struck by the falling tree. - NST