THE Penang government remains committed to strengthening urban tree management through increasingly professional, systematic, integrated and data-driven approaches.
Deputy Chief Minister I Prof Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid said the state’s commitment reflected its efforts to establish a comprehensive green asset management system covering the entire lifecycle of trees across urban areas.
“The state government aspires to implement comprehensive green asset management that encompasses the complete lifecycle of trees across all urban areas.
“This comprehensive approach initiates with strategic planning and careful species selection, progresses through planting and continuous monitoring, extends to regular maintenance and thorough risk assessment, and includes rehabilitation efforts alongside timely interventions as circumstances necessitate,” he said.
Dr Mohamad said this in his speech before officiating the opening of the International Tropical Arboriculture Conference 2026 (INTAC 2026), jointly organised by the Malaysian Society of Arborist and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) at The Light Hotel in Seberang Jaya today.
Also present were National Landscape Department director-general Mansor Mohamad, MBSP secretary Datuk Mohd Ibrahim Md Nor, INTAC 2026 chairman Prof Dr Ahmad Ainuddin Nuruddin and International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) chief executive officer Caitlyn Pollihan.
Dr Mohamad said adopting a comprehensive life-cycle methodology was essential to ensuring that every tree planted could continue providing benefits over the long term.
He also stressed the importance of strengthening collaboration among local authorities, specialised technical organisations, educational institutions, professional associations, commercial enterprises and community stakeholders.
“The Penang government is committed to facilitating urban development through a balanced framework that prioritises public safety, environmental stewardship, and the promotion of sustainable urban growth,” he said.
Dr Mohamad emphasised that trees should not be viewed merely as landscape elements or decorative features within cities.
“Trees are valuable green assets that contribute significantly to the environment, community well-being, and the quality of urban life.
“Trees provide shade, help create a more comfortable environment, support biodiversity, and form an integral part of the urban ecological system,” he said.
He added that amid rapid urban development, trees must be incorporated into long-term urban planning to help create cities that are more liveable, comfortable and resilient for residents.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud